Hemis Gompa Monastery in Ladakh
One of the most famous and largest of all monasteries in Leh Ladakh, Hemis
is situated 45 Kms south of Leh. Founded in 17th century by Stagsang Raschegn
Hemis Monastery Ladakh belongs to the Drukpa order. The Hemis Monastery has
well preserved Thankas and copper gilt statue of the lord Buddha, various
stupas made of gold and silver and many auspic-
iousobjects.Hemis Monastery also has the largest thanka in Ladakh which is
over 12 meters long. Hemis is best known to the travelers for the colourful
Hemis festival held every year in the month of July.
Lamayuru Gompa Monastery in Ladakh
Located on a high rocky outcrop Lamayuru Monastery of Ladakh overlooks the valley
and village of Lamayuru. This monastery is about 125 kms west from Leh. The
stunning location of the monastery makes it a must visit place on tour to Leh
Ladakh ,. Apart from the Thangka paintings in the main hall of the monastery
the man made caves also attract the traveler. The annual festival of Lamayuru
Monastery is held every summer during the month of June/July.
Shey Gompa Palace and Monastery
Enroute to Shey 15 kms from Leh is the Shey Palace and Monastery on the top
of a hill. It is said to be a summer resort of a Royal family in the past.
The largest gold plated copper statue of Buddha in Leh Ladakh is found at
Shey. The Shey monastery celebrates its annual festival on the 30th day of
the 1st month of the Tibetan Buddhist calendar .
Thiksey Gompa Monastery in Ladakh
One of the largest and architecturally impressive monasteries of Ladakh, Thiksey
monastery is situated 20 kms from Leh on the top of the hill. The disciple of
Jangon Tsongkhapa, Sherab Zangpo of stod, first built the temple of Stagmo Lakchung
at the top of Stagmo Lakchung at the top of the Thiksey valley. Then Paldan
Sherab nephew of Sherb Zangpo, founded Thiksey monastery. There are sacred shrines
and a many precious objects to be seen. The successive reincarnation of the
Skyabje Khampo Ringpoche act as incharge of the monastery. The main prayer hall
at Thiksey monastery has 15 meters high statue of seated Buddha which attracts
the travelers. Thiksey Festival is celebrated here every year when people from
every village gather here and they eat, drink and play cards etc.
Likir Gompa Monastery in Ladakh
Lama Dhwang Chosje a great champion of meditation found this monastery in
14 th century 52 kms west of Leh . The monastery was encircled by the bodies
of two great serpent spirits, Nanda and Taksako, therefore, the name became
widely renowned as Likir. The Likir Monastery has a 20 feel tall statue of
Buddha which is one of the main attractions for the traveler.
Alchi Gompa Monastery in Ladakh
Considered to be one of the most important cultural sites in Himalayas Alchi
monastery is situated around 69 kms west of Leh. Alchi is the only monastery
in Ladakh's on flat ground. To the traveler the 5 temples of the Alchi monastery
built by the great translator Ringchem Zangpo are as enchanting as the magical
effect created byasohcerer. The excellent architecture, rich tap- estry of wall
paintings at is an exquisitedisplay of Kashmiri architecture here.
Phyang Gompa Monastery in Ladakh
Built in 16 th centuary, Phyang monastery is situated 17 Kms west of Leh on
Leh-Srinagar highway. The 900 year old museum at Phyang monastery has a wonderful
collection of Chinese, Tibetan and Mangolian fire arms and weapons. Phyang monastery
is also called Tashi Chosang, which mark the first established of the Dingung
to teachings in Ladakh. The festival of Gang- Sgnon Tsedub are held every year
from 17th to 19th of the 1st month. .
Spituk Gompa Monastery in Ladakh
Built on the hill top near Indus, around 18 Kms from Leh Spituk Monastery
was founded in 11th century by Od-De the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub-od.
The name of the Spituk (exemplary) monastery of Ladakh was given when Rinchen
Zangpo translator came to that place and said that exemplary religious community
would rise. The Monastery of Spituk
celebrates its festival every year from 17th to 19th days of the 11th month.
Stakna Gompa Monastery in Ladakh
Situated 45 kms South of Leh Stakna Monastery was b uilt nearly 1580 by great
scholar saint Chosje Jamyang Palkar during the reign of king Jamyang Namgyal.
The Stakna Monastery is easily accessible from Leh town.
Takthok Gompa Monastery in Ladakh
50 kms east of Leh Takthok monastery (The monastery with rock ceiling) was a
meditation cave of mahasidhas "
Kunga Phuntsog". The
monastery has foot prints and many other signs of the same. The Takthok Monastery
festival is held during the month of July/August every year.
Matho Gompa Monastery in Ladakh
Matho Gompa Monastery is situated 26 Kms south of Leh on the opposite bank of
Indus river. This monastery belongs to saskya order, founded about five hundred
year ago by Lama Dunpa Dorjey. The festival called "
Matho Nagrang"
takes place every year during February / march months.