Spectacular Monasteries in Ladakh where you can stay to unwind 

Ladakh is fast gaining a reputation amongst travellers for its incredibly ornate monasteries. These monasteries are part of Ladakh’s rich culture through their architecture, paintings, and ancient texts. Some of the monasteries have begun to allow visitors to stay. Here we have some monasteries that enable visitors to remain on their premises.

Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey is one of the biggest and most famous monasteries in Ladakh. It is renowned for its magnificence in architecture, religious importance, along spectacular views. This monastery welcomes guests with gracious hospitality. The monastery provides rooms with essential amenities for an intimate experience of Ladakhi hospitality for a limited period. You can meditate in the peacefully serene ambience and watch the monks and nuns g about their daily routine. You can also go into the monastery’s well-stocked library and learn more about Buddhist spirituality science.

Lamayuru-Monastery

Lamayuru Monastery in Ladakh

The Lamayuru Gompa is undoubtedly the most captivating of monasteries outside of Leh. The area close to this monastery is also called “moonscape” due to the terrain’s interesting appearance. Like most monasteries, it is set away from the town in its serene surroundings while allowing the chanting’s power can get you into a trance of peace and contemplation. This monastery is located on the Leh to Srinagar highway. You have several options to either go for a homestay, stay at the village guest house, or stay at the monastery. An excellent restaurant within the monastery specializes in delicious Tibetan food. 

Hemis-Monastery

Hemis Monastery

Hemis Monastery is the most significant and wealthiest monastery in all of India. It is situated a few kilometres from Leh town, in a barren environment. The monastery is well known for its annual Hemis festival with its vibrant rituals, colourful mask dances, and perfect ambience. The Hemis monastery accommodates tourists who want to stay for an extended period. The spectacular scenery and surroundings give one peace of mind. This monastery is visited by thousands of tourists each year, and the numbers keep increasing annually. The attendance of the morning prayers can get you in a zone. The Hemis monastery is one of the must-visit institutions in Ladakh.

Phuktal Monastery

Phuktal Monastery

The Phuktal monastery is built in complete isolation around a cave on the slopes of a rugged hill. It is one of the most breathtaking monasteries in the Zanskar region of Ladakh. It is a two-day drive from Leh, which makes it quite challenging to get there. The main monastery is inside a cave. The architecture reflects the beauty of the ancient Buddhist art form. Visitors are reluctant to leave because of the absolute serenity of the surrounding. 

Visitors can opt to stay at the accommodation available for short stays. The experience of staying at this monastery can be mind-boggling with the peaceful atmosphere and the breathtaking scenery. You can participate in the prayer ceremonies and witness the rituals. The resident monks are ever so willing to share their knowledge with you. Take advantage of the monks’ remote location and genuine hospitality to make the most of your cultural and spiritual experience.

Rangdum Monastery

Rangdum Monastery

The Rangdum monastery is another of Ladakh’s delightful monasteries, snuggled in an isolated part of Zanskar Valley. The Gompa is constructed on a hill overlooking a small village below. Trekkers on the Zanskar trek often stay near its vicinity. Some trekkers opt to camp within the premises of the monastery, which is peaceful. It is a relatively small monastery with about 40 resident monks and a few cattle. Life at the monastery continues as it has done for the past few centuries at its own pace. The monks are friendly and willing to converse with visitors during their free time. They share their knowledge of their religion willingly during your stay with them. You can volunteer to help with the chores, explore the surroundings, mingle with the villagers, and visit the village’s amiable residents.