Immersive experiences
The best monasteries to visit in Leh

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 are other smaller statues representing the Buddha. A unique aspect of this monastery is that the paintings here are not thangka style. They are more in the Indian style. To build this monastery, Rinchen Zangpo is said to have brought painters, sculptors, and carvers from the Kashmir valley. Located on the outskirts of the city, the monastery was built around the year 1000. Namaskar India Tour is a local travel agency offering tours in Ladakh.

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 Dalai Lama. From the foot of the statue, one can have a magnificent panoramic view of the Nubra Valley. The monastery was founded by Changzen Tserab Zangpo in the 14th century and is located on a hill above the plains of the Shayok River. The monastery should also be visited for its extensive collection of murals and fresco exhibitions. Visit the monastery especially in December to attend the Dosmoche festival held there.

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 Dorje, Karmapa, Kunga Choslag, and Lama Norboo have meditated here. The monastery houses important artifacts such as the image of Samvara, a crystal stupa, and religious texts containing biographies and scriptures. There is also a meditation cave, where Panchen Naropa is said to have left his footprint on a rock, as well as its sacred spring which is venerated to this day.

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.

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.

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 Pratimoksa, which are the basis of all Buddhist teachings, are observed. The monastery houses many shrines. Every year, from the 27th to the 29th day of the twelfth month of the Tibetan calendar, votive offerings known as Dosmochey are offered and sacred dances are performed.

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 Tibetan calendar. Sacred dances are performed during this period. On this site, there is also an ancient temple built by Rinchen Zangpo. Its ruins are dedicated to the goddess Dorje Chenmo.

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 Tibetan calendar, masked religious dances are performed during the Gustor festival. It is revered and celebrated with great reverence. The branches of Spituk Monastery are Stok Monastery, Sankar Monastery, and Saboo Monastery. About 150 monks live in Spituk Monastery. It belongs to the Gelugpa order of Buddhism.

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 by Delden Namgyal, ruler of the Ladakh region, in the early 17th century AD.

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, numerous gold and silver stupas, sacred thangka paintings, and other objects of religious significance. Hemis Monastery is said to have been built by the first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso in the 1630s. Visitors can stay overnight to attend morning prayers.