About Monasteries
Monasteries
Referred to as ‘Mini Tibet’, this is a land overflowing with Buddhist culture, traditions and intricately built monasteries in Ladakh. Dating back to the bygone era of even the 11th or 8th century, the monasteries still stand strong housing the monastic communities with different sects of Buddhism each imparting and spreading their way of life and belief to the world. Perched atop a hill or overhanging a cliff or even embedded in a natural cave, these distinct monasteries in Ladakh are all beautiful in their own stature. Housing beautiful paintings, ancient thangkas, silver and gold gilded statues of the omnipresent Lord Buddha, these monasteries draw visitors from far and wide to come and understand the beauty of the Buddhist culture. Festivals in Ladakh are celebrated annually in each monastery, adhering to the dates in the Tibetan Calendar. The monks celebrate each festival with great pomp and zest performing the sacred Cham or masked dance and rituals to commemorate the celebrations. Locals, as well as tourists, take part in these celebrations with great pride and enthusiasm, dancing and feasting with the monks on this auspicious day. While some monasteries have opened to accepting the liberal way of life of common man and allowed them to pass through their doors to understand and learn a new culture, there are other monasteries still so strict in the curriculum and way of living that involves utmost sacrifice, complete meditation and a life away from the temptations and snares of the real world. Nevertheless, all the monasteries are beautiful and distinct in their own way promoting the positivity and rich culture of Buddhism to the world. So while on your tour in Ladakh, make sure that visiting monasteries forms an important part of your itinerary, and you’ll come back with an enriching and unique experience to carry with you, all your life.
Places of Interest
-Hemis Monastery
The Hemis Monastery located around 45 km south of Leh is one of the largest and most famous monasteries belonging to the Drukpa or Dragon order. The monastery houses an amazing collection of the age-old relics such as the idol of Lord Buddha made up of copper gilt, gold and silver stupas and revered thangkas, making it one of the richest monasteries in Ladakh. The monastery founded by the first incarnation Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso in 1630, and when it was named Changchub Samling, the small Buddhist community here was born. This monastery has amazing collections of the age-old relics such as the idol of Lord Buddha made of copper gilt, gold and silver stupas. Being such a majestic monastery, it attracts visitors from various corners of the world, especially during its annual festival known as the Hemis Festival. This festival is a much-revered celebration to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. Held on the 9th and 10th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan calendar, you must watch the festival celebrations as monks put up dance performances wearing colourful dresses and distinctly the enchanting sacred mask dance. It is held on the 9th and 10th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan calendar Location: The Hemis Monastery is located 45 km towards the south-east of the main city of Leh.
-Thiksey Monastery
The Thiksey Gompa is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukpa order of Buddhism. The Gompa was first built at Stakmo by Sherab Zangpo. Later the nephew of Sherab Zangpo, Paldan Sherab, founded the Thiksey Gompa on a hilltop to the north of the Indus River in the year 1430 A.D. There are many holy shrines inside the monastery of which the famous one is the Lakhang Nyerma, dedicated to the Goddess Dorje Chenmo. When the shrine was constructed, it was one of the biggest of its time, but now only its ruins can be seen in the premises of the monastery. The monastery is now referred to as ‘Mini Potala’ of India as it resembles Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. There are 10 temples in this 12 storied monastery with the main prayer hall housing a 40-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha (future Buddha) seated on a lotus, it covers almost two floors of the monastery. Many precious and rare statues, mini stupas and swords are on display inside the monastery. The Thiksey Gustor Festival is held here during the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar during the months of October - November when the sacred mask or Cham dances are performed by resident monks and nuns as a part of a ritual. Around 80 Monks resides here at present, spreading the aura of peace and deep Buddhism beliefs to the locals there. Location: The Thiksey Monastery is located 17 kilometres south of Leh.
-Diskit Monastery
Amidst the stark and barren Nubra valley stands the beautiful and milky white Diskit monastery. The oldest and largest monastery in Nubra, Diskit monastery is located at an altitude of 3142 meters. It was founded in the 14th century by Changzem Sherab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism, also known as the yellow hat sect. Within the Tibetan style Gompa, there are beautiful frescos and gompas. An iconic feature of the monastery is the statue of Cho Rinpoche (Crowned Buddha), which is a part of the prayer hall. Visit the monastery in the month of February when it hosts the famous Dosmoche festivals which sees a large number of tourists witnessing these celebrations. Here you can marvel at the rich collections of Lord Buddha idols, the superb interiors and architecture designs coupled with the religious atmosphere which is just a spellbinding experience. Trek to the monastery for a breathtaking view of Ladakh and make the effort to be present there in the morning when you can witness the prestigious Morning Prayer ceremony which is definitely an enriching experience. Location: The Diskit Monastery lies 15 km north-west off the Khalsar-Panamik route, at the edge of the desert in Shyok valley.
-Alchi Monastery
Renowned as the oldest Buddhist learning centre, the Alchi Gompa is one of the magnificently built monasteries in Ladakh. Located 70 kilometres west of Leh on the banks of the Indus River, it is also the largest and most famous of the gompas built by Tibetan translator Rinchen Zangpo in the middle of the 12th century. With the lack of a monarchy, he appointed four families to look after the monastery till the 15th century when it was taken over by the Lekir Monastery. Different from other monasteries, this one is built on flat ground instead of on a hilltop. It has three main structures. The Du-Khang is the assembly hall and the largest part; the Sum-tsek is a three-storied structure with a four-armed statue of the Bodhisattva occupying two storeys with figures of Maitreya Buddha, Avalokiteshvara and Manjushri on the ground floor; the third structure is Jampe Lhakhang, a temple of Manjushri. This temple also has a sculpture and painting of Rinchen Tsangpo. Adorned with bright colours and intricately made statues of Lord Buddha, it takes approximately two hours to completely admire the beauty of these monasteries in Ladakh. An interesting and fun fact is that parts of Bollywood hit like Dil Se and Tashan were shot here at Alchi. Location: Located 70 kilometres west of Leh on the banks of the Indus River.
-Lamayuru Monastery
Renowned as Tharpa Ling which means the ‘place of freedom’; Lamayuru monastery is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh and said to have been built around the same time as Alchi Monastery. It is located approximately 127 km from Leh on a steep mountain between Bodh Kharbu and Kha-La-Che. The monastery belongs to Red-Hat Sect of Buddhism. At its peak, the monastery housed 400 monks but nowadays there are only 50 inmates. About 150 monks reside in Lamayuru village. This monastery was founded by Mahasiddha Acharya Naropa the 11th century who came to the place for meditation.There are many legends associated with the construction of the monastery, one such predicted that the lake would be dried and a monastery would be constructed at its place. When the lake dried, Naropa found a dead lion there and chose to construct the first temple of Singhe Ghang (Lion Mound). The founder then constructed five buildings but only one exists today. The monastery is famous for its rich wall paintings, a collection of thangkas, murals, scriptures and statues of different forms of Buddha and other deities. Every year on the 17th and the 18th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, a holy masked dance is performed by the monks of the monastery. Location: Lamayuru is about 125 km from Leh town and can be visited on the way to Leh from Srinagar.
-Phugtal Monastery
A trip to the Phugtal Monastery is a surreal experience, portraying an image as if stuck in the mountains in the form of a honeycomb. Situated at the mouth of a cave, atop a cliff, it is close to a major tributary of the river Lungnak and was founded by Gangsem Sherap Sampo during the early 12th century. From here, the view is magnificent as it makes a picture perfect setting of the mountains, lush greens and the pristine Lungnak River. This is the remotest monasteries in Ladakh and is a popular attraction for tourists visiting Ladakh. This Buddhist monastery is not only built on a cliff but it also has a natural cave. It is believed that around 2,550 years ago important sages, scholars, and translators visited this place. The Phugtal monastery was and it still is a preferred place by the scholars and teachers to meditate. This monastery which has a library as well as prayer rooms houses around 70 monks. This one of the most isolated monasteries of the region is made up of wood and mud. Trekking being the only means of reaching this monastery, it creates a calming and tranquil experience to reach to the top and absorb in the aura of this divine place. Location: Phugtal monastery is located in Lungnak Valley, south of Zanskar and is accessible only by foot. You can choose to get dropped from Padum to the charming little village of Ichar, from where you have to trek up to the monastery.
Spituk Monastery
Overlooking the gorgeous Indus River, this monastery in Ladakh was built and founded in the 11th century by Od-de, the older brother of Lha Lama Changchub. Initially, the gompa used to run on the principals of the Kadampa school (Red Hat sect) but it later came into the fold of Gelugpa order (Yellow Hat sect). Today, it is home to 100 monks as well as a giant statue of goddess Kali, which is shown to the public during the yearly Spituk festival. The most iconic feature of the monastery is the icons of Buddha and 5 thangkas sharing space with sculptures and mini chortens. You definitely cannot afford to miss, its unique collection of ancient masks, antique arms and fine thangkas here. A little higher up the hill is the temple of Goddess Vajrabhairva. The statue of the goddess is kept covered and is unveiled only once during the Spituk Festival. The monastery plays host to the annual Spituk or Gustor Festival held in the 11th month of the Tibetan calendar, where the monks perform masked dances representing well over evil and stories depicting the life of Buddha. Location: This monastery in Ladakh is located 8 km away from the main city of Leh.
-Alchi
(69 Km) Situated on the banks of the Indus, Alchi monastery is looked after by monks from the Likir monastery. It is a religious enclave built a thousand years ago. It has a display of rare Kashmiri and Tibetan style woodcarving, frescos and stucco art.
-Spituk
Overlooking the gorgeous Indus River, this monastery in Ladakh was built and founded in the 11th century by Od-de, the older brother of Lha Lama Changchub. Initially, the gompa used to run on the principals of the Kadampa school (Red Hat sect) but it later came into the fold of Gelugpa order (Yellow Hat sect). Today, it is home to 100 monks as well as a giant statue of goddess Kali, which is shown to the public during the yearly Spituk festival. The most iconic feature of the monastery is the icons of Buddha and 5 thangkas sharing space with sculptures and mini chortens. You definitely cannot afford to miss, its unique collection of ancient masks, antique arms and fine thangkas here. A little higher up the hill is the temple of Goddess Vajrabhairva. The statue of the goddess is kept covered and is unveiled only once during the Spituk Festival. The monastery plays host to the annual Spituk or Gustor Festival held in the 11th month of the Tibetan calendar, where the monks perform masked dances representing well over evil and stories depicting the life of Buddha. Location: This monastery in Ladakh is located 8 km away from the main city of Leh.
-Likir Monastery
Also known as Klu-Kkhyil gompa, the Likir Monastery was ordered to built by the 5th king of Ladakh Lhachen Gyalpo and was thus founded by Lama Duwang Chosje in 1065. The monastery is of the Gelugpa sect or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Even today, Buddhist teachings and the three basic Pratimoksha disciplines are preached on the site. Likir means the Naga encircled. The monastery got its name as it is believed two serpent spirits, Nanda and Taksako guard it. The monastery also plays host to the annual festival held in the 12th month of the Tibetan Calendar from the 27th to the 29th of the month and this festival is celebrated with great pomp. The locals put up religious dance performances along with the monks who perform sacred rituals on these auspicious days. Location: Likir Gompa is located around 62 km to the West of the main city of Leh.
-Shey
Shey being originally the capital of Ladakh was built in 1655 by Deldon Namgyal, the king of Ladakh. Located in the premises of the Shey Palace, it is believed to be the summer retreat of the royal family of Ladakh. Situated 16 km from the city of Leh, it is en route Thiksey and Hemis Monastery in Ladakh. Currently, the palace now a monastery houses the largest Buddha statue made of gilded copper known as Shakyamuni Buddha, covering three floors of the building. In front of the statue is a large wax bowl with a flame that is continuously lit for a year after which it is replaced. The objective of burning the flame is to highlight the importance of integrity and spirituality to the tourists visiting the monastery With beautiful murals and paintings adorning the walls, it’s lower chapel has a library which is believed to have the largest collection of thangkas in Ladakh. As you walk up to the monastery, you’ll also come across five Buddhas carved out of rock along the roadside. Close to the monastery is also the Druk Padma Karpo Institute, now renamed Rancho School after its feature in the Hindi movie 3 Idiots. There are two festivals held at this monastery in Ladakh every year; Shey Stubla on the 30th day of the 1st months and Shey Ru-lo on the 10th day of the 7th month. Location: The Shey Palace has situated 16 km from the City of Leh and is en route the Thiksey and Hemis monastery.
-Phyang Monastery
Denma Kunga Drakpa, the Dorzin or meditation master laid the foundation stone of this monastery. Legend has it that Drakpa stayed in a tented camp to contemplate the beauty of this place and while meditating he saw Achi the protectress on a blue horse. He took this as an auspicious sign and constructed this monastery to commemorate this event. The tranquil and serene environment of the place provides its visitors with the much-needed peace of mind, body and soul. The name Phyang was derived from Gang Ngonpo that means the blue mountain, which can be seen right behind the monastery and belongs to the Dri-Gung-pa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Home to around 100 monks, the monastery also houses a school to impart training in Buddhism along with modern education. With ancient wall paintings, collections of old thangkas and murals of Mahakala, the monastery also has a museum that has 900-year-old collections of idols, scriptures, Chinese, Tibetan and Mongolian firearms and weapons. The Phyang Gompa becomes the venue of Gang-Sngon Tsedup Festival, each year, starting from the 17th day up to the 19th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar, which attracts a large number of tourists every year. Dance, music and mask dance are the high point of this event. The Cham dance by the lamas is also quite spectacular to watch. Location: Nestled on the top of a hill, the Phyang Monastery is situated around 15 kilometres west of Leh.