Buddhist Monastic Tours
Monasteries in Laddakh
Monasteries in Laddakh may be either of the Mahayana or the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. The head lama is called a 'kushak', meaning reincarnation. The monasteries of Laddakh are what give the region its unique flavor and beauty. Typically, most gompas are built so that they perch precariously on lone rocks or craggy mountain-faces.
Hemis Gompa
Hemis, the largest monastery in Laddakh, was built in 1630. It belongs to the red sect, Brokpa. It lies at a distance of 45 km south of Leh. Impressive and intriguing, Hemis is different from the other important monasteries of Laddakh. The annual festival, commemorating the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, is held for two days in June-July, enlivening the courtyard of the monastery. The festival of dances, where good triumphs over evil in a colorful pageant, is also the annual 'bazaar' where Laddakhis from remote areas buy and sell wares.
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, built in 1430, contains a three-story high Buddha image and ancient manuscripts and frescoes. The fort above this gompa is ruined, but the views of Leh from here are breathtakingly beautiful.
Sankar gompa
The Sankar gompa is located a couple of kilometers north of the town center. The gompa belongs to the Gelukpa order and has an impressive impression of the Buddhist deity Avalokiteshwara Padmahari or Chenresig, with 1,000 arms and an equal number of heads.
Shanti Stupa
The Shanti Stupa was built by a Japanese order and was opened by the Dalai Lama in 1985. From the top, one can view the exotic locales nearby. The stupa is located at a distance of 3 km from the Fort Road.
Likir Monastery
Located around 52 Kms from Leh, know as Klu-Kkhjil (water spirits) founded in the 11th century AD and was rededicated to another monastic order (the yellow sect) in the 15th century, its earlier gompa was destroyed in fire. The present gompa dates back to the 18th century. It contains huge clay images of Buddha and various old manuscripts. It also houses an interesting collection of thankas, old religious and domestic costumes and implements etc. In the 15th century lhawang Lodos Sangphu caused the monastery to flourish. This monastery also belongs to Gaylukpa School. Every year from the 17th to 19th of the 12th month the Likir festival is held.
Spituk Monastery
Spituk Gompa is on the hill top near Indus, around 18 Kms from Leh. The Gompa was founded in 11th century by Od-De The Gompa was named Spituk (exemplary) by Rinchen Zangpo, a translator came to that place and said that exemplary religious community would rise. Initially it belonged to the Kadampa School then during the life time of king Gragspa Bumide made it Gayluk Pa order.
The Spituk festival held every year from 17th to 19th days of the 11th month. It houses a collection of ancient masks, antique arms, icons and numerous thankas. Higher up the hill is the Mahakal Temple, containing the shrine of Vajrabhairava. The terrifying face of Vajrabhairva is unveiled only at the annual festival in January.
Cave Monastery
The cave monastery of Shergole is small but this old Buddhist monastery has elegant frescoes. It juts out of a brown, granite cliff and appears as if suspended in the middle of the mountain. This architectural quirk makes it an object of curiosity among local people too.
Thiksey Monastery
About 20 kms from Leh, Thiksey is an imposing monastery and one of the finest examples of Ladakhi architecture. This Gompa is situated on the top of the hill and forms part of Gelukpa order. Paldan Sherab nephew of Sherb Zangpo, founded Thiksey monastery.
The 12 storey monastery complex contains numerous stupas, statues; thankas, wall paintings, swords and a large pillar engraved with the Buddha's teachings, there are sacred shrines and a many precious objects to be seen. The successive reincarnation of the Skyabje Khampo Ringpoche act as incharge of the monastery. Thiksey gustor (festival) held from 17th to 19th day of the 12th month. The main prayer hall has a 15 mt high seated Buddha figure,There are chance to see prayer in the early morning.
Lamayuru Monastery
Spectacularly set, founded in the 10th century,Lamayuru monastery is about 125 kms. West of Leh. As the legend goes, Lamayuru was a lake. It was blessed by a Lama after which the water of the lake receded up to the mountains leaving place for the monastery to be built. Now mostly in ruins, only the main hall exists today and houses numerous tankhyas. The Yundrung Kabgyad festival is held during summer on the 28th and 29th days of the 2nd Tibetan month. Lamayuru has fascinating caves carved out of the mountainside. Also known as Yung Drung (Swastika) it is sited on a high promontory overlooking the village and valley. For sheer spectacle value no other gompa can match Lamayuru.
Shey Monastery
Situated on a hillock 15 km south of Leh, was once the residence of the royal family & it was constructed by the first king of Laddakh, Lhachen Palgyigon. According to tradition, it was the seat of power of the pre-Tidetan kings. Around 12 Ft. Shakyamuni Buddha's statue made by copper guilt is the largest in the region, built by Deldan Namgyal in 1633 is a funerary memorial to his father, king Singee Namgyal. There is another statue of the Buddha three stories in height. Stone carving and many chortens are scattered around the Dresthang Gompa. On the 30th day of the 1st Tibetan month celebrates shey rul-lo and on the 10th day of the 7th Tibetan month the festival of Shey Surb-lo is held.
Stakana Monastery
Built nearly 1580 by great scholar saint chosje Jamyang Palkar during the reign of King Jamyang Namgyal. The Stakna monastery is 45 Km south of Leh, founded on a hill shaped Stakna (Tiger nose). Easily accessible from Leh town.
Stok Palace
Visible in the distance, at the top of a huge moraine of pebbles swept down from the mountains, the elegant four-storey Stok Palace stands above barley terraces studded with threshing circles and whitewashed farmhouses. Built early in the nineteenth century by the last ruler of independent Ladakh, it has been the official residence of the Laddakhi royal family since they were ousted from Leh and Shey two hundred years ago.
A former member of parliament still lives here during the summer. One of the rooms is converted into Museum. The fascinating collection comprises some of the family's most precious heirlooms, including antique ritual objects, ceremonial tea paraphernalia, and exquisite sixteenth-century thangkas illuminated with paint made from crushed rubies, emeralds and sapphires. The pieces de resistance, however, are the Gyalmo's peraks.
Still worn on important occasions, the ancient headdresses, thought to have originated in Tibet, are encrusted with slabs of flawless turquoise, polished coral, lapis lazuli and nuggets of pure gold. Also of interest are a couple of swords whose blades were allegedly tied in knots as a demonstration of strength by King Tashi Namgyal Phugtal Gompa.
Phugtal Gompa
The Phugthal complex spills out of the mouth of a huge cave high up in the sheer mountain face of a lateral gorge through which a major tributary of the southern Lungnak (Lingti-Tsarap) River flows. Perhaps, the most isolated monastic establishment of Zanskar, its foundation date back to the early 12th century; at least one old chappel, among the several of which it is composed, has frescos and ceiling decorations reflecting strong Indian artistic and iconographic influence. Phugthal is accessible from the Padum-Manali trekking route through a 7 km long trail that branches off from the Purney Bridge on the main trail. This unique monastic establishment is inhabited by a resident community of about 40 monks.
Alchi Gompa
On the banks of the Indus is the Alchi Gompa, dating thousand years back. One of its walls features thousands of miniature sized pictures of the Buddha. Three large sized images made of clay and painted brightly are its focal attraction. No longer an active religious center, it is looked after by monks from the likir monastery.
Leh Palace
The captivating Leh Palace rises from the edge of a hill overlooking the town and stretches out towards the indigo sky. A miniature version of the Potala in Lhasa, the Leh Palace is one of the major attractions in Laddakh. The palace was built in the 17th century and had nine storey’s, but it is now dilapidated and deserted. It was the home of the royal family until they were exiled to Stok in the 1830s. Above the palace, at the top of the Namgyal hill, is the Victory Tower, built to commemorate Laddakh's victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the early 16th century. This palace built for King Singge Namgyal, now houses the Laddakhi branch of the Indian Government's archaeological conservation organization.
Zongkhul Monastery
The spectacular cave monastery of Zanskar, Zongkhul, falls on the Padum-Kishtwar trekking trail, just before the ascent of Omasi-la Pass begins. Situated like a Swallow's nest on the rock face of the Ating George, the monastery is associated by legend with the famous Indian Yogi, Naropa, who lectured in the Nalanda and Vikramsila Universities. The two caves present in the monastery are said to have been used by the famous Yogi for the solitary meditation. A footprint on the stone near the ingress of the lower cave is reserved as that of the yogi. The frescos on the cave walls are very old and reflect a high degree of artistic achievement. These are believed to be the original murals executed by Zhadpa Dorje, The celebrated scholar-painter of the same monastery who was active about 300 years ago.
Monastery Tours
Laddakh
Duration: - 14 Nights / 15 Days
Places Covered: - Leh - Tangstey - Deskit - Alchi - Kargil - Padum - Leh – Delhi
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Great Himalayan Cultural Tour with Trance Himalaya June, 2022
Duration:- 20 nights - 21 Days
Grade:- Moderate to Challenging
Physical Level:- Advance
Season:- June - July
Temperature:- (- 5 between 28 degree Cel.)
Highest Altitude:- 5045 meters
Locations:- Great Himalayan Rang (Zanskar Himalaya & Laddakh Himalaya), Trance Himalayan Range (Kinner Kailash Range, Spiti & Chandrabhagha Mountain Range) and Middle Himalayan Range (Pirpanjal & Dhauladhar) & Shivalik.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Delhi Airport 00:55 Hrs.: Delhi – Shimla (2200m) (350 Km / 7 - 8 Hrs)
Arrival at Delhi Airport we drive straight to Shimla. Evenight visit Shimla Mall Road. Dinner and Overnight in hotel at Shimla.
Day 02: Shimla – Rampur – Kalpa (2960m) (209 Km / 5 - 6 Hrs)
Morning drive to Rampur via NH22. Stop after Narkanda to see the Kacheri temple dedicated to Mahamaya-Kali Stop at Rampur for lunch and visit Padam Palace and Dumgir bouddhist temple & later drive straight to Kalpa. Overnight at Kalpa.
Day 03: Kalpa – Nako – Gyu – Tabo (3120m) (218 Km / 6 - 7 Hrs)
After breakfast Drive towards Reckong Peo after Peo Visit Nako village (3.800 m) including Lotsava Lhakhang and monastery, later drive up Gyu visit famous Mummy in the valley. After Gyu we drive straight to Tabo. Dinner & overnight in Tabo
Day 04: Tabo – Dhankar - Pin Valley (3810m) (65 Km / 3-4 Hrs)
Morning walking tour in Tabo village and visit Tabo monastery proceed few kilometres to Dhankar Gompa and visit monastery on the top of the rocky peak. Later drive up into the Pin valley up to Kungri and visit of the Nyingmapa Monastery. Dinner & overnight in Guest house at Mud Village.
Day 05: Pin Valley – Lingty Valley – Kaza (3720m) (50 Km 3/4 Hrs)
After leisure breakfast we drive straight to Kaza via visiting the ancient monastery of Lalung & Rama village. Evening we explore Kaza town & Gompa. Overnight at hotel in Kaza.
Day 06: Local Visit of Ki Monastery / Kibber Village / Lazngza & Komic Villages
Today we will visit the highest villages of the world elevation wise. All these villages are above 4500 meters from sea level. During this trip we will also visit the villages’ monasteries.
Day 07: Kaza – Losar – Kunzum-La (4550m) – Gramphu – Manali (210 Km / 8 - 9 Hrs)
Morning drive to Kunzum - La (4551 m) Batal, short driving diversion (14 km) to Chandra Tal Lake (4300 m). It’s about 35 minutes gradual walk to the lake. Later we drive straight to Manali via Gramphu and Atal Tunnel which is the master piece of modern engineering. Dinner & Overnight at hotel in Manali.
Day 08: Rest Day at Neeralaya Resorts (1500m)
Day 09: Neeralaya – Jispa (3200) (128 Km / 3 – 4 Hrs)
After lunch in the evening we will drive to Jispa via Atal Tunnel. En-route we will cross Atal Tunnel & Keylong town. Later evening explore the Jispa village.
Day 10: Jispa – Shingo La Pass (5045 m) – Gonbo Rangjon – (Purne 3820m) (150 km 6/ 7 Hrs)
After early breakfast we start journey towards unexplored Parts of Zanskar Valley. We will be welcome at Gateway of Zanskar at Shingo La Pass (5091 m). Later crossing the mighty pass we will drive along the Mighty Gonbo Rangjon Mountain, it’s a Holy Mountain of Zanskar Valley in geart Himalayan range. One the way we will visit the 1st village of Zanskar Valley, village Kargyak. Later we will our destination, which is Purne village. Dinner & Overnight at Guest house in Purne.
Day 11: Day Excursion of Phuktal Monastery (4200m) (Drive & Hike)
After Breakfast we will be served our Pack Lunched and we will start for Hike of Day for Phuktar Monastery. It’s believed to be 2500 Yrs Old monastery of Ladakh Region and it is one of only monastery that can still be reached only by foot. Monastery has been a place for retreat, meditation, learning & teaching. Later we walk back to Purne. Overnight at guest house in Purne.
Day 12: Purne – Cha – Raru – Bardan – Padum (3660m) ( 70 Km 3/4 Hrs)
Today Drive will be along with Zanskar River till up Padum en-route we will visit Bardan Monastery & Raru School. We will also see the confluence of Tsarp River & Zanskar. Later evening we will enjoy time at Local market of Padum. Padum is capital of Zanksar Valley. Dinner & overnight at Hotel in Zanskar.
Day 13: Leisure Day at Padum (Exploration of Padum)
Day 14: Local Sightseeing of Karsha Gompa (3782m) & Stongde Monastery
Stongde Monastery: The second largest monastic institution in Zanskar, Stongdey or Stongde Monastery is clearly a major attraction to see in this region in Ladakh. An 11th century gompa, Stongdey belongs to the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is home to 60 monks. Sitting atop a mountain, Stongdey Monastery has seven temples amongst which the Tshogs-khang is decorated with exquisite paintings of the deities. The art in the temple is made on black backgrounds which are outlined with gold.
Karsha: The largest Monastery in Zanskar, Karsha Gompa is also the most important one in the region. This top attraction in Zanskar is located in Padum Valley in the village name Karsha and by it follows the gurgling Doda River. Belonging to Gelugpa sect of Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism, Karsha Gompa is home to more than 100 monks. The monastery also houses the bone relics of Dorje Rinchen. One of the major attractions of Karsha Monastery is the annual celebration of the festival of Karsha Gustor on the 26th to the 29th day of the 11th Tibetan month, which is usually in January.
Day 15: Day Trip towards Pensi La Pass (4400 m) & Drang-Drung Glacier & Rangdum Village & Gompa (4040m). (210 km 7 to 8 hr)
We drive Towards Zanskar – Kargil Highway, we will first get glimpse of Drang-Drung Glacier while climbing Pensi La Pass (4400 m). After reaching at Pass one can spend a quality time at Pass exploring beautiful Lake Of Pansi La. There 4 to 5 Lake located at Pass with crystal clear water surrounded by beautiful grassland. It’s one of the beautiful pass of Ladakh & Zanskar road. Later proceed to Rangdum. After visiting the Rangdum drive back to Padum.
Day 16: Day Excursion of Sani & Dzongkhul Monatsery & Saini Lake (4030m) (4 -5hrs)
Dzongkhul Monastery:
Once the meditation place for Naropa, a celebrated Indian Buddhist yogi, from the renowned Vikramshila University in Bihar, Zongkhul Monastery is an important attraction in Zanskar Region. Located on the south-western end of Bardur River in Stod Valley, Zongkhul Gompa or Dzongkhul Gompa belongs to the Drukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Zongkhul has been famous as the meditation place for many yogis. In fact, at the entrance of this popular monastery in Zanskar, one can see the footprint of Naropa in the rock. Impressions of his ceremonial dagger and staff are also said to be in the rocks in his meditation cave.
Sani Monastery:
Sani M onastery is situated towards the west of Padum, on the road that leads to Kargil. This monastery is a significant shrine of the Drukpa Kagyupa School of Tibetan Buddhism and belongs to its southern branch. A unique thing about this monastery is that it has been constructed in different parts over a course of several centuries. While the chorten inside this monastery belongs to the 2nd century, its assembly hall is believed to be constructed during the early years of the 17th century. The architecture of the Sani Gompa resembles a huge castle and has a prayer hall and 2nd century Kanika Stupa within its premises. Statues of Buddhist deities and revered Lamas adorn the central hall, which also has elaborate fresco designs and thangkas on its walls. Behind this monastery, there is a small chapel that has stucco murals related to the life of Guru Padmasambhava. A sacred cremation ground, surrounded with intricate rock carvings, is situated right outside the monastery complex.
Day 17: Padum – Zangla Fort (3950m) – Lingshed (4010m) (5 – 6 Hrs)
After leisure breakfast we will start our journey towards Lingshed. Before that we will be visiting Zangla Khar (Khar also known as Fort). Later visiting Zangla we will drive along with Zanskar River with beautiful view of Zanksar River Gorge. After reaching at Lingshed one can explore Lingshed village. Dinner & overnight at Guest house in Lingshed.
Day 18: Lingshed – Singge La pass (4955m)– Sirsi La Pass (4840m) – Leh ( 86 km 5 – 6 Hrs)
Today is last Day of our Zanskar Valley Route. Will be crossing two new passes one is Singge La pass & Sirsir La Pass later we will stop at Wanla for Lunch. After lunch we drive straight towards Lamayuru & visit the anicient Gompa of Lamayuru. Later drive to Leh and overnight at Leh Hotel.
Day 19: Rest day at Leh (3510m)
Evening explore Leh Main Market, Leh Palace & Shanti Stupa. Dinner & Overnight at Leh.
Day 20: Leh - Delhi
Leh to delhi by Air India Flight at 11:50 Hrs & Arrives Delhi at 14:00 Hrs.
On arrival at Delhi International Airport Terminal 3, check in Hotel & refreshments & relaxations for few hours. And check in the departures about at 20:30 Hrs. to catch the International Flights.
Day 21: At 00:55 hrs. Departure to home.
