Buddhists Monasteries in Ladakh

Ladakh is a land of various ancient beautiful Buddhist monasteries. Majority of the regions of Ladakh are dominated by Buddhist population and also have a great influence of Tibetan culture. Ladakh shares its boundary with Tibet and is also known by the name of Little Tibet. Monasteries are known by the name of Gompas and house various Buddhist paintings, artifacts and religious literature.
Famous Buddhist Monasteries of Ladakh
Hemis Gompa
It is highest of all the monasteries of Ladakh, which is located at a distance of 45 km South of Leh, the capital of Ladakh. It was built in 1630 AD and houses the largest Tangka painting in Ladakh. It is famous for Tse Chu annual festival, where culture and tradition of Buddhists can be seen in dance performances done by wearing beautiful bright dresses along with masks.
Shanti Stupa
The White domed Shati Stupa was built by a Japanese Buddhist organisation to promote world peace on completion of 2500 years of Buddhism. It was completed in 1985. Shanti Stupa is a favourite spot for viewing sunrise and sunset.
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
It was built in 1430 AD and has a rich collection of Buddhist literature, art, manuscripts and images of Buddha in its three storey high structure. One can have the birds’ eye view of Leh town from this monastery,
Spituk Monastery
It is located on a high hill at a distance of around 18 km from Leh. It is known for the collection of various ancient Buddhist paintings and artifacts. An annual festival is organised in Spituk monastery in the eleventh month of Tibetan calendar from 17th to 19th day.
Lamayuru Monastery
This monastery is located on the rocky mountain at a distance of around 125 km from Leh towards West. It is also known by the name of Swastika monastery. The annual festival attracts a large number of visitors in the second month of Tibetan calendar.
Alchi Gompa
Alchi Gompa is located on the bank of Indus river and is the only monastery of Ladakh built on flat ground. It showcases the Kashmiri art and architecture in its construction. There are various beautiful images of Lord Buddha inside the gompa.
Shey Monastery
This monastery served as the summer palace of Ladakh Kings and is located to the South of Leh. The main attraction of the monastery is the 12 feet high gold plated statue of Shakya Muni Buddha. An annual festival is celebrated here in the first month of Tibetan calendar, which attracts a large number of visitors.