Diskit Monastery

Diskit is the administrative centre of Nubra valley and is popular for the ancient monasteries it holds. Belonging to the 14th century, this monastery is considered to be the largest and oldest monastery in Nubra Valley. Also known as Diskit Gompa, the monastery's most prominent attraction is the huge Maitreya Buddha statue atop it, which was inaugurated by HH Dalai Lama. From the base of the statue, one can get a gorgeous panoramic view of the Nubra valley. The monastery was founded by Changzen Tserab Zangpo in the 14th century and is situated on a hill above the plains of Shayok river. One should also visit the monastery for its vast collection of murals and display of frescoes. Visit the monastery especially in December to attend the Dosmoche festival held here.

Diskit Monastery

Alchi Monastery

The largest gompa built by Rinchen Zangpo, a translator of Sanskrit Buddhist texts into Tibetan, Alchi Monastery is among the most famous sites in the region. Tourists can pay their respects at the various shrines and temples, like the principal Buddha Vairocana Lhakhang, Lotsava Lhakhang, Jamyang Lhakhang (Manjusri temple) and sumtsag Lhakhang. The main statue is that of the Vairocana Buddha, however, there are other smaller statues depicting Lord Buddha. A unique aspect of this monastery is that the paintings here are not in thangka style. Rather, they boast an Indian-style art. To build this monastery, Rinchen Zangpo is said to have brought painters, carvers and sculptures over from the Kashmir valley. Located on the outskirts of the city, the monastery is said to have been built around 1000 AD.

Alchi Monastery

Dzongkhul

Founded by Mahasiddha Naropa, an Indian Buddhist, Dzongkhul Monastery is a place of rest and meditation. The cave in which Naropa spent time is still located at the site of this monastery. It is said that he struck his hand staff at a rock at this spot which resulted in the founding 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 items like image of Samvara, a crystal stupa and religious texts containing biographies and scriptures. There is also a meditation cave, which is said to have Panchen Naropa's footprint that's embedded into a rock along with his sacred spring that is revered to this day.

Dzongkhul

Zangla Monastery

Located in the picturesque Zangla area of the Kargil region of Ladakh, Zangla Monastery is perched atop a hill. It is noted for beautiful wall paintings and murals. Home to around 150 lamas, the monastery belongs to the Drukpa order and is much visited for the spectacle of Tibetan studies conducted by Hungarian scholar Korosi Csoma Sandor in 1823-1824.

Zangla Monastery

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa

This Buddhist monastery in Leh consists of two 15th century temples below the Tsemo ruins. To travel to this monastery, one can take a 3 km loop from the polo ground and then a 600 m dead-end spur off the Nubra Road. The temples are dedicated to 8-m-tall gold-faced Maitreya, and the other comprises of protector deities.

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa

Likir Monastery

Located about 62 km west of Leh, Likir Monastery was built on the 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 came to be known as ‘Likir’ meaning ‘The Naga – Encircled’. The monastery flourished in the 15th century. Even today, the three basic Pratimoksa disciplines, which are the basis of all Buddhist teachings, are observed. The monastery is home to many shrines. Every year, on the 27th to 29th days of the twelfth month of the Tibetan calendar, the votive offerings known as Dosmochey are offered and holy dances are performed.

Likir Monastery

Thiksey Monastery

Often considered the most beautiful monastery in all of Ladakh, Thiksey Gompa is located about 22 km away from Leh. It belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism. In 1430 AD, the gompa of Thiksey Monastery was built on a hillock by Spon Paldan Sherab. There are many religious objects and shrines located in this monastery. About 250 monks call it home. The Gustor Festival is celebrated from 17th to 19th of the ninth month of Tibetan Calendar. Sacred dances are performed during this time. Also at this site is an ancient temple built by Rinchen Zangpo. Its ruins are dedicated to Goddess Dorje Chenmo.

Thiksey Monastery

Spituk Monastery

Located in the periphery of Leh, Spituk Monastery is perched on a conical hill with three chapels. Established in the 11th century, it 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 that of the Lord Buddha. On the 27th to 29th days of the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar, religious masked dances are performed during the festival of Gustor. It is revered and celebrated with much fanfare. Spituk Monastery’s branches are Stok Monastery, Sankar Monastery and Saboo Monastery. About 150 monks call the Spituk Monastery home. It belongs to the Gelugpa order of Buddhism.

Spituk Monastery

Shey Monastery and Palace

A stone's throw from Leh, Shey Monastery and Palace is best known for the three-storey statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. Made of copper, the statue is said to be a one-of-a-kind structure in the region. The palace complex is sprinkled with many Buddhist chortens. Even though it is in ruins now, the Shey Palace has an impressive façade and warrants a visit. The palace complex is said to have been built by Delden Namgyal, ruler of Ladakh region, in the beginning of the 17th century AD.

Shey Monastery and Palace

Hemis Monastery

Located on the outskirts of Leh, Hemis Monastery lies on the banks of the Indus river and belongs to the Dugpa Kargyutpa order. It is believed to be the biggest and the richest monastery of 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 copper-gilt statue of Lord Buddha, numerous stupas made of gold and silver, sacred thangka paintings, and other objects of religious importance. Hemis Monastery is said to have been built by the first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso in the year 1630. Visitors can stay overnight in order to attend morning prayers.

Hemis Monastery