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Ladakh's Sacred Monasteries

Ladakh's spiritual landscape is defined by centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist monasteries perched on rugged hillsides. This collection features prominent Gelugpa and Drukpa institutions, including the 12-story Thiksey Gompa and the isolated Hemis Monastery. The list encompasses diverse sacred architecture, from the white-domed Shanti Stupa built by Japanese Buddhists to the 11th-century murals of Alchi. Beyond Buddhism, it includes Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, a 16th-century Sikh site commemorating Guru Nanak's visit to the region.

Thikse Monastery

Thiksey Monastery or Thiksey Gompa is a Buddhist monastery affiliated with the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Shanti Stupa

Built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura, this white-domed stupa holds relics of the Buddha at its base, consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama.

Namgyal Tsemo tower and chapel

Constructed in 1430 by King Tashi Namgyal, this site features a three-story high gold statue of Maitreya Buddha and a collection of ancient manuscripts and murals.

Diskit Gompa

The oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley, founded in the 14th century. It is known for its 32-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha overlooking the Shyok River.

Sankar Monastery

Sankar Monastery, or Sankar Gompa is a Buddhist monastery within an easy half-hour walk from Leh in Ladakh, northern India.

Soma Gompa

Located in the center of Leh, this modern Buddhist temple serves as the headquarters for the Ladakh Buddhist Association and hosts communal religious gatherings.

Hemis Gompa

Hemis Monastery is a Himalayan Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Lineage, in Hemis on the bank of the Indus River, Ladakh, India.

Gurdwara Pathar Sahib

A Sikh shrine constructed in 1517 to commemorate Guru Nanak’s visit to Ladakh. It houses a large boulder believed to bear the imprint of the Guru's body.

Dupgyut Tantar Chhosling Gompa

Korzok, དཀོར་མཛོད་ is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery belonging to the Drukpa Lineage.

Alchi Gompa

An 11th-century monastic complex renowned for its Indo-Tibetan wall paintings and wood carvings, which represent a distinct artistic style from later Tibetan monasteries.

Lingshed Gompa

Lingshed Monastery or Lingshed Gompa is a Gelugpa Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, India.

Stakna Monastery

Stakna Monastery or Stakna Gompa is a Buddhist monastery of the Drugpa sect in Stakna, Leh district, Ladakh, northern India, 21 or 25…

Hanle Gompa

Hanle Monastery is a 17th-century gompa of the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism located in the Hanle Valley, Leh…

Gompa

A local Buddhist monastery located near the village of Tangste.

Lamayuru Monastery

Lamayuru or Yuru Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Lamayouro, Leh district, Ladakh, India.

Lamayuru Meditation Center

A facility adjacent to the ancient Lamayuru Monastery dedicated to meditation practices and retreats within the Drikung Kagyu tradition.

Rizong monastery

A Gelugpa monastery established in 1831, known for its strict monastic discipline. It is situated in a rocky valley and houses a collection of thangkas and statues.

Dukgasling Gonpa

A Buddhist monastery and assembly hall located near the Alchi monastic complex.

Chemre Gompa

A 17th-century monastery of the Drukpa lineage featuring a large statue of Padmasambhava and a library containing the 108 volumes of the Kangyur.

Prayer Flags

A site featuring traditional Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags used to bless the surrounding landscape and promote peace, compassion, and strength.