Ladakh's Monasteries

Diskit Monastery

Diskit, the official hub of the Nubra Valley, is known for its historic monasteries. This monastery, which dates back to the 14th century, is the greatest and oldest in the Nubra Valley. The monastery, also known as Diskit Gompa, is well renowned for the massive Maitreya Buddhist monastery, which was dedicated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A breathtakingly beautiful picture of the Nubra valley may be had from the foot of the sculpture. Changzen Tserab Zangpo constructed the monastery in the 14th century, and it is located on a hilltop just above Shayok River flats.The monastery's massive collection of artwork and exhibition of frescoes are particularly worth seeing. Explore the monastery in December to see the Dosmoche festival, which is hosted here.

Alchi Monastery

Alchi Monastery is one of the most notable locations, having been founded by Rinchen Zangpo, a translation of Sanskrit Buddhist literature into Tibetan. The main Buddha Vairocana Lhakhang, Lotsava Lhakhang, Jamyang Lhakhang, and sumtsag Lhakhang are among the sacred sites where visitors can show their appreciation. The Vairocana Buddha is the major sculpture, although there are several minor sculptures of Lord Buddha. The artwork in this monastery wasn't in the thangka style, which makes it unusual. However, they have artwork in the form of Indians. Rinchen Zangpo is claimed to also have invited artisans, craftsmen, and sculptors from Kashmir to establish that monastery. The monastery, which is situated on the edge of the town, is supposed to be being founded approximately 1000 AD.

Dzongkhul Monastery 

Dzongkhul Monastery, established by Mahasiddha Naropa, an Indian Buddhist, is a haven of calm and devotion. The cave where Naropa resided still seems to be visible here on monastery grounds. It's also reported that he smashed a stone with his hand staff at this location, leading to the establishment of such a monastery. Several Mahasiddhas of Zanskar also chanted here, including , Dubchen , Karmapa, Dzadpa Dorje, Kunga Choslag, and Dubchen Kunga Gyatso.Significant stuff with in monastery have included a statue of Samvara, a diamond stupa, and scriptural texts that include bios and hymns. Also there is a meditating cave with Panchen Naropa's imprint buried in a stone, and also his spiritual springs, which would still be worshipped today.

Zangla Monastery

Zangla Monastery is set on a hilltop in the scenic Zangla district of the Kargil territory of Ladakh. It is known for its stunning artwork and wall paintings. The Drukpa institution's monastery, which houses approximately 150 lamas, is well-known for the performance of Tibetan studies undertaken by Hungarian scholar Korosi Csoma Sandor in 1823-1824. Zangla is a quiet scenic town in Ladakh's Zanskar valley. It is notable for becoming the beginning of a significant station for various treks in the Zanskar area. As far as sights go, the area boasts an abandoned building that is virtually in shambles, as well as a nunnery and a historic monastery in the neighboring village of Tsa Zar. Zangla is a key stop during famous Zanskar treks such as the Chadar trek.

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa

This magnificent monastery is located behind the Leh Palace and provides a beautiful perspective of the entire area. The location is a must-see for tourists since it houses a three-story solid and substantial gold statue of the Great Buddha. Underneath the Tsemo ruins, this Buddhist monastery in Leh is comprised of two 15th century temples. Walk to loop from the polo ground and then a dead-end branch off Nubra Road to reach the monastery. The temples are devoted to Maitreya, a tall gold-faced deity, and protection gods.

Likir Monastery

Likir Monastery, approximately 62 kilometers west of Leh, is being erected on territory blessed by Lama Duwang Chosje. The monastery became recognized as 'Likir,' which means 'The Naga – Ringed,' since this was surrounded by spirits of the two massive snake spirits, the naga-rajas. In the fifteenth century, the monastery developed. The 3 main Pratimoksa practices, that constitute the foundation overall Teachings of the buddha, are still followed now. Numerous shrines can be found at the monastery. The devotional contributions called Dosmochey are delivered and sacred dances are practiced every year during the 27th to 29th days of the 12 months of the Tibet calendars.

Thiksey Gompa

Thiksey Gompa is around 22 kilometers from Leh and is widely regarded as Ladakh's foremost picturesque monastery. That is a Buddhist institution known also as Gelugpa. Spon Paldan Sherab established the gompa of Thiksey Monastery on the hillside around 1430 AD. The monastery houses a number of religious artifacts and sanctuaries. It is inhabited by around 250 monks. The Gustor Festival takes place from the 17th to the 19th of the Tibetan calendar's middle of September. During the same time, sacred dances are performed. An old temple erected by Rinchen Zangpo can also be seen at this location. Its remains are dedicated to Dorje Chenmo, the Goddess of Mercy.

Spituk Monastery

Spituk Monastery, on the edges of Leh, is positioned on a circular hilltop with 3 churches. This was constructed by Od-de, the eldest brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od, within the eleventh century. The monastery's title means "excellent," a term used among Rinchen Zangpo to describe this location. The Lord Buddha is perhaps the most prominent sculpture. During the Gustor festival, religious mask performances are conducted on the 27th and 29th days of the eleventh Tibetan month. It is venerated and honored with great pomp and circumstance. Stok Monastery, Sankar Monastery, and Saboo Monastery are all divisions of Spituk Monastery. The Spituk Monastery is inhabited by over 150 monks. This is a Buddhist institution known as the Gelugpa.

Shey Monastery 

Shey Monastery and Palace, located just outside of Leh, is well recognized for its three-story figure of Buddha Shakyamuni. The sculpture, which is constructed of brass, is claimed to be yet another construction in the area. Numerous Buddhist refers may be found around the palace. The Shey Palace seems to have a beautiful front and is well worth a visit, and although it is now in rubble. Delden Namgyal, the monarch of Ladakh, is supposed to have constructed the castle structure in the early 17th century AD.

Hemis Monastery

Hemis Monastery belonged to the Dugpa Kargyutpa sect and is situated also on the edges of Leh, on the shores of the River Indus. Which is said to be Ladakh's largest and most prosperous monastery, buried within a feast structure. Mask dances are conducted on the 9th and 10th days of the Tibetan calendar's 5th month. A brass sculpture of Lord Buddha, several gold and silver shrines, precious thangka artwork, as well as other holy relics can be found there at the monastery. In the year 1630, the very first manifestation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso is claimed to be have established Hemis Monastery. Tourists are able to spend a night in the opportunity to involve in prayer time.

Thekchhok Gompa

Chemrey valley is highlighted either by magnificently constructed Thekchhok Gompa, which covers a high hillside with such a network of walkways and Tibetan houses and is magnificently viewable above barley areas and widely grown shrubs. It's amongst the most stunning sites in Ladakh.
The Lama Lhakhang boasts gloomy, largely repaired historic murals over the attractively unstable17th-century prayer room it offers officially sanctified 'protective talisman.The Grand Lhakhang has such an amazing 3m-high gold Padmasambhava statue studded with sapphire on the penultimate level. Also on the highest peak, there's also a smaller though good gallery.

Nyarma Monastery

Nyarma Monastery is located south of Thiksey monastery in the Indus River valley. It is thought to be the 3rd main foundation of Rinchen-zangpo, A Fantastic Interpreter who began building in the year 1000 AD. It was the spiritual heart of the Buddhist faith in this part of upper Ladakh, which has been ruled by the monarchs of Guge and Purang at the time. These western Tibet monarchs were the most powerful and efficient benefactors of Tibetan Buddhism's rejuvenation. The formerly magnificent monastery is now in rubble. This is comprised of five shrines and around a few stupas. This was previously encircled by a near rectangle wall, transforming the structure into a religious enclave or compound. Its contemporary appearance is most likely attributable to the removal of the temple roofs some century later. There is proof that it was done by local citizens in order to reuse the timber sections of the buildings, most likely after the complex had been severely damaged by the Islamic Dogra invasion.

Lamayuru Monastery

Lamayuru is located on the Leh-Srinagar Route and may well be accessed from Leh or while driving to Leh from Srinagar. At the height of 3,510 meters, Lamayuru monastery is placed 114.6 kilometers from Leh. Lamayuru is easily accessible from Leh and it can be visited in a single day. Lamayuru is noted because of its monastery and also its "lunar" environment, which is delightfully marketed to visitors as a Moonscape.  That scenery is stunning, including breathtakingly strange formations, but this isn't specific to Lamayuru. The Lamayuru monastery is an old structure set among the Moonscape. It features some lovely murals as well as some terrifying masks. The Lama Naropa's glassed-in meditating caves are also accessible to tourists. The Dri-Gungpa area in western Ladakh includes Lamayuru. Mahasiddacarya Naropa established Lamayuru in the 11th century. Lamayuru resembles a cave monastery with such a lunar-like setting. The construction of Lamayuru, which consists of five structures, is now in rubble. The monastery's major draw is the Yuru Kabgyat, a yearly event. The burning of effigies is also another prominent rite that takes place throughout the celebration.

Phyang Monastery

Phyang Monastery, a monastery with a palace-like appearance, sits on a hilltop. The Phyang Monastery has been built by the ruling Namgyal head in the late 16th century. The monastery is notable for being the first in Ladakh to introduce Degungpa's 'Skyob Jigsten Gonbo' learning. Chosje Danma Kunga developed the Degungpa principles of 'Skyob Jigsten Gonbo.' The monastery, which belongs to the red hat group of Buddhism, is home to roughly 50 monks. Hundreds of timber and metal sculptures of Buddhists divinities are among the temple's possessions. This monastery also houses the world's largest thangkas, one being five stories high. The Phyang Museum is another one of the monastery's highlights. It has a great set of Chinese, Tibetan, and Mongolian deadly weapons and is also on display. Phyang Lake, located a short drive from the monastery, provides a distinct type of appeal for travelers.

Stakna Monastery

Stakna Monastery has enchanted visitors from all over the globe, not only from the country. Magnificent sights of the bordering region may be seen from the monastery. Tourists can see the golden sculptures and drawings of the former Rinpoche at the unique library near the Stakna Gompa. Acquire the customs of their ancestry from the monks, understand spiritual practices from them and then be quiet in everyday life, and collect nuggets of wisdom and the wisdom people's better-kept secrets. Climb on top of the monastery for the amazing scenery of the Indus River valley.

Phuktal Monastery

The Phuktal Monastery is among Ladakh's monasteries which can only be visited via trekking. The Phuktal Monastery, located in the isolated Lungnak Valley, is one of Zanskar's most popular tourist destinations. The Buddhist Gompa has a stunning exterior with rock-cut caverns that appear to be immersed in the hill.
The monastery is another hike from Zanskar's Cha or Khangsaar villages. The sight out from the monastery is especially worth admiring. it offers panoramic views of the surrounding and the flowing Lungnak River. The rocky caverns of Phuktal Gompa, which are reported to have been explored by several philosophers, scientists, and interpreters and over 2550 years ago, are the major draw.
Phuktal Monastery, which belongs to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, contains a number of events that are worth seeing. This Zanskar sight can also be viewed even during festivals to get the most out of it. Smonlam Chenmo, Chudsum Chodpa, Jigched Lhachusum Ceremony, Vajrabhairava Initiation, Syungnas, Yarnas, Phukta Gutor, Gadam Nagchod, and are among some of the significant events observed in Phuktal Gompa.

Chemrey Monastery

Chemrey Monastery is a 400-year-old Buddhist monastery in the Indian Subcontinent, situated around 40 km east side of Leh. This is famous for having a towering sculpture of Padmasambhava and a treasury of ancient manuscripts with gold-embossed text and silver-embossed labels. The Lama Tagsang Raschen created the Chemrey Monastery, which was devoted to King Sengge Namgyal around 1664 and pertains to the Drugpa monastic order. Shrine, two prayer rooms, and a Lama temple are all housed within the massive structure.

Stok Monastery

Stok Monastery was one of Leh's more prominent Gompas, which is only 13.4 kilometres from the city Leh, where the monarch palace once stood. The yellow-hat sect of Buddhists is represented by Stok Gompa. The protectors of the 4 quadrants are shown in exquisite fresco artwork on the entry porch. Thangkas and flags surround the central auditorium. A remarkable variety of Thangkas, royal crowns, costumes, coins, ancient rite artifacts, ceremony swords, valuable gems, & customary head costumes carried by Ladakhi ladies may be found from one of the palace's huge chambers, which was transformed into a gallery. A significant number of meditation spinners can be found in the courtyard of Stok Gompa. Located on the ridge overlooking Stok Palace. This was established in the fourteenth century. Pictures of Tara, Vajrapani, Sakyamuni , Nangyamal and Amchi, and Avalokitesvara adorn th walls. The large library of this monastery is well-known. The Kandshur, or 108 volumes of the Buddha's teachings, is available in the libraryin its entirety. Within the monastery lies the greatest and oldest chapel in all of Ladakh. Every year, huge numbers of people flock to Stok Monastry for the Guru Tse Chu Festival. The festival is made remarkable by dance, song, and spectacular cuisine.

Takthok Monastery

Takthok Monastery often called as Thag Thog or Thak Thak, is a Buddhist monastery situated in Sakti Village, Ladakh, some 48.2 kilometers eastern side of  Leh. Takthok, which means literally 'rock-roof,' is called for the fact that while both the rooftop and walls are composed of stone. This is part of the Tibetan Buddhist Nyingma lineage, and it is home to about 55 Buddhist monks. This is Ladakh's lone Nyingma monastery. The monastery was built on a hillside surrounding a rock where Padmasambhava is claimed to have concentrated in the 8th century. At the time of Tshewang Namgyal in the 16th century mid. Each year, mostly on the 9th and 10th days of the Tibetan calendar's 6th month, festivals with ritual dances are celebrated. The temple complex is black and ominous, with a lower rocky roof entirely covered in the ash from generations of butter lamps being used there. The grime has obscured the artwork that formerly decorated the walls, and the ground has a slimy feeling to it. Another cave has been transformed into a kitchen, complete with massive burners capable of feeding all of the visitors that gather for the annual celebration. Artwork of the 4 Masters graces the veranda of the Auditorium, or du-Khang, while its walls include newer artwork of fearsome guardian deity, which some decorate the veranda entry. There are also sculptures of Maitreya, Padmasambhava, and its incarnation Dorje Takposal as in du-Khang. During 1980,14th Dalai Lama erected a temple directly underneath the major gompa compound. The picture of Padmasambhava may be found on the stands to the left of the throne, while a painting of Sakyamuni can be found on the stands to the left. The cave monastery lies to the left of the center court, with statues of Padmasambhava and Avalokitesvara adjacent. Padmasambhava is said to have spent 3 years living and meditating in a rocky area behind them. The 108 volumes of the Kanjur of Buddha's teachings are also kept at the monastery.

Bardan Monastery

The Bardan Monastery often called as Bardan Gompa, is a 17th-century Buddhist monastery. It is situated in Zanskar, Ladakh, north India, and south of Padum.
The place for the monastery was selected after one crow took up Lama Barawa's lamp and put it all here, per a tale connected with the Bardan Gompa.
Bardan Gompa is a fortress-shaped monastery perched on top of a rocky outcropping in the Lugnak Valley. Numerous antique paintings, sculptures of Buddhist divinities, and tiny shrines brass, pottery, timber, and brass may be regarded as primary prayer rooms. It is reached through a triangle yard.

Sankar Monastery

Sankar Monastery, also called as Sankar Gompa, is really a wonderful Buddhist monastery situated 3.6 kilometres far Leh. It acts as the house of the Abbot of Spituk, the highest incarnation lama of Ladakh, making it a significant holy landmark. It is traditionally considered to be a branch of Spituk Monastery. The sculpture of Avalokitesvara with 1,000 arms and skulls is the main draw. The Sankar Monastery is great for those who are fascinated by art and culture because it is house to many sights that exhibit the history and heritage of ancient architecture. The monastery offers a spectacular perspective of the Namgyal Tsemo Hills. When the monastery is illuminated at night, it is a sight to behold. The Sankar Gompa is home to 20 monks who come to learn about Buddhism's culture. As a result, the monastery's hours are limited, and anyone planning to visit should conduct thorough research on the monastery's hours.

Rangdum Monastery

The central prayer hall, which has an incredible collection of Tibetan and other antiques, is among the major draws at Rangdum Monastery. The monastery is home to about 40 monks.
Rangdum Monastery, which falls to the Gelugpa sect, is situated near Kargil and Padum at such a height of 4031 meters on a hilltop. It is located close to the Rangdum town. Rangdum Gompa is a Buddhist monastery in Tibet that belongs to the Gelugpa branch of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is built on top of a tiny hill and is surrounded by a split flowing stream. Rangdum Monastery is particularly lovely since it has a variety of hills on one hand and steep hills and glaciers on another. Images of chortens and mandalas adorn the monastery's walls.

Hanle Monastery

Hanle Monastery is a Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism gompa situated in the Hanle Valley, Leh district, Ladakh, Jammu, and Kashmir, India, on a historic section of the ancient Ladakh-Tibet trade network. Around 1,000 people live in the region, including around 300 in Hanle village. Approximately 10 monks live at the monastery, and another 33 or so visit for prayers on a routine basis. The contentious border between India and Tibet, governed by China. The primary monastery, one among Ladakh's greatest and most well-known, was erected with both the help of the great Tibetan monk and traveller Taktsang Répa Ngakwang Gyatso under the patronage of Ladakh's ruler Sengge Namgyal. It was the first to be affiliated with the Drukpa Lineage, and it grew in prominence in Ladakh underneath the sponsorship of the Namgyel family, rivalling the Gelug school.

Korzok Monastery

Korzok Monastery has a unique site because it looks out over Tso Moriri, India's highest lake. Around 300 years ago, Kunga Lodro Ningpo, the third Korzok Rinpoche, constructed the monastery. The name 'Korzok' means 'earned through deception.' The term comes from a time when the monastery used the Chang-pa, nomadic ranchers who lived nearby, by giving them an unreasonably low wage for their work. The monastery houses approximately 70 monks, while the community has a population of approximately 1300 people. The Korzok town, at such a high elevation, is recognized as one of the oldest known civilizations.

Mulbekh Monastery

Mulbekh Monastery is a renowned tourist site in Kargil for a variety of reasons, one of which is its setting. The Maitreya Buddha statue, which stands 30 feet tall and is sculpted on a massive stone slab, is another draw.
Serdung Gompa of the Drukpa sect and Rgaldan-se Gompa of the Gelugpa sect make up Mulbekh Monastery. The monastery is thought to have been founded some 800 years ago by Tibetan scholar Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo's disciples.
Mulbekh Monastery is positioned on a crag over 656 feet just above the road and is accessible through a steep pathway. The monastery is thought to be at a height of over 11,495 feet.

Sumda Chun Monastery

Sumda Chun Monastery is situated 65 kilometres southwest of Leh near Sumda hamlet. Sumda Chun Gompa is joined to Sumdo via a motorable road. The pathway to the 11th-century temple ascends and descends through with a George along one stream from the Sumda Do. It begins on the opposite bank of the river, rising to the west through such a canyon. The trail passes to the north bank at one stage, making climbing hard. It's a long trek, but it's enhanced intriguing by not only the natural beauty of the area but also by the tales and legends that surround it. Before reaching the settlement and the shrine farther up, some other track bridges the river. Mainly A few buildings block the path before the next gorge appears on the right, leading to Sumda Chun Ladakh, as well as on the left, leading to Sumda Chenmo. This path runs alongside a brook with Willow plantations. After hours of walking, the monastery rises just above village homes.

Sani Gompa

The Kanika Chorten, located in the Sani Gompa, is an ancient Chorten that stands around 20 feet tall. The Chorten is thought to have been built during the reign of Kanishka, the renowned Kushan ruler, also known as Kanika.
Kanishka is a revered figure in Buddhist texts for his efforts to spread Buddhism and for allegedly sponsoring a Buddhist convention in Kashmir. Besides the Gandhola Monastery in Lahaul, which goes back to the Kushan period, this is the only chronology. Guru Padmasambhava, whose sculpture is situated exactly next to the Kanika Chorten in the centre of a lake source, is also affiliated with the institution. A temple devoted to Yogi Naropa, which was said to have meditated herein, is located next to the monastery.

Lingshed Monastery

Lingshed Monastery is among Ladakh's ancient monasteries, situated in the Zanskar territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The Lingshed Monastery, encircled by hills, is located in Lingshed valley, and southwest of Leh, here on a trekking route from Lamayuru to Padum Zanskar. It is a Tibetan Buddhist sect known as the Gelugpa.
The monastery is inhabited by 60 monks and was established by Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche. Lingshed Monastery, which was established in the 1440s, is also called Kumbum, which signifies 'A Hundred Thousand Images.'Ngari Rinpoche, Dalai Lama's younger brother, leads Lingshed Gompa. When the Dalai Lama toured the Lingshed Monastery in 2009, he remained for a night, blessed the landscape, and spoke to the monks and other residents of the Lingshed region about vital principles.
The monastery has a large prayer hall called Dhoklang. A sculpture of Buddha, Mahakala, and Yamandhaka, as well as numerous other deities and over 200 volumes of Tangyur literature, may be found in the room. Stupas, shrines, sculptures, artwork, and texts can all be found at the monastery. Within the monastery, there are six chapels, as well as kitchens, storage rooms, and a dormitory that was once used by Ngari Rinpoche and is now used to house traveling lamas for the period of stay. The monks' apartments were built around a central location beneath the major temple complex, and they expanded outwards from there.
Yamandhaka and Mahakala are the major deities of the Lingshed Monastery and its environs. The Gompa also houses Metriya Jamba, the upcoming Buddha. Yamandhaka is shrouded with a shroud that is only withdrawn once a year, on the 15th day of the 4th Tibetan month. During that same season, visitors and travelers flock to the monastery in droves to pray and get a sight of the divine. The monastery's monks use ceremonial chants to educate others about modern education and Buddhist philosophy. These monks practice all religious rites in the monastery and the neighboring areas of Lingshed.

Samstanling Monastery

Mostly on way to Panamik, the Samstanling Monastery is situated in Sumur Village, Nubra Valley. The Samstanling Monastery is a popular tourist destination in Nubra Valley, and it is also important to the people because it is the region's main monastery. Lama Tsultim Nima founded Samstanling Monastery over 140 years ago, and it now houses around Fifty monks. Inside the monastery, there are two meetings, each with artwork, Buddha portraits, four celestial kings, and various protectors.The monastery's atmosphere and allure are enhanced by its secluded setting. With its golden, ruby, and ivory colors, it can also be seen from afar. The monastery is located beyond a path planted with berry-bearing bushes, with prayer flags along with the red flight of steps up to the monastery's door.

Gonpa Soma

Lama Tashi Tenpel erected Gonpa Soma over the former royal stables in 1840. Gonpa Soma has abandoned its status and support since a new monastery was established on the major market in the late 1950s, and it has fallen into ruin. The owner, Hemis monastery, approached THF for assistance in restoring the structure, which was funded by the Ladakh government, Hemis, individual donations, and THF. The substantially ruined southwest portion of the substructure had to be reconstructed in the first stage of the project. The gallery's outside wall was partially reconstructed since the wood frame needed to be replaced.