Majestic Ladakh

Monasteries of Ladakh

Main Activity : Cultural and Wellness

Highlights

● Take part in the morning prayer rituals of the monks & experience peace amidst the mighty Himalayan mountains

● Witness large statues of Buddha & Rinpoches, Museums, Chortens (Stupas), Thangkas (interior paintings) & lines of prayer flags in your guided tour with our local expert

● Witness the gold-plated statue of the Sakyamani during your visit to Shey Monastery

● Admire the 30 meter tall statue of the Maitreya Buddha at Thiksey Monastery

● Visit to Hemis monastery - largest and the richest monastery of Ladakh

● Participate in meditation programs & ‘Dharma’ talks at Mahabodhi

Overview

"Explore the spiritual wonders of Ladakh with Majestic Ladakh's monastery tours. Immerse yourself in the ancient traditions, serene landscapes, and architectural marvels of Ladakh's monasteries. Discover the rich cultural heritage, witness captivating rituals, and experience the tranquility that only these sacred sites can offer. Join us for an unforgettable journey through Ladakh's monastic treasures."

What to Expect

The 9 days guided monasteries tour by our local expert will take you to a few of the most spectacular and renowned monasteries in Ladakh and give you a glimpse of the local culture, history and heritage.

Our local guide will introduce you to the spiritual beliefs of Buddhism, ruled by different dynasties in Ladakh. These dynasties created monasteries in different regions that they had ruled. Thus, every monastery has its own lineage and follows unique rituals.

During the course of the tour, you will get to interact with the monks, learn and take part in their daily rituals such as morning prayers and meditation. Live with locals in homestays, eat authentic Ladakhi cuisines and experience the rich history, architecture and culture followed at different monasteries.

You also need to pay entrance fees while entering the monasteries of Ladakh. There are also museums inside where you can buy items such as prayer flags, holy books written by Rinpoches, postcards and other materials. Any Payment made at monasteries goes into renovation.

Day Wise Itinerary

Included

Excluded

Activities

Essential Info

Related
Destinations

All Destinations

Ladakh

Photo Gallery

Arrival in Leh/ Acclimatization Day

Upon your Arrival at the Leh Airport, you will be guided to your accommodation of stay in Leh
Spend the rest of your day at the hotel and acclimatize to the high altitude
Optional visit to the Shanti Stupa. (A white-domed structure signifying world peace and harmony is located at the top of a small hill in Changspa and was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama)
Overnight in Leh

Visit Spituk, Sankar Monastery, Hall of fame

Visit the Spituk Monastery:
15th century monastery is 5 Km from Leh
First Gelugpa monastery in Ladakh
Visit to this religious enclave, see architectural brilliance & enjoy the serenity around
Visit the Hall of Fame:
The museum belongs to the Indian Army and showcases war memorabilia, war photos, arms & ammunition used in the war, military uniforms, seized belongings of the rival army, and much more
Visit the Sankar Gompa:
Located around 3 Km from Leh, the Sankar Gompa belongs to Gelugpa or Yellow hat sect of Buddhist and is an extension of the Spituk Monastery
Also the residence of Kushok Bakula who is head of the Gelugpa Sect
Please note that the visit to Sankar monastery would be scheduled as per the monastery open timings
Visit the Leh Palace:
The Leh Palace is located at the edge of the captivating Namgyal Hill
Its resemblance is to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The palace was built in the 16th century by Singe Namgyal, then the ruler of Ladakh
The palace is built in medieval Tibetan-style architecture
Overnight in Leh

Drive to Alchi; Visit Basgo Fort, Alchi & Likir Monastery

Visit the Phyang monastery (6 Km from Leh):
The Phyang Monastery belongs to the Drikung Kagyu sect of Buddhist
The monastery was built in the 12th century by a lama Kunga Dragspa
Inside the mostary you will find picturesque murals & paintings of Vajradhara and the five Dhyani Buddhas
Witness the images of Vairicana and Shakyamuni (Gautam Buddha) who is revered as the founder of the world religion of Buddhism in the monastery
Visit the Basgo fort:
Although the fort is on ruins, it used to serve as a major landmark of Ladakh
Within the perimeter of the Basgo Fort, you will find two ancient temples and a shrine that has images of Maitreya Buddha (believed to be the successor to the present Buddha, Gautama Buddha)
Visit the Likir Monastery:
The Likir Monastery was built in the 11th century, and is headed by the younger brother of HH Dalai Lama and once was the Bon center
Gelugpa Sect
It houses a museum that has a magnificent collection of ancient coins, armours, thanksas, seals, and several other antiques
Visit the Alchi Monastery:
Alchi monastery, popularly known as a monastic complex comprising 4 hamlets
Gelugpa Sect
Out of the 4 hamlets Alchi monastery is said to be the oldest and most famous
Inside the monastery, you will find some of the oldest surviving paintings reflecting the artistic and spiritual details of both Buddhist and the Hindu kings of the time in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in Ladakh
The Complex also has huge statues of Buddha and elaborate wood carving and art - work comparable to baroque style
Overnight in the Alchi village

Drive to Leh; Visit Lamayuru and Rizong Monastery

Visit the Lamayuru monastery & the Rizong Gompa:
You will visit the monastery on the way back to Leh
The monastery belongs to the Red-sector Drikung Kagyu of Buddhism and was built by Rinchen Zangpo who was the founder of Alchi Lotsava
Within the monastery complex you can spot Dukhang or the Assembly Hall, where monks perform worship and ceremonies
Visit The Rizong Gompa:
The Gompa is known for its peace, tranquility and is a popular meditation ground among the religious preachers in Ladakh
Gelugpa Sect
The Gompa has numerous caverns that are ideal for meditation while being secluded from the rest of the world
Overnight stay in Leh

Excursion to Matho, Stakna and Stok Monasteries,

Visit the Matho Monastery (26 Km from Leh):
The monastery is located on the banks of the Indus River. It was built in the 16th century and was founded by Lama Dugpa Dorjay
It is the only establishment in Ladakh that was initiated by the Sakya-pa
During late March or early April on the 14th and 15th day of the first Tibetan month, you can witness the annual Naghrang Festival
Visit the Stakna Monastery:
The Stakna monastery is located at a small hilltop which is shaped like a tigers nose hence the name “Stakna''
This Pous monastery is home to a 7 ft gold-plated stupa of Buddha & you can get a 360 view of the Himalayan landscape from the monastery
The monastery is home to about 30 monks of the Drukpa sect of Buddhism
Visit Stok Monastery:
After visiting Stakna monastery you will be driven to the Stok Monastery which is located in the Stok village
The monastery is a part of the historic Stok Castle that was built by the King Tsepal Tondup Namgyal in the year 1825
On the 9th and 10th day of the first Tibetan month, you can participate and enjoy the Guru Tshechu Festival that involves monks from the Spituk Monastery performing sacred dances and oracle appearances
Overnight stay in Hemis

Excursion to Hemis, Takthok & Chemrey Monasteries

Visit the Hemis monastery:
Built-in the 17th century and is located in the Indus Valley
Drukpa Sect
Boasts of a spectacular copper statue of Buddha and beautiful paintings, Stupas, articles, and amazing Thangkas depicting various aspects of Buddhist culture
During the month of June-July, you can experience the Hemis festival which is a riot of colors and fiesta
Enjoy the Chham Dance or the Mask Dance of Ladakh during the festival
Visit the Chemrey Monastery:
Witness the images of Stag-Tshang Raspa or the founder of the Hemis and Chemdry monasteries
The monastery is adorned with ancient murals, paintings and artefacts that belong to the prehistoric era. The excursion will end with a drive back to Leh
Visit the Thakthog monastery:
After visiting Hemis, you will visit the Thakth0g Monastery in Sakti village
The monastery was once an earnest meditation ground of the Mahasiddhas
The roof of the monastery is made of rocks due to which this holy enclave is also known as the Rock-Roof monastery
The monastery serves as a home to around 55 lamas
On the ninth and tenth day of the sixth month of the Tibetan calendar, celebrations including sacred dances are held at the monastery.
Overnight stay in Sakti

Excursion to Indus Valley; visit Shey Monastery & Thiksey Gompa

Visit Thiksey Gompa:
You will drive to the Thiksey village to visit the Thiksey Gompa
Gelugpa Sect
The Gompa sits built on a hill that overlooks the entire Ladakh region
Inside the monastery compound, witness a 30 M high statue of the Maitreya Buddha
Visit the Shey Monastery & Mahabodhi:
The Shey palace is located in Shey village which was once the capital of Ladakh
At Shey Monastery you will witness a gold-plated statue of the Sakyamani (Gautam Buddha) which was built in the year 1633 A.D.
After spending some time exploring the monastery, head to Mahabodhi which is located en route to Leh
Mahabodhi is the only centre in Ladakh where various meditation programs and ‘Dharma’ talks are conducted throughout the week in summer; except Sundays
Overnight stay in Leh

Drive to Sabu; Visit the Deity of Holy Maitreya Buddha

Visit the Sabu Oracle to visit the Deity of the holy Maitreya Buddha
This site holds high historical significance as it was once a ground where the bodies of the defeated Mughal soldiers were offered during the medieval era
With the completion of this visit, you will be driven back to Leh, the rest of the day will be spent at leisure.
Stroll around the local market & buy souvenirs
Overnight stay in Leh

Departure

Waking up in the morning, enjoy a heartfelt breakfast at the hotel and wind up all your luggage and belongings
Your tour representatives will pick you from the hotel and drop you to the Leh Airport for your onward journey