Spectrum Tours » Ladakh Tour » Monasteries in Ladakh

Monasteries In Ladakh : The Gonpa or Monastery is the principal religious edifice. This word signifies a solitary place, because monasteries were originally built, according to the direction of Shakyamuni Buddha far from the bustle and disturbing influence of the cities. They are all generally built on steep cliff, except some of earliest monasteries like Alchi which is located within the village. We offer special packages for sight seeing of various Monasteries of Ladakh with the best professional, who has indebt knowledge of Tibetan Buddhist art and history of all the monasteries of Ladakh. With fixed camp at different villages.

Some Of The Prominent Monasteries Of Ladakh:Lamayuru Monastery (About 95kms From Leh) : The Lamayuru Gonpa is perched on the spur of the hill top above the valley just of the main road as it descends from Fotu-la to Khaltse. This is one of the most spectacular locations in the world. The foundation of Lamayuru goes back to 11th century and famous yogi naropa believed to have meditated here. There are many significant mural paintings in this monastery. This monastery belongs to Drigung-pa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Hemis Monastery (49kms From Leh) : The Hemis Gonpa, built in 17th Century by famous King Singey Namgial, is one of the greatest and most important Gonpa in Ladakh. It is Famous for its annual festival (Hemis Tsechu) which takes place in June-July every year largest Thanka (scroll painting) first of its kind all over the world. Tourist all over the world keeps through account as to the Annual Festival of Hemis. This monastery belongs monastery. Many chambers and halls of this monastery are fully decorated with rich Buddhist wall paintings, sculptures and the Thanka painting (scroll). The main attraction is the 15 meters (61 feet) high statue of Maitreya Buddha (Future Buddha). This monastery belongs to Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Shey Palace : Shey palace was built by Deldan Namgyal in the beginning of 17th Century AD. The main image in the monastery is three-stored statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, made of copper guilt, which was made by Deldan Namgyal in the memory of his father Singay Namgyal. The statue is the only of its kind in the region. Dresthang Gonpa near the palace was built during the reign of Singay Namgyal, contains the three-stored statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Shey Srubla festival is also held here at Dresthang.

Spituk Monastery :Sitauted some 7 kms from Leh Spituk monastery is one of oldest monastries of Ladakh the of which goes back to 11th century. The monastery has four branch-monasteries attached to it. It has monastic group of about 120 monks. These monastery is belongs to Gelugpa sect. There are many shrines and wall paintings seen in this monastery which are the major attraction.STOK PALACE Stok, around 14 kms. South-east of Leh is a place, where the present day royal family resides. Stok Palace and Museum were built in the year 1825, by King Tsespal Tondup Namgyal, after the Zorawar's annexation of Ladakh. The royal family resides here since Ladakh lost to Zorawar Singh. At present the palace has a collection of royal dresses, king's Crown etc. This is open for travelers.

Matho Monastery : Situated at a distance of about 25 kms from Leh, is 530 years old is the only monastery belongs to Sakya Order. The festival called 'Matho Nagrang' takes place every year on the 14th and 15th days of the first Tibetan month of Tibetan calendar. The Oracles of this festival is famous world wide and many freeing tourist visits this very festival.

Takhthog Monastery : Situated about 47 kms from Leh, Takhthog Monastery belongs to the oldest and the only Tibetan monastery belong to Tibetan sect Nyingma-pa, founded by famous Guru Padmasambhava in 7th Century. It is believe that guru Padmasambhava meditated here. The festival of this monastery taken place on 28th and 29th of the 9th Tibetan month every year by the performance of sacred dances by the monks and a ceremony of hurling a votive offering during the festival at the initial performance.

Leh Palace : The main nine storey palace including monastic complex is one of the main attractions of Ladakh fro tourist from outside and inside the country. It was built by famous king of Namgial dynasty, Singey Namgial in 17th Century.

Chemdey Monastery : About 400 years old Chimde Monastery situated about 40 kms from Leh. Built during Singey Namgial in 17th century. The main attraction is the sacred image of Guru Padmasambhava about 12ft. hight. The annual festival of this monastery falls on the 28th days of 9th Tibetan month coinciding with that of Takhak_Monastery of Sakti.

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa : This temple is situated at the top of the high and the steep rock over looking, the main bazaar of Leh, the Leh_Khar and the Leh palace. This temple of Namgyal Tsemo was built by king Tashi Namgyal during his regime from 1500 to 15 AD. This temple has the huge image of Chamba the future Buddha as the main attraction.

Pheyang Monastery : This monastery is situated in village Pheyang about 17kms west of Leh on the Leh-Kargil National Highway. This monastery called Tashi Chossang was established in the form of a large monastic complex on the top of a green hill of Pheyang by king Jamyang Namgyal in the year 1531 AD.