In between the splendid and spectacular landscape of Ladakh with its snow-capped mountains, sprawling cold desserts, steep mountain passes, pristine freshwater lakes and sparkling glaciers– Monasteries in Ladakh allures and fascinates everyone with their surreal beauty and spiritual ambience.
Located on the rooftop of the Himalayan heavens; Ladakh is famous for its religious centres. For the ones who are in search of inner peace in this fast-moving world, Ladakh offers a purifying experience that will freeze time with its mindfulness. One should not miss the opportunity to experience the enchanting monasteries in Ladakh, which still hold a great history and Buddhist heritage with its living monuments.
If you are visiting Ladakh during this vacation, exploring these crumbling ancient marvels will give you solidarity and inner peace. Here is a list of a few monasteries in Ladakh, where you can indulge yourself in meditation and have a calm, peaceful and soulful experience.
Thiksey Monastery
In the heart of Ladakh lies the elegant looking Thiksey monastery, resembling the marvellous Tibetan architecture of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. The monastery is looked after by the Gelugpa people, there are around 500 monks residing there. It is a 2-storey complex with a huge collection of Buddhist books, journals, statutes, scripts, stupas, swords, and Thangka paintings
Thiksey monastery in Ladakh is one of the most beautiful Buddhist complexes in the world and is 19km away from Leh. If you are to visit Thiksey, a large 49ft- Maitreya buddha statue is awaiting to grasp your breath.
Lamayuru Monastery
Lamayuru is one of the most ancient and beautiful monasteries in Ladakh, Lamayuru is known for its “lunar” landscape – quaintly promoted as a “Moonscape” for tourists. Founded in the 11th century, Lamayuru is home to some of the vibrant festivals in Buddhism, such as the burning of effigies which resembles burning one’s ego. The annual festival of Yuru Kabgyat is one of the most special days. On this day you can witness the extravagant masked dance by the Lamas residing in the monastery.
If you want to experience this mystical place with all its glory, take a look at our expedition Zanskar, we will be delighted to have you in our team and gift you an amazing experience that you will never forget in your life
Phugtal Monastery
It is one of the oldest and most remote monasteries in Ladakh, situated in the rugged Zanskar valley of Ladakh, Phugtal Monastery got its name from, Phug = Cave and Tal = Liberation. Thousands of years ago, it was just a cave, and then many monks, scholars and followers seeking enlightenment meditated and lived in this cave, isolating themselves from the chaotic world for liberation.
Reaching Phugtal is a hard task, but the mesmerizing view it offers can reward any hardships. Trekking to Phugtal monastery is one of the key adventures in Ladakh, Once you are at the top of the hill, you are presented with an astounding view of the Lugnak valley.
Wanla Monastery
Wanla Monastery is also acclaimed as one of the holiest and most well-preserved Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh. Explore the ancient monuments and castles of the monastery along with its scenic beauty and sanctity. Indulge yourself in the mindful spiritual ambience of the Wanla monastery to free yourself from the busy world during this vacation
In the expedition Zanskar, we will be reaching Wanla on our 9th day. Let us explore the mystics of Wanla monastery together to make this an exciting expedition, transcending through the timelines of the past, and exploring the tranquillity of Ladakh.
Karsha Monastery
Karsha monastery is one of the most beautiful and largest monasteries in Ladakh, located on the majestic steep hills of the Himalayas overlooking the Padum valley, Karsha was founded in the 11th century and still follows Tibetan Buddhism. Karsha monastery is looked after by the brothers of the Dalai Lama. There are close to 100 monks residing in the monastery.
Karsha monastery is located on the side of the sparkling Doda river. One of the most adventurous and the infamous chadar trek in the winter ends in this village. Visiting the Karsha monastery is part of every Ladakh tour package as it holds at most importance in Tibetan Buddhism.
Stongdey Monastery
Stongdey Monastery is one of the sacred monasteries in Ladakh with a flourishing Tibetan culture and divine followers of Tibetan Buddhism. Located on the top of a hill overlooking the valley, it has a scenic vantage point. Established in the 11th century, Stongdey has around 60 monks residing inside various temples. The annual Gustor festival celebrated on the 11th month of the Tibetan calendar is a euphoric festival to witness.
We conduct the grand Zanskar expedition two times a year, and in our first expedition we will reach Stongdey monastery by the 2nd day, and the next two days we will witness the auspicious event of the Gustor festival taking place in the Stongdey monastery. The major attraction of the Stongdey Gustor Festival is the Cham dance performance by the Buddhist monks
Sani Monastery
Sani monastery is located just 6km away from the main administrative town of Padum. It is one of the oldest and holiest Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas, dating back to the 1st century, constructed by the famous Kushan emperor Kanishka. It is believed that Padmasambhava, also called Guru Rinpoche, is said to have lived in Sani in the 8th century.
Every year thousands of people visit Sani to explore the divinity of the Sani monastery, and to experience mindfulness and meditation.
Expedition Zanskar
These tours will have their own unique and marvellous experiences that you will not find anywhere else. The expedition starts on the 15th of July from Padum and we will reach the Stongdey monastery by the 16th of July, and the next two days we will enjoy the Gustor festival at Stongdey along with the local people and monks who will be presenting the infamous cham dance with their unique masks. On this vacation, let’s explore an exciting journey through the enchanting monasteries of Ladakh to find our inner peace and the tranquillity of this world that you have never experienced.
