Ladakh, which is well known as the land of high altitude mountain passes, hosts several ancient trading routes that once connected India with Tibet. Over the years it influenced to bring forth the unique Indo - Tibetan culture and the region gained vigour with the traditional colours of Buddhism. Today the vast desolate terrain having peculiar topography is popular for its diorama of the footsteps of Buddhism. The Ladakh Monastery trek takes you to the avant-garde of Ladakh region where you can step into the ancient monasteries dating back to the 10th - 11th century. The traditional colours can be easily spotted from the prayer flags, chortens and numerous ancient manuscripts. The Ladakh monastery trek pulls in several wanderers from different corner of the world to explore not only the barren and varied topography but also the remote villages inhabited by various Indo - Tibetan sects. The journey allows you to step into the Shey and Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery, Stok Palace, Wanla, Hinju, Sumdo Doksa, Prinkiti La, Konzke La, Sumda Choon, Lanak and Alchi Monastery.
The Ladakh Monastery trekking tour commences from Leh and heads to Shey, Thikshey and Hemis monastery. Thereafter, the tour wheels to Alchi monastery passing through villages like Nimu and Saspol. From Alchi, the Ladakh monastery trek heads to Lamayuru monastery at 3,510 meters, which is said to be the oldest monastery, being built in the 10th century. The Ladakh monastery trekking tour continues towards Wanla, which is approximately a 4 - 5 hours of drive from Leh. From Wanla the trek turns to Hinju at 3,720 meters and thereafter, passes through Kongskil La at 4,950 meters to Sumdo Doksa at 4,430 meters. After crossings a few rivers and the village of Sumdo Chenmo, the trail gradually ascends to the base of Dung Dung Chan La and snakes through the village of Chilling to finally end at Leh.
Hemis Monastery
The Hemis Monastery is the largest Buddhist monastery in this region, belonging to the Drukpa or Dragon order. It stands on the western banks of the Indus River, about 50 kilometres southeast of Leh on the Leh-Manali highway. The monastery was founded in 1630 by the first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso when he was invited by the then King of Ladakh, Singey Namgail and offered a religious estate. Beautiful statues and mural paintings adorn the monastery halls. It has a great collection of sacred thangkas and other artefacts in its 900-year-old museum. The most important festival here is the Hemis Festival where you can witness the enchanting sacred mask dance. It is held on the 9th and 10th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan calendar.
Spituk Monastery
Built on the side of a hill, the Spituk Monastery also known as the Spituk Gompa was founded in the 11th century by Od-lde as a monastic community. Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo, the great translator of Sanskrit Buddhist texts into Tibetan, gave the monastery its present name, meaning exemplary, as he felt an exemplary religious community would arise here. The old gompa has been restored, while a new one has also been constructed within the monastery complex. The largest building, the Dukhang Hall, has seating along the wall with a throne at the far end. Miniature stupas and sculptures adorn the altar. A little higher up the hill is the temple of Goddess Vajrabhairva. The statue of the goddess is kept covered and is unveiled only once during the Spituk Festival.
Thiksey Monastery
Thiksey is one of the splendid and tranquil monasteries of Ladakh, devoted to the Gelugpa Order of Buddhism. This monastery was first constructed at Stakmo, by Sherab Zangpo of Stod. Later, the nephew of Sherab Zangpo, named Spon Paldan Sherab, reconstructed the monastery in the year 1430 A.D. The present day monastery is located in the north side of River Indus, on a hilltop. There are many holy shrines inside the monastery of which the famous one is the Lakhang Nyerma, dedicated to the Goddess Dorje Chenmo. When the shrine was constructed, it was one of the biggest of its time, but now only its ruins can be seen in the premises of the monastery. Moreover, the monastery contains a large collection of many ancient relics and sacred artifacts.
Shey Monastery
Shey Monastery is popular for containing the second largest Buddha statue in Ladakh. Situated about 12 kilometers to the south of Leh, this monastery contains a very huge idol of Lord Buddha in a sitting position. The idol is mainly made from copper and gold. There is a large bowl of wax with a flame that always keeps burning in front of the statue. The objective of burning the flame is to highlight the importance of integrity and spirituality to the tourists visiting the monastery.
Likir Monastery
Situated around 50 Kms from Leh, the Likir Monastery is also popular by the name Klu-Kkhjil (water spirits). The monastery was founded by Lama Dhwang Chosje, (having a great expertise in mediation) in the 14th century. The monastery is enveloped by picturesque surroundings that really fascinate the visitors. This monastery also belongs to Gaylukpa School and every year a Likir festival is organized by the monks of the monastery from the 17th to the 19th of the 12th month. The monastery houses different manuscripts, thangkas and religious clothing.
Lamayuru Monastery
Lamayuru is an 11th century old monastery that was founded by Mahasiddhacharya Naropa. This wonderful monastery is the property of Red-Hat Sect of Buddhism. There are many myths or stories that are related to this monastery and the famous one is that Lamayuru was a once a pristine lake and after blessings of a lama, it ceded the space for the construction of the monastery. This monastery is nestled around 120 kms from Leh overlooking beautiful villages and amazing vistas. The monastery has a very rich assortment of wall paintings and Thangkas. Every year on the 17th and the 18th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, a holy masked dance is performed by the monks of the monastery.
Stongdey Monastery
Nestled around 18 km to the north of Padum, Stongdey Monastery is known to be the second largest monastery in Ladakh. It is dedicated to the Tibetan Yogi, Marpa and is situated at an elevation of 3500 meters.
With around 60 monks residing in this particular monastery, this place offers majestic views of the serene landscapes and hillocks. It takes approx.. 4 hours to reach this monastery while walking; a bit tiring but the beauty will overlap this aspect.
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