10 Best monasteries in Ladakh

Monasteries are the ideal place to visit for meditation or inner calm. People of Tibetan progeny occupy Ladakh with their very rich Buddhist culture. There are so many beautiful monasteries in that high-altitude cold desert that you will be surprised by visiting their architecture and history. The monasteries in Ladakh showcase the ancient culture & artistry of the Tibetian people. To the visitors, the monasteries in Ladakh truly testify to the living heritage of the Buddha and, of course, to the visitors. Ancient scriptures, murals, thangkas imprison the attention of the visitors. And all of this, amidst snow-capped mountain peaks, amazing natural beauty, and fresh air! A visit to the Ladakh monasteries works double-dose for city dwellers who miss staying close to nature.

Here is the list of ten such marvels and monasteries in Ladakh that you must visit to get a philosophical experience.

1. Hemis Monastery

It is one of the largest and most popular monasteries in Ladakh. It is situated on the western banks of the Indus River. Excellent statues of Buddha, fine illustration, stupas, and a great collection of pure thangkas embellish the monastery. Dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava, the most important festival celebrated on the 9th and 10th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan calendar is the Hemis Festival, known for mask dance. It is located 45 kilometers southeast of Leh on the Leh-Manali highway. From Leh, it can take around one & a half hours by private cab.

2. Thiksey Monastery

Undoubtedly, Thiksey Monastery is one of the beautiful Monasteries in Ladakh, located 19 kilometers south of Leh. Looking like the Potala Palace of Lhasa in Tibet, this 12 storied monastery is structured with ten temples with many precious collections of Buddhist books, statues, stupas, swords, and thangka paintings. The main prayer hall of this monastery houses a 40-foot statue of Lord Buddha. The Thiksey Gustor Festival is celebrated during the 17th to 19th of the 9th month of the Tibetan calendar, where inhabited monks and nuns perform the sacred mask or Cham dances. Frequent bus service and private cabs are available to reach there.

3. Spituk Monastery

Located just 8 kilometers southwest of Leh, Spituk Monastery is surrounded by a conical hill with three chapels. The housing of around 100 monks, Spituk Monastery, consists of ancient memorials, idols, statues, and religious scriptures. Dedicated to Vajrabhairava Deity, a temple is only accessible to visitors during the Spituk Festival and the sacred idol of Amitayus. The Spituk Festival is celebrated in the 11th month of the Tibetan calendar with the masked dance performance of resident monks. The car or bus service is always available to reach there, about 11 minutes from the main city center.

4. Alchi Monastery

Alchi Monastery is one of the famous & oldest monasteries in Ladakh. Located 60 kilometers west of Leh on the banks of the Indus River, Alchi Monastery is known for its old-age paintings and fine murals, and lavish woodwork. This monastery comprises three structures - Dukhang, Sum-tsek, and the temple of Manjushri and boasts of archaic sculptures, books, paintings, and figurines. The paintings of this monastery have achieved worldwide recognition as masterpieces of Buddhist artistry and religion. It is about 3.4 kilometers from Leh Airport and can be reached there via private cab or bus in around 1 hour 20 minutes.

5. Phyang Monastery

Phyang Monastery is just 15 or 16 kilometers west of Leh. Being located on a hilltop, the views of surroundings are very stunning & beautiful. It is one of Ladakh's earliest monasteries, with a 900-year-old museum housing a vast collection of idols, firearms, weapons, old thangkas, wall paintings, and murals of Mahakala. It also imparts modern education to its students along with Buddhist studies. The Phyang Tseruk Festival is celebrated on the 2nd & 3rd of the 6th month of the Tibetan calendar, and with spectacular Cham dance, many tourists are attracted. From Leh, a private cab takes about 1 hour 20 minutes to reach out there.

6. Likir Monastery

Around 52 kilometers west of Leh and picturesquely situated on a small hill in a narrow valley, Likir Monastery is the first construction by the Tibetan monks, according to Buddhist mythology. The nearby museum exhibits a wide range of Tibetan instances and ruins. The famous festival, namely Likir Dosmoche Festival, is celebrated in the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar. Taxis and buses are available between Leh to Likir from morning to afternoon.

7. Stakna Monastery

Located 21 or 25 kilometers from Leh on the left bank of the Indus River and surrounded by a hill, Stakna Monastery attracts many worldwide tourists to taste the amazing & glorious of the Indus valley. Resemble as Tiger's nose; this monastery offers wonderful natural surroundings and marvelous jaw-dropping views of Indus valley. The core attractions here are the statue of Arya Avalokitesvara, Dukhang Assembly Hall with paintings of Sakyamuni, Tsephakmad, and Amchi, silver gilded Chorten with Buddha pictures and paintings of Bodhisattva, Tshong-san-Gompa, and Padma Sambhava that showcase the architectural heritage of this monastery attracts huge numbers of tourists every year. Various numerous paintings, idols, and Buddhist scriptures have enhanced the elegance of this monastery. Stakna Monastery can be reached by boarding or local bus services.

8. Diskit Monastery

Diskit Monastery is one of the oldest & beautiful monasteries in Ladakh, located in the Nubra valley with various Buddha statues, images of other gods, and a huge drum. This monastery offers sober quiet, and inner peace can be divided into three sections. Festivals of Scapegoat or Dosmoche Festival are famous festivals celebrated here where mask dance is performed. The monastery is located 150 kilometers north of Leh and takes around four and half hours to reach by private car via Khardung La road.   

9. Takthok Monastery

Located 50 kilometers from Leh in Ladakh's Sakti Village, Takthok Monastery is the Nyingmapa's only tradition. The housing of near about 55 lamas, the monastery has wonderful architectural customs with stony walla and roofs, amazing murals & frescos. The 108 volumes of Kandshur in this famous monastery nurturing of the preservation of Buddha. This monastery can be reached by personal cab or bus, but snowfall or bad weather can hamper the trip.

10. Lamayuru Monastery

The ancient & wonderful Lamayuru Monastery is located 27 kilometers from Leh. This oldest larger monastery in Ladakh showcases the beautiful charm of the picturesque Lamayaru Village and its surroundings. Resembles as a lunar landscape, the surrounding landscape is called "Moonland." Being located on the upright mountain, Lamayuru Monastery is illustrated as "Tharpa ling," meaning "Place of Freedom." Sacred mask dance is performed during the 5th month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar by the monks. A little cave is also there in the main prayer hall of the monastery.

Wrapping up the list of monasteries in Ladakh. Planning to visit Ladakh for your next vacay? Get in touch with us at Adotrip and find the best flight, hotel, and other deals that make your stay comfortable. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Monasteries In Ladakh

Q1. Which is the biggest Monastery in Ladakh?

Ans - Thikse Monastery is the biggest monastery in Ladakh.

Q2. Which is the largest Monastery in Ladakh?

Ans - The largest monastery in Ladakh is Diskit Monastery.

Q3. Which are the famous Monastery in Ladakh?

Ans - Some famous monasteries in Ladakh are Hemis Monastery, Thikse Monastery, Diskit Monastery, Spituk Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Phyang Monastery, Alchi Monastery, etc.

Q4. Is it possible to stay in Hemis Monastery in Ladakh?

Ans - Yes, visitors can stay at the monastery guest house within the Hemis Monastery complex.