Ladakh is quite unique because here the air is filled with spiritual essence and people live in harmony.
Legendary tales echo by the mountains and among them are historic monasteries filled with heavenly chanting.
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These Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh are noteworthy not just for their scenic beauty and alpine views but also for the significant legacy and spirituality they bear.
In this article, you will get to know about the following monasteries in Ladakh,
Let’s see each of these in detail…
1. Diskit Monastery
Diskit is a small village located in the magnificent and picturesque Nubra Valley.
Here on the banks of Shayok River is one of Ladakh’s most beautiful and ancient Buddhist monasteries, the Diskit Monastery.
It was founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tsera Zangpo.
This monastery is associated with the Gelugpa sect (Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism.
It contains a number of Buddha statues, pictures of other guardian Gods, eye-catching murals & frescoes, and a massive drum.
This famous Ladakh monastery gives solemn tranquility and spiritual peace due to its gorgeous surroundings.
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Diskit Monastery’s main features include the Festival of Scapegoats or the Dosmoche festival held in December.
Mask dances during this auspicious festival, and the magnificent Jampa Buddha statue are also popular.
If you visit this wonderful monastery do not miss the Morning Prayer ceremony held there daily.
2. Thiksey Monastery
Thiksey Monastery is a majestic Buddhist monastery in Ladakh that resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.
This monastery is nestled at an elevation of 11,800 feet and 19 km from Leh.
It is taken care of by the Yellow Hat (Gelugpa) sect. It is a 12-story building complex that houses about 500 monks.
Thiksey monastery has an extensive and valuable collection of Buddhist texts, journals, statues, scripts, stupas, swords, and Thangka paintings.
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If you want to spend some time in peace and tranquility, visit the Thiksey Monastery.
The main attractions at Thiksey Monastery include a 49-foot-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, the largest in Ladakh, and Dukhang Karmo, a massive long assembly hall.
3. Hemis Monastery
Hemis is one of the greatest and most popular monasteries in Nubra Valley.
It was built during the reign of King Singge Namgyal.
This is also one of the most prosperous Buddhist monasteries in Leh and Tibet.
It was founded by Naropa, an Indian Buddhist who attained spirituality and enlightenment here.
The Drukpa sect of Buddhism manages and runs this lovely Buddhist monastery in Leh Ladakh.
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Hemis monastery is also home to a magnificent copper statue of Buddha as well as stunning murals, Stupas, artifacts, and outstanding Thangkas reflecting various facets of Buddhist culture.
The prime attraction of Hemis Monastery is the largest Thangka in Ladakh, which is 12 meters long, and the Hemis Festival, held in June and July.
4. Stakna Monastery
Stakna, also known as Tiger’s Nose, is a modest and tranquil monastery in Ladakh.
It was constructed in 1580 under the reign of King Jamyang Namgyal (also a Bhutanese saint and scholar).
This monastery is located on the left bank of the Indus River and positioned on a hill.
It offers breathtaking views of the Indus Valley.
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This Buddhist monastery in Ladakh features many paintings, statues, and Buddhist scriptures.
It has several sister monasteries, including Zanskar-Bardan, Stakrimo, and Sani.
The statue of Arya Avalokitesvara, the Dukhang Assembly Hall with paintings of Sakyamuni, Tsephakmad, and Amchi, and the silver-gilt Chorten are some of the main attractions here.
5. Phugtal Monastery
Phugtal Monastery is one of Ladakh’s most isolated Tibetan monasteries, perched on a mountaintop near the mouth of a cave.
Therefore it is also known as the Cave Monastery.
The journey to Phugtal Monastery is indeed captivating.
The maze of Mountains’ craggy and creepy attractions will make you feel like you’re traveling through a honeycomb.
Along with a library and prayer rooms, there is also a natural cave where many sages and academics have studied.
This place’s magnificent ambiance and stunning rustic architecture will leave you speechless.
It is also one of Ladakh’s most visited monasteries.
Almost 100 monks are under this spiritual shelter.
The natural cave and the breathtaking vistas of Lugnak Valley are the main draws of Phugtal Monastery.
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6. Wanla Gompa
Wanla Gompa is a historical Buddhist monastery in Wanla village, Ladakh.
It was constructed around 1000 AD.
This is the oldest monastery in India’s Ladakh region.
This monastery is said to have been established by Lama Rinchen Zangpo, a saint who translated Buddha’s teachings into Tibetan.
This monastery is one of 108 other monasteries in the same category.
Among all the Ladakh monasteries, this one is ideal because it has a panoramic view of the tranquil surroundings.
Wanla Gompa’s main feature is a three-story painting of the 11-headed Avalokiteshwara or Mahakaruna, as well as other paintings of Buddha, Mandalas, and Bodhisattvas.
People from all over the world visit this old charming monastery to seek the blessings of Lord Buddha.
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These are some of the popular monasteries in Ladakh, India.
Visit these heavenly abodes of Lord Buddha and seek his blessings.
The serene atmosphere and the surrounding views will beckon you every time.
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