Hemis Monastery

Beautifully adorned, Hemis Monastery is a Tibetan monastery belonging to the Drukpa Lineage. Counted as one of the iconic monasteries in Ladakh, Hemis is perched on a mountain along the west bank of Indus River. People eagerly await to marvel at the numerous paintings or Thangkas that are carefully preserved here and are displayed on the famous Hemis Festival. A visit to the Hemis Monastery is one of the highlights of planning holidays in Ladakh.
The ancient Hemis monastery is said to be have existed before the 11th century. Naropa, the teacher of the translator Marpa and the pupil of the yogi Tilopa, are regarded as the founding fathers of the Kagyu-lineage of Buddhism, with, Hemis is its main seat. The first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso founded the monastery in 1630 when he was invited to Ladakh by the King Singay Namgyal.

Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery

Situated around 9 kilometers from Leh, the Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery is one of the major Dharma centers in the Ladakh region. Founded by Lama Chime Dorje Rinpoche in 1973, this monastery is run by the Karmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhists. At present, there are 17 Karmapas in this region. This monastery has played an important role in the proliferation of the traditional Buddhist culture and values. It includes an original mud-brick complex housing the Dukhang (Assembly Hall) and living and working quarters including classrooms, office, kitchen and library. Since it was founded by a Tibetan national, it depends on the munificence of private organizations and individuals for monetary funds.

Lamayuru Monastery

Nestled in Lamayouro, Yuru or the Lamayuru Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. Perched at an altitude of 11520 ft., the monastery is one of the fascinating places to visit in Ladakh. The oldest gompa is also one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh famed as Tharpa Ling which means the ‘place of freedom’. Nearly 150 monks belong to the monastery and 30-40 still reside at the gompa belonging to the Red-Sect of Buddhism. The monastery lures spirituality learners and tourists who wish to spend some time at a beautiful location amidst the sacred aura. The gompa also serves as the meditation center. Tranquil ambiance and scenic location of the monastery is mesmerizing.

Diskit Monastery

Diskit Monastery, also known as Deskit monastery is not only the oldest but also the largest Buddhist Gompa in the Nubra Valley, Ladakh. The prayer hall of the monastery consists of a statue of Maitreya Buddha, various images of other guardian gods as well as huge drum. This monastery is of the Gelugpa sect (Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong Khapa, founder of Gelugpa, during the 14th century. The monastery’s cupola is same as the Tashilhunpo Monastery of Tibet.
Every year this monastery plays host to the popular Dosmoche festival, held during the month of February, which is a famous tourist attraction.

Shey Monastry

erched on a hillock, the Shey Monastery is reckoned as one of the popular monasteries in Leh Ladakh. Also known as Shey Palace or Shey Gompa, the monastery is famous for housing a 3-storeyed huge copper with gilded gold idol of seated Shakyamuni Buddha. The statue is counted as the second largest idol in Ladakh.
Shey Gompa enjoys a perfect geographical location and offers breathtaking views of the nearby surroundings of Matho, Thiksey, Stok, Stakna and Leh as well. Almost in its ruins now, the palace is also home to several butter-lit lamps with an eternal flame which burns continuously for the entire year. They are replaced annually to continue the flame without any hindrance. This is done in order to signify the purity and divinity of the sanctum sanctorum. 4-km of trekking, makes the way to this must-visit destination an intriguing one. Special permit is required to visit the Shey Monastery as only one Lama dwells here and the inner shrine remains closed usually.

Zongkhul Monastery

An impressive cave monastery in the Zansker valley of Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Zonghkul is home to some of the most ancient murals and frescoes of Buddha. The cave monastery of Zongkhul or Dzongkhul belongs to the Drugpa sect of Buddhism. It is believed that Naropa who was an eminent Buddhist yogi built the monastery and used to meditate here.
While exploring the Zongkhul monastery, one can actually witness an impressive collection of artifacts like the ivory image of Samvara, texts depicting the spiritual songs and crystal Stupa. With all these and the images of Buddha, Padmasmbhava, Mahakala and Mitukpa, the Zonghkul monastery is one of the holiest sites of Buddhism.