Ladakh Monastery Trek

Ladakh has many historic monasteries calledcut into the rock face, dating back to about 700
Gompas, where Buddhist monks and nuns live,AD.
study and practice their religion. The monasteriesPhyang Gompa: emerges large at the head of a
of Ladakh are situated in scenic locations, on hillssecluded side-valley that tapers north into the
and mountains and have rich collections ofLadakh Range from the Srinagar highway.
Buddhist paintings, arts and artifacts.Hundreds of icons of Buddha are kept on wooden
With its snow covered peaks, remote villages, andshelves. The Gompa itself houses a fifty-strong
ancient Buddhist monasteries, the Ladakhcommunity of lamas. It also houses a ferocious
Monastery trek transports you to another world.veiled protector deity and an amazing collection of
Experience the most exotic excursion of yourweapons.
lifetime in the laps of the Great Himalayas thatSumur Monastery: This trek is the most
takes you to some of the most beautiful villagesimportant monastery of the Nubra valley of
and fascinating gompas of Ladakh. The trek toLadakh region. This monastery is the home to
Ladakh monastery crosses numerous passes, it'shundreds of monks.
a moderate grade trek required minimum ofAlchi Gompa: It is one of the most beautiful and
physical fitness and the path does not rise abovethe most explored monastery of the region. It is
4500m.the only monastery in Ladakh which is located on
The famous monasteries of Ladakh are:flat ground. It displays Kashmiri style in its art and
Thiksey Monastery: It is the most beautiful of allarchitecture.
the monasteries in Ladakh. It is on the north ofShanti Stupa: The Japanese for World Peace built
the Indus River. The Thiskey festival (Thiskeythe Shanti Stupa, at Changspa, on the hilltop, and
Gustor) is held in the month of October-was inaugurated by Dalai Lama in 1985. Its state
November. Around 80 Monks resides here. It hasof the art work attracts a lot of tourists to
a famous statue of Buddha which is 15 metersLadakh and is spectacular to watch.
tall. This statue is the largest Buddha figure inThe monasteries of Ladakh are treasure house of
Ladakh.rare statues, exquisite wall paintings, ancient
Mulbek Gompa (monastery) dominates the valley.thankas (Painting on cloth), precious antique pieces
It is adorned by frescoes and statues. Mulbekh'sand artifacts. The best time to visit the Ladakh
main claim to fame is the impressive eight meterMonasteries is from June to October.
high Chamba statue, an image of a future Buddha,