Monasteries in Ladakh are much more than religious centres. Located in heaven that Ladakh is, these famous monasteries are purifying havens where one can find inner peace. Include them in the itinerary as you plan a trip to Leh Ladakh to enjoy the splendid and spectacular topographical medley comprising snow-capped mountains, sprawling cold deserts, sparkling lakes, surreal glaciers, and serene mountain passes.
Ladakh has a surreal beauty that allures and fascinates everyone. Ladakh has an amazing history and sparkling heritage too. The monasteries in Ladakh, India are breath-taking and enchanting structures that still hold the Buddhist heritage alive and fresh.
Hemis Monastery – Spiritual Trip
Built during the rule of the King Singge Namgyal, Hemis is one of the largest and most popular monasteries in Ladakh. This is also one of the wealthiest Buddhist monasteries in Leh and Tibet and shares its origin with Naropa- an Indian Buddhist who attained enlightenment here.
This is one of the most charming Buddhist monasteries in Leh Ladakh, managed and run by the Drukpa sect of Buddhism. Hemis monastery in Ladakh boasts of a spectacular copper statue of Buddha and beautiful paintings, Stupas, articles, and amazing Thangkas depicting various aspects of Buddhist culture. This is one of the most popular monastery in Nubra Valley.
Key attractions of Hemis Monastery: 12m long Thanka- which is largest in Ladakh and the Hemis Festival – celebrated during June-July. Dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava, the festival is best known for masked dance performances.
How to reach Hemis Monastery: It is 40 km southeast of Leh and takes about 1½ hours by a private cab. Taxis coming via Srinagar-Leh highway to Leh can be extended up to Hemis.
Traveling 122 km east of the Hemis will present you with the surreal view of Pangong Tso lake, one of the most exciting things to visit in Ladakh!
Thiksey Monastery
Resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, Thiksey is one of the beautiful Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh. Snuggled at an altitude of 11,800 feet, this monastery is looked after by the people of Yellow Hat (Gelugpa) sect. It comprises a 12-storey building complex and houses more than 500 monks. Thiksey monastery in Ladakh has a large and precious collection of Buddhist books, journals, statues, scripts, stupas, swords, and Thangka paintings.
Thiksey is one of the monasteries to stay in ladakh if you wish to spend some time in peace and tranquil.
Key attractions of Thiksey Monastery: 49 ft statue of Maitreya Buddha- largest in entire Ladakh and Dukhang Karmo – a huge long assembly hall
How to reach Thiksey Monastery: It is 19 km from Leh and can be reached by a private cab. Frequent bus service is available during festivals and other times. These buses ply once a day in the morning.
Diskit Monastery
There are many Ladakh monasteries to stay at and the next is one of the best among them. Located in the beautiful Nubra Valley– Diskit is one of the most beautiful and the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh, founded in 14th century by Changzem Tsera Zangpo. It belongs to the Gelugpa sect (Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism and has various Buddha statues, images of other guardian Gods, and a huge drum.
Owing to the breathtaking location, this one of the famous monasteries in Ladakh offers solemn serenity and inner peace.
Key attractions of Diskit Monastery: Festival of Scapegoat or Dosmoche festival, mask dance during the festival, and Jampa Buddha statue. One must also experience the Morning Prayer ceremony held there.
How to reach Diskit Monastery: It is 150 km north of Leh in the Nubra Valley and takes about 4 and a half hours via Khardung La road in privately hired vehicles. The roads are dusty and bumpy and the drive is quite challenging.
Likir Monastery
Likir Monastery, popular as Likir Gompa was founded by Lama Duwang Chosje in the 14th century. According to Buddhist mythology, this is the first construction by the Tibetan monks. The museum located inside the monastery showcases a wide array of Tibetan artifacts and relics.
Key attractions of Likir Monastery: Likir Dosmoche Festival- on the 12th month of Tibetan Calendar and preaching of Pratimoksha disciplines
How to reach Likir Monastery: Located 53 km west of Leh in the Likir village in the Indus Valley. Along with taxis, many buses travel between Leh and Likir from 5 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon.
Spituk Monastery
Spituk Monastery was founded by Od-Ide in the 11th century. Today it is home to a hundred monks. Spituk has three-chapels namely Stok, Sankar and Saboo and consists of ancient memorials, idols, frescoes, statues and religious scriptures.
Key attractions of Spituk Monastery: A temple dedicated to Vajrabhairava Deity, which accessible to visitors only during Gustor Festival and sacred idol of Amitayus.
How to reach Spituk Monastery: 11 km from the main town of Leh and 3.4 km from Leh Airport, it is located in Spituk village. You can take a private cab from Leh or any of the locally available conveyance.
