When one thinks of Ladakh, images of stark nature and brightly coloured prayer flags depicting the practice of Buddhism and spirituality in the area would come to one's mind. After being under the rule of the Tibetan emperors and located near Tibet, Ladakh continues to have strong elements of Tibetan culture such as Tibetan food, Tibetan architecture, and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. The monasteries in Ladakh are not only the epitome of spiritual beauty but also proud of their very old and, in some cases, ancient histories.
Besides being the centres of faith and places for the spiritual experience they invite, the Ladakh monasteries are also an opportunity for the tourists to meet the past through the presence of the statues, pieces of art, manuscripts and thangkas in monasteries. You will be enlightened with the monks' routine in the monasteries such as seeing their religious studies, hearing them reciting the sacred verses in Tibetan and Sanskrit in the assembly halls of monasteries, and knowing about the local and state-wide festivals characterized by masked dances and music.
Best time to visit Monasteries in Ladakh
The best time to visit Leh Ladakh is from June to September and so is the best time to visit ladakh monastery. Let’s know the best time season wise-
Summer Season (May to September): This is peak travel season in Ladakh, with clear roads and comfortable weather. You can also reach high altitude monasteries without any difficulty. Monks can be seen performing their prayers and you are also allowed to attend the festivals.
Winter Season (October to April): Though the winter season makes travelling difficult because of the heavy snow, it is the right time to enjoy monastery festivals such as Hemis Tsechu, Dosmoche and Thiksey Gustor. Fewer people come to monasteries, so you get the chance to experience the tranquility of them.
Monasteries in Ladakh
There are various things to do in Ladakh and one of them is visiting monasteries, known as gompas. Each of this monastery tells a unique story of ladakh monastery, so let's discuss the famous monasteries in ladakh;
1.Thiksey monastery
One of the visually stunning Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh is Thiksey monastery which bears a strong likeness to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Located at a height of 11,800 feet, this monastery is the spiritual center of the Yellow Hat (Gelugpa) sect. It features a 12 storey building complex and is home to more than 500 monks.
Thiksey Monastery belongs to the Gelug (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is counted among the most influential and comprehensive monasteries in Ladakh and is very much known for its grand architectural features as well as for its spiritual significance. Because it is on a hill, you get stunning views of the Indus River and the distant mountains.
Location: Thiksey, Ladakh
Major Attractions: A large and valuable collection of Buddhist books, periodicals, idols, scripts, stupas, swords, and Thangka artworks.
How to reach: Fly or take a train for Leh then drive for 18 km.
2. Hemis monastery
Hemis, a massive and highly frequented monastery of Ladakh, was constructed during the reign of King Singge Namgyal. Out of the monasteries in Leh and Tibet, this is also one of the richest Himalayan Buddhist monasteries and goes back to the common source with Naropa, an Indian Buddhist who became enlightened here.
It is the most adorable Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, that the Drukpa sect of Buddhism takes care of and runs. It is one of the most frequented monasteries in Nubra Valley.
Location: Hemis, Ladakh
Major Attractions: Hemis monastery in Ladakh is proud of a magnificent copper statue of Buddha along with beautiful frescos, Stupas, articles, and incredible Thangkas showing different features of the Buddhist culture.
How to reach: Hemis monastery is located about 40 km southeast of Leh. It will take 1 and a half hour by a private cab.
3. Diskit monastery
Among many Ladakh monasteries you can stay in, the next one ranks highly. The Diskit Monastery in the lovely Nubra Valley, Diskit is not only one of the most gorgeous but also the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh. It was established in the 14th century by Changzem Tsera Zangpo. The monastery is a part of the Gelugpa sect (Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism. As a result of the stunning location, this one of the most famous monasteries in Ladakh is an ideal place to experience solemn tranquility and a calm mind.
Location: Diskit, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh
Major Attractions: It is decorated with the statues of Buddha, images of the other guardian Gods, and a very large drum.
How to reach: Take a flight or train to Leh then hire a private cab to reach Nubra Valley which is 150 km away from Leh.
4. Likir Monastery
Likir Monastery, well known as Likir Gompa, was established by Lama Duwang Chosje in the 14th century. Likir Dosmoche Festival, on the 12th month of the Tibetan Calendar and the preaching of Pratimoksha disciplines. It is believed that the serpents Nanda and Taksako are the guards of the monastery. You will find cultural artefacts and manuscripts here.
As per the Buddhist mythological stories, it is the very first edifice by the monks of Tibet. The museum in the monastery is a treasure house of the wide range of Tibetan artifacts and relics.
Location: Likir, Ladakh
Major Attractions: It has an about 75 feet tall gigantic statue of Maitreya Buddha.
How to reach: Take a flight or train to Leh and then take bus or private taxis to Likir village, which is 53 km away from Leh.
5. Spituk Monastery
Spituk Monastery is one of the perfect places to visit in Leh Ladakh and was originally established by Od, Ide in the 11th century. After some years, it now houses a community of hundred monks. Spituk has three chapels that are Stok, Sankar and Saboo.
There is a temple devoted to Vajrabhairava Deity that can be visited only during the Gustor Festival and the sacred idol of Amitayus and one of the great things to see at Spituk Monastery is the Kali statue which is revealed to the people only during the Gustor festival. Among the museum's collection, there are thangkas which are the original ones from the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Spituk Monastery is affiliated with the Gelug (Yellow Hat) school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Location: Spituk, Ladakh
Major Attractions: It is a collection of old monuments, idols, frescoes, statues, and religious scriptures, and also has a Kali Statue.
How to reach: Take a flight to Leh then hire a cab to reach Spituk Monastery which is 3.4 km away from Leh airport.
6. Stakna Monastery
Stakna, commonly known as Tiger's Nose is a quaint and peaceful monastery that was established during the time of King Jamyang Namgyal in 1580. Situated on the left bank of the Indus River and Stakna monastery in Leh Ladakh is like the crown of the hill with its spectacular and breathtaking views of the Indus valley.
Stakna is a monastery of the Mahayana tradition in the Buddhist religion in Ladakh. It also enjoys the companionship of many sister monasteries Zanskar, Bardan, Stakrimo, and Sani.
Location: Stakna, Ladakh
Major Attractions: It is packed with murals, idols, and Buddhist literature.
How to reach: Take a flight to Leh, then take a 25 km drive by bus to reach Stakna Monastery.
7. Alchi Monastery
Alchi Choskor Monastery which can be considered as the Likir branch was raised by Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo. It is the most significant and famous monastery of Ladakh. The monastery complex of Alchi comprises three divisions, Dukhang, Sum, tsek, and the temple of Manjushri.
Alchi is the only one among all that is situated on a flat land and is proud of the archaic sculptures, books, paintings, and figurines. Alchi Monastery in Ladakh is the most visited place here.
Location: Alchi, Ladakh
Major Attractions: Sum, tsek, three, floor temple, four, armed huge Bodhisattva statue, white Avalokiteshvara statue, an idol of Maitreya Buddha and Jampe Lhakhang Temple are the most attractive places to visit in Alchi Monastery.
How to reach: Take a flight to Leh, then take a 70 km drive by bus to reach Stakna Monastery.
8. Phyang Monastery
Based on the red hat sect of Buddhism, Phyang Gompa is undoubtedly the oldest and a good place to visit in Leh Ladakh. Situated on a hill, it provides breathtaking views of the nearby areas.
Among the all leh ladakh monastery, this white and ochre, colored building is definitely a place that you cannot miss visiting.
These 900 year old museums displaying thangkas, various idols, Mongolian, Tibetan, and Chinese weaponry and guns Gang, Sngon Tsedup Festival and Sacred Dance Festival are the must-visit.
Location: Fiang, Ladakh
Major Attractions: The wall paintings of Phyang Gompa portray the Buddhist lifestyle and the heritage of the religion.
How to reach: Take a flight to Leh, then take a 40 km drive by cabs to reach Phyang Monastery.
9. Takthok Monastery
Takthok is the single monastery of the Nyingmapa tradition in Ladakh's Sakti Village area. It is a very popular monastery in Ladakh and it is made up of nearly 55 lamas. It has a fabulous architectural style made up of walls and roofs of the rock, middle courtyard, assembly hall, attractive frescos, murals, and the sacred throne of His Holiness Dalai Lama.
Location: Sakti, Leh, Ladakh
Major Attractions: The 108 volumes of Kandshur Buddha teachings are the ones that are recorded here.
The meditation cave of Padmasambhava and Statues of Future Buddha, Dorje, and Takposal are the must visit places in Takthok Monastery.
How to reach: Take a flight to Leh, then take a 50 km drive by bus to reach Takthok Monastery.
10. Sumda Chun Monastery
Sumda Chun Monastery is one of the ancient monasteries of Ladakh that was established by Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo. This ancient edifice consists of three temples and a large assembly hall.
If you visit here then don't forget to explore the image of four headed Vairocana and murals of Ratnasambhava, Akshobhya, Amitabha, and Amoghasiddhi.
Location: Sumda Chun, Leh, Ladakh
Major Attractions: Image of four headed Vairocana and murals of Ratnasambhava, Akshobhya, Amitabha, and Amoghasiddhi.
How to reach: Take a flight to Leh, then take a 65 km drive by bus to reach Sumda Chun monastery.
11. Lamayuru Monastery
Lamayuru monastery is the largest and oldest buddhist monastery in Ladakh. It was established in the 11th century. It is situated on a rugged mountain, the monastery is famous as ‘Tharpa Ling’ which means ‘the place of freedom’. On every 5th month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar, monks dressed in costumes perform a sacred and spectacular masked dance inside the monastery.
Location: B.P.O Khaltse, Ladakh, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh
Major Attractions: Spectacular masked dance of monks inside the monastery on every 5th month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar.
How to reach: Take a flight to Leh, then take a 27 km drive by bus to reach Lamayuru Monastery.
12. Phugtal Monastery
The Phugtal Monastery is a Tibetan monastery that ranks among the most remote ones and is situated on a hill at the entrance of a cave. The journey to the Phugtal Monastery is simply stunning. The rough and scary mountain structures will give you a feeling as if you are passing through the inside of the mountain. Besides having a library and prayer rooms, you will also find a natural cave here in which many sages and scholars meditate. The celestial vibe of this place is capable of making a person mute. It is also one of the most visited and famous monasteries in Ladakh.
Location: Phugtal, Ladakh
Major Attractions: Natural Caves and library.
How to reach: You can reach Phugtal Monastery by trekking.
13. Shey Monastery
Shey monastery is now home to the world's largest golden Buddha statue, which is as tall as three floors of a building. Besides that, in front of the statue, you will find a wax bowl that is lit for an entire year before it is replaced with a new one. The stunning murals and paintings cover the monastery walls. Also, do you remember the Rancho School that was made famous by the movie 3 idiots? It is close to the monastery.
Location: Manali, Leh, Ladakh
Major Attractions: It is the home to the world's largest golden Buddha statue.
How to reach: Take a flight to Leh, then take a 16 km drive by bus to reach Shey Monastery.
14. Rizong Monastery
As per the tale, Guru Padmasambhava along with his disciples had a meditation retreat in a cave near Rizong where they subsisted on only one meal a day. Encircled by the stunning Indus Valley, this place is taken as a perfect spot for meditation. The monks are ascetic in nature and lead a strict life.
Location: Rizong Gompa, Leh
Major Attractions: Indus Valley
How to reach: Take a flight to Leh, then take a 73 km drive by bus to reach Rizong Monastery.
15. Matho Monastery
This is the only monastery that practices the Sakya Sect of Buddhism and is located along the Indus River. The monastery was built half a millennium ago and you can see a stunning collection of old Thangas and idols. Paintings and murals decorate the monastery's walls. It is also among the most photographed monasteries in Ladakh.
Location: Matho village, Ladakh
Major Attractions: Old Thangas and idols, paintings and murals decorate the monastery's walls.
How to reach: Take a flight to Leh, then take a km drive by bus or car to reach this Monastery.
16. Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery
Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery is a significant spiritual centre in Ladakh. The monastery is situated 9 kms from Leh and was established in 1973 by Lama Chime Dorje Rinpoche. The 16th Karmapa Sect of Tibetan Buddhists is in charge of the Monastery's management and operations. It is one of the leading monasteries in Ladakh as it has been instrumental in the spreading of Buddhist culture.
Location: Keylong-Leh Rd, Choglamsar, Ladakh
Major Attractions: An original Mud-brick complex
How to reach: Take a flight to Leh, then take a 09 km drive by bus to reach this Monastery.
17. Rangdum Gompa
Rangdum Gompa is located at an altitude of 11, 998 feet above sea level between Kargil and Padum. It is one of the top monasteries in Ladakh which was established in the 18th century by Losang Geleg Yeshe Drogpa. The monastery is built on a mountain that is going up and it is also around the mountain stream. The monastery seems like an old fort that is protecting the magical mountain valley. The monastery houses nearly 30 monks.
Location: Rangdum, Ladakh
Major Attractions: Surreal surroundings
How to reach: Take a flight to Leh, then take a drive by bus to reach Rangdum Gompa.
18. Samstanling monastery
Samstanling Monastery situated in Sumlur village of Nubra Valley was established by Lama Tsultim Nima approximately 140 years ago. It is one of the major Buddhist shrines which attract a lot of pilgrims. The guest house at the monastery is the home of the 7 year old great visionary - Lama Bakula Rinpoche. Besides the monastery, it is the home of 50 monks.
Location: Nubra Valley, Sumur, Ladakh
Major Attractions: There are two assembly halls in the monastery, both having fabulous murals and paintings of Buddha, Dharma chakra, the four heavenly kings, guardians, and many other aspects of Buddhism.
How to reach: Take a flight to Leh, then take a 144 km drive by bus to reach Samstanling Monastery.
19. Wanla Gompa
Wanla Gompa, a Buddhist monastery with a rich past, is situated in the Wanla village and dates back to around 1000 AD. It is considered the oldest monastery in Ladakh, India. According to the belief, Lama Rinchen Zangpo, a saint was the one who constructed this monastery and the one who translated the teachings of Buddha into Tibetan. There are 108 other monasteries which are similar to this one. This one is the best for viewing the area from a height and considered as the best Leh Ladakh monastery.
Location: Wanla, Ladakh
Major Attractions: Surreal surroundings
How to reach: Take a flight to Leh, then take a drive by bus to reach Wanla Gompa Monastery.
20. Stok Monastery
The Stok Palace which is the summer abode of the royal family of Ladakh and the descendants of King Sengge Namgyal is situated approximately 15 km from Leh. It was set up in 1820 by King Tsepal Namgyal and made accessible to the public in 1980 by the Dalai Lama.
The Stok Palace is now operating as a heritage hotel along with the museum and temple of Stok Palace. The rough and ready hotel interiors reflect royal antique decor mixed with a few quirkily decorated rooms as well. Moreover, the Stok Palace is also a very nice example of well preserved traditional Buddhist culture.
Location: Stok, Ladakh
Major Attractions: Stok Palace
How to reach: Fly or take a train for Leh then drive for 18 km.
Travel Tips to Follow while Visiting Monasteries in Ladakh
To keep in harmony with the monastic atmosphere, you might want to carry out these straightforward etiquette rules:
Dress Respectfully: Make sure to cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of reverence. Keep away from wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing outfits.
Take off your shoes: Before stepping into prayer rooms, make sure to have no shoes. The same goes to Buddhist monasteries everywhere. Additionally, a few might request you not to put on your hats or sunglasses there as well.
Maintain silence: Being quiet is the best thing you can do here. Besides that, if you are there for prayers, don’t make noise and keep your movements to a minimum.
Practice Photography Rules: In certain monasteries, it is forbidden to take pictures in the prayer halls, so be sure to ask beforehand! Moreover, refrain from using the flash since it might hurt the ancient murals and old things.
Never direct your feet at the Buddha figure: According to Buddhist beliefs, feet are considered the most unclean part of the body, and thus pointing them at holy things is disrespectful.
Do not handle or interfere with monastic items: Remember that monasteries house the most sacred of things, like the relics, the scriptures (in the different traditional formats) and ritual vessels. So wait and see if someone grants you permission before going ahead to touch something.
Walk Clockwise: Always walk around Stupas and Prayer Wheels Turning the Same Way as the Clock because it is a typical Buddhist tradition which is associated with acquiring good karma Stal always move in a clockwise direction when you're surrounding religious constructions.
Do not give money straight to the monks: If you intend to contribute, definitely drop the cash in the available donation boxes rather than giving it directly to a monk.
Respect the Monk debates: Some monasteries like Thiksey and Hemis hold debates among monks. You are welcome to watch the show but don't interfere or join if you aren't invited.
Conclusion
The monasteries in ladakh are like the magical time machines that take you into a realm of tranquility, vividness, and deep rooted knowledge. Put on your comfortable shoes, get your camera ready, and be sure to bring along that respectful attitude, these monasteries in Ladakh are happy to accept inquisitive travelers. No matter if you are a seeker of spiritual vibes, an Instagrammer in search of the perfect shot, or just someone who wants to experience something totally different. So, what are you waiting for? Your journey through Ladakh monasteries is here!
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