We all know a trip to Ladakh is feast for the eyes – it has gorgeous landscapes, beautiful views, majestic lakes, glaciers and what not. But Ladakh is just not about its raw, natural beauty. It has an amazing heritage and culture that fascinates all.
Ladakh has been deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. You’ll find many ancient Monasteries here. These are not just worship places but these monasteries are an abode for those true seekers, who are in search of truth.
Whenever you plan a trip to Ladakh, you must include ‘a day at the monastery’ in your travel plan. Once here, you’ll taste what silence is, you’ll be enveloped in the tranquility and serenity around. The enchanting tall Buddha figurines, majestic architecture and the Thangka paintings/ murals would leave you in awe.
Presenting you the top 10 Monasteries in Ladakh. Do explore!
- Hemis Monastery
One of the largest and most charming Buddhist monasteries in Leh was built during the rule of the King Singge Namgyal. It is said that Naropa – an Indian Buddhist attained enlightenment here.
It boasts of a spectacular copper statue of Buddha and beautiful paintings, Stupas, artefacts, and amazing Thangkas depicting various aspects of Buddhist culture.
Key attractions: The Ladakh festival is best known for masked dance performances.
Distance from Leh to Hemis Monastery: It takes more than an hour to reach by a local cab. It is 40 km southeast of Leh. Further 122km from Hemis is the famous Pangong Tso Lake.
2. Thikse Monastery
Ladakh’s face for many Tourism campaigns, this monastery is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Ladakh. Standing tall at 11,800 ft., it comprises a 12-storey building complex and houses more than 500 monks.
Do explore the other temples such as Durga Temple inside Thikse. Also, enjoy the architecture, precious collection of Buddhist books, journals, statues, scripts, stupas, swords and Thangka paintings.
The Thikse Monastery also gives you the opportunity to live among the Monks and experience life in the monastery. Check this out – http://triyana.in/tours/live-among-the-monks-in-ladakh-14-days/
Key attractions: The 49 ft. statue of Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha is the largest in the entire Ladakh.
How to reach: By private cab Thikse is 19 kms from Leh.
- Diskit Monastery
Another beautiful and one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh (in the Nubra valley) is the 14th century Diskit Monastery. Located in a beautiful natural surrounding, the monastery houses various Buddha statues, images of other guardian Gods, and a huge drum.
Key attractions: The Morning Prayer Ceremony, the Festival of Scapegoat or Dosmoche festival, mask dance during the festival, and the Jampa Buddha statue.
How to reach: Road tripping on a bike or private cab via Khardungla would take around 4½ hours. Located at 150 kms north of Leh in the Nubra Valley.
- Likir Monastery
According to Buddhist mythology, the Likir Monastery dates back to the 14th Century and is known to be the first construction by the Tibetan monks. The museum located inside the monastery showcases a wide array of Tibetan artifacts and relics.
Key attractions: Likir Dosmoche Festival and preaching of Pratimoksha disciplines.
How to reach: It is 53 km west of Leh. One can commute by cab or bus
- Spituk Monastery
This 11th Century Monastery is home to a 100 monks. The Spituk has three-chapels namely Stok, Sankar and Saboo and consists of ancient memorials, idols, frescoes, statues and religious scriptures.
How to reach: Situated at 11 kms from main Leh town. But from the Airport it is at just 3.4 kms.
To be continued…
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