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Monasteries in Ladakh
During the long course of its history, Ladakh was ruled by several dynasties who brought their culture, religion and traditions to this region, giving it a unique feature. As far as religion is concerned, Buddhism is followed here by a major portion of the population. Irrespective of the rugged terrain and remote inaccessible areas, monks and preachers passed through them and built monasteries all over the place. There are are innumerable monasteries in Ladkah, some in ruins while others are still in inhabited, running as educational and religious centers. It is no exaggeration that these gompas are cultural and architectural delight.
Most of these monasteries are ancient and world-renowned. They are visited by both local and international followers of Buddhism in large number, every year. At Leh Ladakh India, we can have a number of excellent planned tour packages. By opting any, you can experience the magnificence and grandeur of these serene sacred sites. They offer an excellent opportunity to the traveler to savor the Buddhist culture. Most of the monasteries in Ladakh are situated on the hilltop. Their architecture is a perfect blend of Buddhist and Tibetan shills. The page contains the links to monasteries in Ladakh, presented in a detailed manner.
List of Monasteries in Leh ladakh
Hemis Monastery: Ladakh Travel Guide
Hemis Monastery, 40 kms towards the south-east of the main city of Leh is the largest as well as the most well-known monastery (Gompa) in Ladakh. This monastery was built by under the reigns of the King Singge Namgyal, in 1672 AD. This monastery plays host to an annual festival that is held in the month of which is also a major tourist attraction. This colorful day-long festival is called Hemis Tsechu which is also a state holiday. During the course of the festival, the local resident Lamas perform a holy masked dance to glorify the victory of good over bad. Today it is taken care off by the Drukpa sect of Buddhism. The monastery has beautiful paintings and a statue of Lord Buddha, which are the highlights too.
Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery: Ladakh Travel Guide
Situated around 9 kilometers from Leh, the Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery is one of the major Dharma centers in the Ladakh region. Founded by Lama Chime Dorje Rinpoche in 1973, this monastery is run by the Karmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhists. At present, there are 17 Karmapas in this region. This monastery has played an important role in the proliferation of the traditional Buddhist culture and values. It includes an original mud-brick complex housing the Dukhang (Assembly Hall) and living and working quarters including classrooms, office, kitchen and library. Since it was founded by a Tibetan national, it depends on the munificence of private organizations and individuals for monetary funds.
Matho Monastery: Ladakh Travel Guide
Located around 26 kilometers away from Leh, on the picturesque Indus Valley, Matho Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery built under the Saskya Monastic Establishment. It was constructed around 500 years ago. It was established by Lama Dugpa Dorje in 1410, who belongs to Sakya order. It houses a marvelous collection of ancient Thangas and known for its Matho Nagrang Festival. It is an annual festival which takes place in the first half of March. It is a nice place where you can understand Buddhist teachings and philosophies. The nearby attraction of this place is Stakna Gompa.
Rangdum Gompa: Ladakh Travel Guide
Nestled at an altitude of 11,998 feet above the sea level, Rangdum Gompa is situated halfway between Kargil and Padum. It was founded by Losang Geleg Yeshe Drogpa in the 18th century. It rises above a centrally ascending mountain, established around the diverged route of a mountain stream. It appears like an ancient fortification, which stands as a guardian of a mystical mountain valley. It is located alongside Julidok village and around 25 kilometers from the Pensi La pass which leads to Zanskar. This monastery is home to around 30 monks and monasteries.
Lamayuru Monastery: Ladakh Travel Guide
Located on the main highway between Bodhkhabru and Kha-la-che, at an altitude of 3.510 meters, Lamayuru Monastery is amongst the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. It is said to have been built around the same time as Alchi monastery. It was founded by Mahasiddhacharya Naropa in the 11th century and belongs to Red-Hat Sect of Buddhism. There are several legends associated with this Gompa. One such legend is that Lamayuru was a lake that drew back up to the mountains after blessings from a lama, in order to evacuate space for this monastery. It features a rich collection of wall paintings and Thangkas.
Phugtal Monastery: Ladakh Travel Guide
Phugtal Monastery or Phugtal Gompa that is also known as Phuktal monastery, is located in the southeastern of Zanskar, in the Ladakhi region. It was founded by Gangsem Sherap Sampo during the early 12th century. This building is a distinctive construction has it is built onto a Cliffside in the form of a honeycomb. Situated on the mouth of a cave, over the cliff top, it is close to a major tributary of the river Lungnak (Lingti-Tsarap). This monastery which has a library as well as prayer rooms, houses around 70 monks. This one of the most isolated monasteries of the region is made up of wood and mud.
Location
The famous Phugtal monastery is located in proximity to the famous river Lungnak and situated atop of a cliff, at the mouth of lateral gorge. It can be accessed through Padum-Manali route through a 7 kilometer long trek which starts from the main trekking route at Purney Bridge.
Best Time
Just like other attractions in Ladakh, the peak time to visit the Portugal monastery in Ladakh is between July to September.
History
The foundation stone of the Phugtal monastery was laid by Gangsem Sherap Sampo in the early 12th century. Although it was constructed in the 12th century, the monastery was a hidden attraction until Alexander Csoma de Kőrös discovered it during 1826-27.
Attractions
Made up of wood and mud, the Phugtal monastery boasts of 4 prayer halls and 1 library. The old chapel is decorated with ceilings and frescoes. On the way to Phugtal, you can also visit Bardan and Many monasteries.
Where to Stay
Since there are no guest house or hotels in Portugal, accomodation arrangements can only be made at the monastery.
How to Reach
The only way to reach this monastery is trekking on the Padum-Manali route which starts from the Purney Bridge and is around 7 kilometers long.
Alchi Monastery: Ladakh Travel Guide
Alchi Monastery, located in the Alchi village in Leh, was built by the great translator Guru Rinchen Zangpo between 958 and 1055. Today it is being monitored by Likir Monastery. This monastery is actually a complex of temples consisting of 4 separate portions that has monuments built at different times. The main complex has three temples- gTsug-lag-Khang (main temple), 'Jam-dpal lHa-Khang (Manjushri temple) and Dukhang (assembly hall).
Alchi monastery is one of the most well-known ones. The walls of the site are adorned with paintings depicting the details of Hinu kings as well as the teaching of Buddhism. There is also a huge Buddha statue in the complex, a famous tourist attraction.
Diksit Monastery: Ladakh Travel Guide
Diskit Monastery, also known as Deskit monastery is not only the oldest but also the largest Buddhist Gompa in the Nubra Valley, Ladakh. The prayer hall of the monastery consists of a statue of Maitreya Buddha, various images of other guardian gods as well as huge drum. This monastery is of the Gelugpa sect (Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong Khapa, founder of Gelugpa, during the 14th century. The monastery’s cupola is same as the Tashilhunpo Monastery of Tibet.
Every year this monastery plays host to the popular Dosmoche festival, held during the month of February, which is a famous tourist attraction.
Spituk Gompa: Ladakh Travel Guide
Spituk Monastery, built during the 11th century, also Pethup Gompa, was founded by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub. Today, it is home to 100 monks as well as a giant statue of goddess Kali, which is shown to the public during the yearly Spituk festival. Although founded in the form of a Red Hat institution, it was taken over by the Yellow Hat sect during the 15th century.
Every year, this three-chapel monastery, located 8 kms away from the main city of Leh, plays host to the Gustor Festival, held at Spituk during the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar.
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