MONASTERIES
Alchi Monastery
Dating back to nearly one thousand years, the monastery has strong Tibetan influence in its art and architecture.
Ambaran Monastery
Though in ruins now, the brick stupa seems to resemble the ones excavated at Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh. Excavations have led to the discovery of bases of stupas and votive stupas, and walls of a monastery, and many important antiquities.
Bairat Monastery
Bairat or ancient Viratnagar, the capital of Matsyadesa kingdom, is believed to have been founded by king Virat, in whose kingdom the Pandavas spent the 13th year of their exile.
Bhutia Busty monastery
It belongs to the Red Sect of Buddhist lamas. Originally a branch of the Nyingmapa sect’s Phodang monastery in Sikkim, it was built in 1761 by lama Dorje Rinzing.
Bomdila Monastery
Bomdila monastery (also known as the Gentse Gaden Rabgyel Lling monastery) is a replica of the Tsona Gontse monastery at Tsona, southern Tibet.
Dhankar Monastery
Dhankar fort and monastery complex is perched at a height of 3,893 m above sea level. Standing tall as a prime example of the Spiti valley’s traditional architecture.
Diskit Monastery
Belonging to the Gelugpa order of Tibetan Buddhism, it is supposed to be one of the largest and the oldest monastery in Nubra valley.
Dubdi Monastery
Dubdi offers mesmerising scenic views. A short trek leads to the monastery and a panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayas.
Dzongkhul Monastery
The monastery is associated with the Buddhist monk Naropa (956-1041 CE), who is believed to have meditated in two caves here, around which the monastery has been built.
Enchey Monastery
Enchey, meaning the solitary temple, is a serene location providing gorgeous views of Mt Khangchendzonga. It is believed that Buddhist monk Druptob Karpo, who was bestowed with flying powers, flew from Maenam Hill in south Sikkim and constructed monastery.
Ghoom Monastery
The Yiga Choeling monastery, which is popularly known as the Ghoom monastery — a name it has earned owing to its location in Ghoom — is the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery to have been built in Darjeeling.
Hemis Monastery
Situated on the western banks of the Indus river, the Hemis monastery is one of the largest and most richly endowed monastery of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.
Kardang Monastery
The Kardang gompa is believed to have been constructed in the 12th century. Situated by the banks of the Bhaga river, the monastery is famous for its large library of ancient Buddhist scriptures.
Key Monastery
One of the oldest and largest monasteries in the valley, it is also a centre for Buddhism studies.
Lamayuru monastery
One of the most important in the region, Lamayuru is an ancient monastery and is the main seat of the Drikung Kagyu tradition of Buddhism in the lower part of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.
Lingdum Monastery
Set amidst serene forested hills, the monastery is a stunning specimen of sacred Tibetan architecture.
Mindrolling Monastery
The Mindrolling monastery is considered to be one of the largest centres for Buddhist studies and culture preservation today. About 300 monks live and study here.
Nako Monastery
The monastery is also known as the “Lotsava Jhakang” which means “Complex of the Translator”. Situated by the Nako lake, this serene monastery, has been constructed on the pattern of the famous Tabo monastery
Namdroling Monastery
Namdroling Nyingmapa monastery is said to be the largest teaching centre of the Nyingmapa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in the world.
Pemayangtse Monastery
Built in 1705 and considered to be one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the state.
Phensang Monastery
Phensang Sangag Choling monastery is amongst the largest monasteries in Sikkim. First constructed in 1721 during the reign of Jigme Pawo
Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek monastery is also known as the Dharma Chakra Center and serves as the seat of His Holiness Gyawla Karmapa the XVI, the head of the Karma Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism.
Sangacholing Monastery
Sangacholing is located opposite to the Pemayangtse monastery and is exceedingly acclaimed among the followers of the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
Shahsur Monastery
The monastery draws its name from the blue pine trees that crowd the structure, giving it a surreal aura. Founded in 17th century AD, the monastery has several rare paintings and books.
Shey Monastery
Built in the 16th century, the Shey monastery in Jammu and Kashmir enshrines an almost a 39-ft-high metal statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The monastery celebrates two annual festivals; Shey Doo Lhoo and Shey Rupla.
Spituk Monastery
This monastery has a rich collection of icons of Buddha, ancient masks and several thangkas.
Stakna Monastery
One of the most photographed monasteries of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, the Stakna (meaning a tiger’s nose) monastery is perched on a lone hill, which resembles a tiger’s nose.
Tabo Monastery
The oldest continuously functioning Buddhist monastery in India, five of the nine shrines inside its campus date from the 10th and 11th centuries.
Tashiding Monastery
Tashiding monastery stands atop a hill that stands between the Rathong and Rangeet rivers, with the majestic Mt Khangchendzonga in the backdrop.
Tawang Monastery
The monastery, also known as Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, is believed to be the largest of its kind in India and the second largest in the world.
Tayul Monastery
Lhalung or Tayul gompa is among the oldest Tibetan Buddhism monasteries in Himachal Pradesh.
Thiksey Monastery
Sitting on a hilltop and offering stunning views of the Indus valley, the oft-photographed Thiksey monastery is one of most recognisable monasteries in Ladakh.
Zangla Monastery
A small and ancient monastery in the Tsa Zar village in the Zanskar region of Jammu and Kashmir, this is well-known for its beautiful frescoes.