Immersive experiences The best monasteries to visit in Leh

Alchi Monastery

The largest gompa built by Rinchen Zangpo, a translator of Buddhist texts from Sanskrit into Tibetan, Alchi Monastery is one of the most famous sites in the region. Tourists can pay homage to different shrines and temples, such as the main Buddha Vairocana Lhakhang, Lotsava Lhakhang, Jamyang Lhakhang (Manjusri temple), and sumtsag Lhakhang. The main statue is that of Vairocana Buddha, but there ar...

The monastery of Diskit

The village of Diskit is the administrative center of the Nubra Valley and its popularity is linked to the ancient monasteries it houses. Belonging to the 14th century, this monastery is considered the largest and oldest in the Nubra Valley. Also known as Diskit Gompa, the most important attraction of the monastery is the huge statue of Maitreya Buddha at the top, which was unveiled by H.H. the Da...

The Dzongkhul

The Dzongkhul Monastery, founded by Mahasiddha Naropa, an Indian Buddhist, is a place of rest and meditation. The cave in which Naropa spent time is still located on this monastery site. It is said that he struck his stick with his hand on a rock at this place, which resulted in the foundation of this monastery. Many Mahasiddhas of Zanskar like Dubchen Kunga Gyatso, Dubchen Nawang Tsering, Dzadpa...

Zangla Monastery

Located in the picturesque region of Zangla, in the Kargil region of Ladakh, Zangla Monastery is perched on top of a hill. It is famous for its beautiful murals and frescoes. Housing about 150 lamas, the monastery belongs to the Drukpa order and receives many visits for the spectacle of Tibetan studies conducted by the Hungarian scholar Korosi Csoma Sandor in 1823-1824.

The monastery of Namgyal Tsemo Gompa

This Buddhist monastery in Leh consists of two 15th century temples located under the ruins of Tsemo. To get to this monastery, one can make a 3 km loop from the polo field and then take a 600 m dead-end turnoff on the Nubra road. The temples are dedicated to Maitreya, an 8 m tall figure with a golden face, and the other includes protective deities.

Likir Monastery

Located about 62 km west of Leh, Likir Monastery was built on land that was blessed by Lama Duwang Chosje. It is said that since the monastery was encircled by the bodies of the two great serpent spirits, the naga- rajas, it was named “Likir”, which means “The Naga– Encircled”. The monastery flourished in the 15th century. Even today, the three basic disciplines of Pr...

The monastery of Thiksey

Thiksey Gompa Monastery, often considered the most beautiful in all of Ladakh, is located about 22 km from Leh. It belongs to the Gelugpa Buddhist sect. It was built in 1430 on a hill by Spon Paldan Sherab. Many religious objects and shrines are located in this monastery. About 250 monks call it their home. The Gustor festival is celebrated from the 17th to the 19th of the ninth month of the Tibet...

Spituk Monastery

Located on the outskirts of Leh, Spituk Monastery is perched on a conical hill with three chapels. It was founded in the 11th century and was built by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od. The name of the monastery means “exemplary”, a word used by Rinchen Zangpo for this place. The main statue is of Lord Buddha. From the 27th to the 29th day of the eleventh month of the T...

The monastery and the palace of Shey

Located a stone’s throw from Leh, Shey Monastery and Palace is best known for the three-story statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. This statue, made of copper, is considered a unique structure in the region. The palace complex is dotted with many Buddhist chortens. Although it is now in ruins, the Shey Palace has an impressive facade and is worth a visit. It is said that the palace complex was built...

The Hemis monastery

Located on the outskirts of Leh, Hemis Monastery is on the banks of the Indus River and belongs to the Dugpa Kargyutpa order. It is considered the largest and richest monastery in Ladakh and is hidden inside a gorge-like formation. Masked dances are performed here during the 9th and 10th days of the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar. The monastery houses a gilded copper statue of Buddha, numerou...