Temples

Spituk Monastery, also known as Spituk Gompa, is one of the most prominent and ancient Buddhist monasteries in the Leh district of Ladakh. Perched majestically on a hilltop about eight kilometers from Leh town, the monastery overlooks the Indus River and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape. Its serene location and spiritual significance make it an important religious, cultural, and tourist landmark of Ladakh. Founded in the 11th century by Od-de, the elder brother of the famous Ladakhi king Lha Lama Changchub Od, Spituk Monastery originally belonged to the Kadampa school of Tibetan Buddhism. In the 15th century, it came under the influence of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect, which continues to manage the monastery today. Over the centuries, the gompa has undergone several renovations while preserving its traditional Ladakhi architectural style. The monastery complex houses a rich collection of ancient Buddhist artifacts, including thangkas (religious paintings), old masks, sculptures, and scriptures. One of the most notable features of Spituk Monastery is the statue of Goddess Kali (Mahakala), which remains covered throughout the year and is revealed only during the annual Spituk Gustor Festival. This festival, usually held in winter, features vibrant Cham dances performed by monks in colorful masks and costumes, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and attracting devotees as well as tourists from across the region.

Jokhang Gompa is one of the most revered and historically significant Buddhist monasteries in Leh, Ladakh. Situated near the bustling Leh Main Bazaar, this sacred monastery stands as a symbol of Ladakh’s deep-rooted spiritual heritage and its long-standing connection with Tibetan Buddhism. Despite being located in the heart of the town, Jokhang Gompa offers an atmosphere of peace, devotion, and timeless tradition. The monastery is believed to have been established in the early 17th century and follows the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is closely associated with the famous Jokhang Temple of Lhasa, Tibet, from which it derives its name and spiritual inspiration. Over the centuries, Jokhang Gompa has served as an important center of worship for monks and lay devotees, playing a key role in preserving Buddhist teachings and rituals in the region. Architecturally, Jokhang Gompa reflects traditional Tibetan design, characterized by whitewashed walls, wooden pillars, and intricately carved doors and windows. The interior of the gompa is richly adorned with colorful murals depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, guardian deities, and important Buddhist symbols. The main prayer hall houses sacred statues, including an image of the Buddha, surrounded by butter lamps, offering bowls, and prayer flags that enhance the monastery’s spiritual ambience.

Thiksey Monastery is one of the most prominent and visually striking Buddhist monasteries in Leh, Ladakh. Perched majestically on a hilltop about 19 kilometers east of Leh town, the monastery overlooks the fertile Indus Valley and stands as a shining symbol of Ladakh’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Often compared to the Potala Palace of Lhasa for its tiered architecture, Thiksey Monastery is an important center of Tibetan Buddhism in the region. Founded in the 15th century by Sherab Zangpo, a disciple of the great reformer Je Tsongkhapa, Thiksey Monastery belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Over the centuries, it has grown into a large monastic complex housing temples, assembly halls, stupas, and residences for monks. Today, it is home to several dozen monks who follow a disciplined monastic life centered on prayer, study, and meditation. One of the most remarkable features of Thiksey Monastery is the colossal statue of Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha. Rising to a height of about 15 meters, this statue was built to commemorate the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama in 1970 and symbolizes hope, compassion, and peace. The interior walls of the monastery are adorned with exquisite murals, thangkas, and ancient manuscripts, reflecting the deep artistic traditions of Ladakhi Buddhism. Thiksey Monastery is also renowned for its vibrant festivals, especially the annual Gustor Festival, held in winter. During this festival, monks perform sacred cham dances wearing colorful masks and elaborate costumes. These ritual dances represent the triumph of good over evil and attract devotees, tourists, and photographers from across the world.

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is one of the most prominent and spiritually significant Buddhist monasteries overlooking the town of Leh in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Perched atop a steep hill, the gompa offers breathtaking panoramic views of Leh Palace, the Indus Valley, and the surrounding Himalayan ranges. Its elevated position not only adds to its scenic beauty but also symbolizes spiritual elevation and protection. Namgyal Tsemo Gompa was founded in the early 16th century by King Tashi Namgyal, a respected ruler of the Namgyal dynasty. The monastery was constructed to safeguard Leh and to promote the teachings of Buddhism in the region. The gompa houses a striking three-storey-high statue of Maitreya Buddha (the Future Buddha), believed to protect Leh from calamities. Inside the monastery, visitors can find ancient manuscripts, wall paintings, sacred relics, and traditional thangkas, all of which highlight the artistic and spiritual richness of Tibetan Buddhism. Monks regularly perform rituals and prayers here, especially during important Buddhist festivals. The peaceful ambiance makes Namgyal Tsemo Gompa an ideal place for reflection, meditation, and spiritual learning.

Chokhang Vihara (also called Gompa Soma or Chowkhang Vihara) is a prominent modern Buddhist temple in the heart of Leh town, located near the Main Bazaar opposite the main branch of the State Bank of India. It serves as the headquarters of the Ladakh Buddhist Association and is an active centre for prayer, community events and cultural activities. The foundation stone for the Chokhang complex was laid under the guidance of H.E. Bakula Rinpoche in 1957; local builders and artisans from Leh contributed to its construction and ornamentation. In recent years the temple has also been part of high-profile visits and civic ceremonies, including events attended by senior Buddhist leaders. Chokhang Vihara blends traditional Tibetan Buddhist architectural motifs with 20th-century construction. The prayer hall contains finely decorated statues and thangka paintings; the principal Buddha image (often referred to locally as a crowned Jowo / Shakyamuni image) and statues of Padmasambhava are important devotional focuses inside the vihara. The calm courtyard and prayer hall provide a meditative refuge from the bustle of the bazaar.