Monasteries in Ladakh

Ladakh is known for its climate, landscapes and adventure sports; but in the similar fashion it is also visited for its monasteries which add to the existing beauty of Ladakh. Here's a list of of the popular monasteries in Ladakh:

Shanti Stupa

Shanti Stupa: One of the prime monasteries in Ladakh, the Shanti Stupa is popular among tourists for its white dome shaped structure and impressive beauty. This monastery was built by the Japanese Buddhist Organization to celebrate the 2500 years of World Peace. This white beauty has been inaugurated by Dalai Lama and is a must visit point in Ladakh.

Entry: Free

Timings: 5:00 am to 9:00 pm

Hemis Monastery

Hemis Gompa: One of the prime and biggest monasteries in Ladakh, Hemis Gompa serves as a best see place in Ladakh. The monastery impresses one with its architecture which is around 400 years old. One should visit this monastery especially during the Hempis Festival which adds more colors and lights to its beauty.

Learn more about Annual Hemis Festival

Stok Palace: The Stok Palace Monastery is one such beauty of Ladakh which is located on glacial deposits amidst sand and pebbles. The location of this monastery is fascinating with lush green barley fields overlooking the monastery. The Stok Palace is overall 4 storey and holds a museum that houses ancient artifacts and weapons along with ancient jewelry of the royal family which srayed within this palace during 1814.

Entry fee: Rs. 25/-

Timings: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm

Leh Palace: Leh Palace is one of the enchanting monasteries of Ladakh. One has to visit this beauty which resembles or serves as an replica of Potala Palace located in Tibet. Leh Palace served as the royal residence of King Singge Namgyal who built and lived in this palace during the 17th century. 

Entry fee: Rs. 5/- for Indians and Rs. 100/- for foreigners

Leh Palace

Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa: This monastery was constructed during the 1430s and holds rich collection of Buddhist art and manuscripts. One can see a tall statue of Buddha within this monastery which is around 3 storey high. One can visit this monastery in the morning and attend prayers.

Timings: 7:00 am to 9:00 am

Spituk Monastery: This monastery too serves as a must visit point and is located on a high hill that overlooks the Indus River. The monastery is about 18 km from Leh and is known for its wide collection of Buddhist artifacts. One can find great rush in this monastery during the Spituk Festival which is held every year on the 11th month of Buddhist Calendar.

Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery: Located around 17 km from Leh, Ladakh the Thiksey Monastery is the tallest monastery in Ladakh. Standing high over 12 storeys the Thiksey Monasteries has vast collections of Buddhist artifacts and various Buddhist manuscripts. But the eye-catcher is the 15 m high seated statue of Maitreya Buddha within the main prayer hall. The monastery is known for the annual festival that it holds every year on the 12th month of Buddhist Calendar.

Lamayuru Monastery: Located around 125 km from Leh Lamayuru Monastery is also known as Swastika Monastery. This monastery is located at a landscapic location and serves as must see point.

Alchi Gompa: This monastery is located right on the banks of River Indus and displays more of a Kashmiri Architecture other than Tibetan Architecture. One can see beautiful images of Buddha within this monastery and definitely make a point to visit the same.

In addition to these above mentioned monasteries, few other that can be visited include the Likir Monastery, Shey Monastery, Diskit Monastery and also the Sankar Gompa Monastery in Ladakh.

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Read Rules one should follow while paying visit to Buddhist monastery