Must Visit Monasteries In Ladakh, India

Ladakh, the land of high passes, is the most exotic region located in the northernmost Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. It is internationally famous for its age old Buddhist monasteries (gompas) apart from its serene beauty, stunning landscapes and soaring mountains. There are many historical gompas in this region where Buddhist monks and nuns liver, study and practice their religion. You will have a great opportunity to see the architecturally beautiful gompas and observe the living culture and tradition of Buddhism. Tourists can also see art collections at some gompas. Monasteries of Ladakh are not visited by Buddhism followers but also by other travelers from all over the world. Have a look at Ladakh’s some popular gompas or monasteries.

Hemis Gompa

Located at the distance of 45 km Hemis Gompa is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of Druka Lineage. Existed before the 11th century this magnificent monument was re-established by Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal. Inside the complex you will see the statue of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the stunning courtyard and the beautiful mural paintings. You will have great experience to see Tibetan architecture, art collection; and observe Buddhism. Hemis is also popular because of Hemis Festival which is annually held in the month of June or July t the monastery complex to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. During festival you will have a wonderful opportunity to see mystic mask dances of Ladakh also called Chams Performance.

Lamayuru Monastery

Lamayuru or Yuri Gompa is a beautiful Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Dating back to the 11th century it is located in Kargil district of Ladakh and belongs to Red-Hat Sect of Buddhism. It is one of the largest and oldest gompas in the region and situated the distance of only 125 km from Leh. Here you will see rich collection of wall paintings and Thanked. Annual masked dance festival is also popular among tourists. Tourists can also make visit to nearby 15th century Wanla Monastery.

Thiksey Gompa

Thiksey Gompa is a magnificent Tibetan monastery of the Yellow Hat Sect of Buddhism. Located at the distance of only 19 km from Leh it is a 12-strorey magnificent complex housing many items of Buddhist art including stupas, thangkas, statues, swords and wall-paintings. Maitreya (future Buddha) Temple is one of the main attractions inside the complex. The statue of Maitreya Buddha at Thiksey is two-storeys tall. The gompa also has a nunnery.

Alchi Monastery, Shey Palace, Sankar Gompa, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Spituk Gompa, Likir Gompa, etc are some other popular Buddhist monuments that you can visit during Ladakh monastery tour in India. All the aforementioned monasteries are key attractions of many Leh Ladakh tour packages and attract the tourists from all over the world.

Article Posted By : kuldeep123lView All Articles

Rahul Kumar Verma is an expert writer primarily focusing on travel and tourism related topics. Currently he is rendering his services to lehladakhtourism.com. He has written many articles for Leh Ladakh Tour Packages.

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Ladakh Monastery , Leh Ladakh Tour Packages

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