Hemis Monastery:
This is the largest and the most famous monastery (Gompa) in Ladakh. The monastery consists of a copper-gilt statue of the Lord Buddha, various stupas made of gold and silver, sacred Thangkas and beautiful paintings. The monastery plays host to the annual Hemis Tsechu festival in Ladakh.
Karma Dupgyod Choeling Monastery:
This Monastery is one of the major Dharma centers in the Ladakh region. The monastery includes authentic mud-brick complex housing the Dukhang (Assembly Hall), living and working quarters including classrooms, office, kitchen, and library.
Matho Monastery:
This monastery is almost 500 years old and is located in the picturesque Indus Valley. It houses a marvelous collection of ancient Thangkas. It also hosts Matho Nagrang Festival which is an annual festival celebrated in March every year.
Alchi Monastery:
This monastery is a complex of temples consisting of 4 separate portions that have monuments built at different times. The monastery complex has three major shrines: the Dukhang (Assembly hall), the Sumtseg and the Temple of Manjushri, all dating back to the early 12th and early 13th centuries. There is also a huge Buddha statue named Vairocana in the complex and many other Buddhas with their attendant deities.
Lamayuru Monastery:
It is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh dating back to the 11th century. It features a rich collection of wall paintings and Thangkas.
Likir Monastery:
The monastery has many blessed shrines with a protective deity wearing golden armor and of stern command. Buddhist teachings and the three basic Pratimoksa disciplines are preached on the site.
Lingshed Monastery:
This monastery has a rich treasure of the ancient well-known scriptures, Stupas, Thangkas, Manuscripts, Statues, Frescos, Wall paintings. It is also one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh.
Spituk Monastery:
This monastery also dates back to 11th century. This monastery offers a beautiful view of Indus river and Leh town. The monastery has the temple of goddess Kali, open to public only during the yearly Spituk festival.
Stok Monastery:
This monastery has The Royal Palace Museum which is worth visiting. It has on display the royal Thangkas, King’s crown, dresses, coins and many religious objects.
Thiksay Monastery:
This monastery has many sacred shrines, precious objects and has an architecture similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Its major tourist attraction is the Maitreya temple installed in 1970 and has a 49 feet high statue of Lord Buddha.
Stakna Monastery:
This monastery is the residence of about 30 Monks. The big assembly hall of the monastery’s courtyard has walls adorned with beautiful paintings of Sakyamuni, Tsephakmad, and Amchi.
Also, check out:
Leh:
Connection of Leh with nearby places
Ladakh:
Additional information about Ladakh
Frequently asked questions about Ladakh
Health and safety precautions for Ladakh
Monuments and Museums in Ladakh
Nubra Valley:
Mountain Ranges in Nubra Valley
Pangong:
Pangong – Flora and Fauna and Geography
Tso Moriri:
Zanskar:
Others:
Maps: