Gompas and Monasteries

Climb uphill a bit and you find Shey Palace in Leh, drive towards the outskirts in Hemis National Park you will bump into Hemis Gompa. Take an adventurous journey towards Nubra and you will see the calm Buddha seated in Diskit Monastery. Yes, Ladakh is spluttered with beautiful monasteries, gompas and age-old Tibetan-style palaces that give it the look of mini-Tibet. All the beautiful philosophies of Buddha and his followers who believed in a peaceful way of life were brought here through different sects. They have beautiful settings and jaw dropping backdrops which will cater to both your spiritual and wanderlust soul. Let us see how many of them you know

Hemis Gompa: One of the most famous and oldest monasteries of Ladakh, Hemis is beautifully located in the Hemis National Park home to some amazing wild life very unique to this region. The Buddha idol is beautifully enshrined in gold and silver since 17^th century. Any history enthusiast will feel exhilarated with the valuable Buddhist relic available in this monastery. Looking for some great experiences? Then definitely attend the annual Hemis festival happening in the 5^th month of Tibetan calendar and as per Gregorian calendar should fall in June/July usually. A two-day event with colours and masked dances performed by otherwise sombre and the quiet Lamas of the monastery. It’s a spectacle to behold for people looking forward to cultural immersion.

Thiksey Gompa: A twelve-storied wonder resembling closely to the Potala Palace of Tibet can make u gape at the sheer efforts gone in constructing the 15th-century monastery. The female deity is housed in this monastery with total reverence – Goddess Dorje Chenmo. It also has the 40-foot-tall statue of the composed Maitreya Buddha. As the name suggests, it stands for love and friendship. Just like Hemis, even Thiksey is famous for its own festival Thiksey-Gustor festival. It is usually celebrated in the month of October and November. Its for the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The festival aims to highlight sacrifice and is celebrated over two days. Kind Lang Darma who betrayed his people was slain by a monk, and that is what is performed in this festival through Chhams ( masked dance).

Diskit Gompa: Up for some trek? Head to the arid Nubra to see the Buddha idol under the open skies. Diskit monastery is as old as 14^th century. A wonderful Tibetan architectural masterpiece. Diskit is also quite well photographed. Each and every corner of Ladakh has its own cultural offerings and you can plan your visit to ensure you catch a glimpse of the same. We will be happy to arrange the Dosmoche Festival for you if you plan your trip for February.

Alchi Gompa: Lets walk on the plain lands and discover the centre of learning. Monasteries can be great sources of learning and Alchi stands for everything erudite. The cool Indus river flows beside this and gurgles lazily setting the tranquil backdrop of this monastery. It is very colourful and has been viewed in Bollywood films like Tashan and Dil se. The 12th-century old Gompa wants to be explored by you.

Lamayuru monastery: Nestled in Khaltse, Lamayuru is situated in a beautiful setting of moonscape mountains. The backdrop looks quite different here and has a distinct feature which makes you feel you have landed in another planet. As old as 11^th century, Lamuyuru was believed to be constructed like a memoir after the river passing through this region dried up.

Phugtal monastery: Built in 11^th century is very remotely located resembling like a honeycomb. It’s a perfect winter destination for travellers and is situated in the south of Zanskar in Lungnak valley with a natural cave at its mouth. Reaching here is like an arduous trek and that is the only option. But after the trek it’s a serene atmosphere awaiting where u feel like losing yourself and relax. Very rightly chosen by scholars and monks to come and rest and even meditate here. It still houses around 70 monks. A beautiful lush green valley and a river can be seen flowing below once you are at the top breathing the chilled air.

Likir monastery: Another monastery from 11^th century built at the order of the 5^th King of Ladakh Lhachen Gyalpo and was established by Lama Duwang Chosje. Even in present date Pratimoksha disciplines are preached on the premises. Likir means surrounded by serpents. The legend goes that two serpents names Taksako and Nanda diligently guard the monastery. It is situated on the west of the city Leh, around 62 km away.

Spituk Gompa: Run by the principles of Kadampa school or Red Hat Sect, but later the Gelugpa order or Yellow Hat sect came into play for this 11^th century Gompa. It overlooks the Indus River and houses almost 100 monks in the present day. You can cherish in the vibrant Spituk festival. A striking feature of the monastery is the fine thangkas, ancient masks and the serene and beautiful icon of Buddha and some small chortens. The Spituk festival unveils the gorgeous statue of the female deity Vajrabhairava which otherwise remains covered. Come and behold the beauty of ancient relics of Spituk.

Shey Gompa:  Shey was made with the intention of being the capital of Ladakh in the year 1655 by Deldon Namgyal the then king of Ladakh.  The beautiful summer retreats of the royals is 16 km from Leh and is en route Hemis and Thiksey. It enshrines the gilded copper statue of Shakyamuni Buddha covering three floors. Its massive library houses the largest collection of thangkas. The famous Rancho school or the Druk Padma Karpo Institute is very close to this which was featured in the Bollywood movie 3 idiots for its unique style of teaching. As you walk towards the palace you will get to see 5 rock-carved Buddhas along the roads. Shey Stubla and Shey Ru-lo are some of the great festivals that take place in this monastery.

Rangdum monastery: Located in the Kargil Suru valley, Rangdum Monastery looks dutiful and like massive fortress guarding and overlooking the pristine valley. Walk past its open spaces where you will find meditating monks, which just makes you transcend ages like a blink of an eye. The chants and hymns is so spellbinding in this monastery that u will feel like dwelling here for some time. The beautiful mountain massifs behind make your bumpy ride to this remote location worth every bit.

There are many other monasteries like Takthok, Matho and Rizong Monastery. What do you wish to explore? Let us know and we can plan it for you.