Hemis Monastery
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 auspicious objects. 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 Monastery
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 Palace 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 Monastery
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 Monastery
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 Monastery
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 tapestry of wall paintings at is an exquisite display of Kashmiri architecture here.
Phyang Monastery
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 Monastery
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 Monastery
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 Monastery
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 Monastery
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 .
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