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Lamayuru Monastery, India
Title
Little Monks
ANUPAM CHAKRABORTY
India
In Ladakh there stands the Lamayuru Monastery.
Neutral Density Photography Awards 2023
The Lamayuru Monastery | Leh & Ladakh
The Lamayuru Monastery | Leh & Ladakh
Image Credits Lamayuru is well-known for its ‘lunar’ scenery and monastery. But, interestingly, this tiny little town is marketed to tourists as a “moonscape,” owing to its unique yet strange geological characteristics. It’s a little village in Ladakh, but it’s a great location to stop on the way from Kargil to Leh. Legend has it that this location was originally a lake that dried up, and it is…
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A quaint village between Kargil and Leh. Lamayuru is known for its moon-like terrain, earning it the nickname ‘Moonland’. If that name itself isn’t enough to justify its place on our list of top 10 places to visit in Ladakh, simply read on.
Lamayuru Monastery is one of the most amazing travel getaways located in Kashmir for the people who are spiritually inclined. This is a must-visit destination that should feature on your travel bucket list definitely.
Popular Monasteries in Ladakh – You Cannot Miss!
There are several monasteries located all around in Leh Ladakh. While some of them are turned as ruins, others are running as religious and educational centres. These famous Buddhist monasteries are known for architectural and cultural presence. The monasteries are major tourists’ attraction because of the fascinating old sculptors, paintings, stupas, statues, murals and other artefacts. Besides that, you feel so rejuvenated and calm when you visit this place of peacefulness. Each of these monasteries is located at different locations and bring around unique features different from the other. The peace that tourist experience in this tranquil environment relieves them of stress and brings them closer to the almighty.
Here are some of the most famous Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh which you cannot fail to visit:
Hemis Monastery:
Known to be one of the most famous monasteries in the region of Ladakh is the Hemis Monastery. This monastery is the largest Ladakh has ever seen. Situated at the foothill of the Indus River, this monastery has more than thousands of monks in hundreds of its branches who offer prayers for spiritual strength and integrity.
The roads are accessible for the road trippers and bikers and offer a scenic and thrilling ride making their journey even more exciting. It’s also been recognized as the wealthiest monastery for its rich ancient artefacts like gold and silver stupas, copper statues, sacred thangkas, murals, relics etc. Built in the 11th century, it is one of the most symbolic structures of Ladakh. Best time to visit this monastery is between the months of May to October when the weather is extremely pleasant.
The monastery attracts many tourists during the famous annual festival also called as Hemis Festival. This festival is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. The main highlight of the festival is the dance performed by the monks, also known as Cham. This dance is performed wearing colorful dresses and masks and is the part of the Tantric tradition. Another popular attraction is the Hemis National Park where you can catch snow leopards and other rare animals as a natural inhabitant.
Thiksey Gompa Monastery:
Thiksey Monastery is one of the most fascinating monasteries in the region of Ladakh. Initially constructed by the disciples of a Buddhist guru Palden Zangpo and Sherab Zangpo, in 1433 AD. The prophecy of Tsongkhapa came into existence with the establishment of the first Gelugpa monastery at Thiksay followed by many other large-scale monasteries located on the right of the river Indus.
Today Thiksey is considered as one of the most prominent and regular tourist attractions for tourists every year. The architecture of the monastery is unique, and you can study and find interesting facades of Buddhist culture, including paintings, stupas or statues. Maitreya Buddha is one big attraction of this place. The statues define stupendous architecture and its two storeys tall in height. Besides that, two temples can also interest you named Lomokhang Temple and Tara Temple. The walls of these temples are an exclusive treat to the eyes adorned with intensely delicate marvels.
Even though tourists are visiting the place all over the year, a preferable period to visit Thiksey Monastery is from the month of June to September. The monastery remains closed from November to April. The weather is pleasant from September onwards and also invites many tourists to visit this place. As a tourist, it will be fascinating to attend the rituals here during various festivals conducted between October to November.
The Thiksey Gustor Festival is remembered for its dance which is exciting and conducted by wearing masks (Cham dance) during the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar performed by resident monks and nuns as a part of a ritual. Visit early in the morning to witness morning prayers at the monastery.
Lamayuru Monastery:
This oldest Tibetan Buddhist Gompa is also one of the largest monasteries in Leh Ladakh. Mounted at an altitude of 3510 meters, this offbeat monastery is easily accessible from the village of Ladakh. Set in the most memorable village of Ladakh Lamayuru, this monastery is also very popular and photogenic Buddhist monastery.
With an amazing backdrop of mountains and villages, picturesque sceneries all around, this monastery is home to most beautiful ancient wall paintings, decorations, intricate and colorful rocks and stunning stupas or chortens. a Favourite time to visit this monastery is between the months of May to October when the weather is favourable, and roads are accessible from Srinagar and Manali. You can also visit the Moonland of Lamayuru Monastery during winters.
Many tourists also visit Lamayuru during March and July when they celebrate the festival of Yuru Kabgyat. During this festival, all the Lamas offer prayers and get together for three days of masked dancing. This festival spreads a lot of happiness and joy to all the lamas who gather there from different countries.
Alchi Monastery:
Alchi Monastery is situated on the banks of the river Indus about 70 km from Leh. Settled in the lower segment of Ladakh, this monastery comprises of four settlements. The significant shrines which belong to Alchi Monastery are the Dukhang or the assembly hall, The Sumtseng and the Manjushri temple. A must visit tourist attractions in Leh, Alchi offers flamboyant and ravishing backdrops for visitors all year throughout.
The oldest monastery has striking architecture adorned with minutely carved beautiful wall paintings. These wall paintings reflect the artistic details of Buddhist and Hindu communities dating back to centuries. If you are planning to visit Alchi monastery, then you must travel there between the months of May and September. The jaw dropping backdrops will elevate your excitement to another level.
Alchi hosts a lot of Ladakh festivals like during the festival celebration like Chotrul Duchen, Dajyur, Galdan Namchot, Losar, Monlam and Sho Dun. The famous Ladakh festival is celebrated for fifteen days every year and visitors can enjoy traditional mask dances, archery competitions, polo matches and other delightful events.
Diskit Monastery:
The primary and significant attraction of Diskit Monastery is the gigantic statue of Lord Buddha mounted on the top of it. This famous oldest monastery is situated in the Nubra valley and considered as one of the largest Buddhist centers in Ladakh. Standing tall at the height of 10,300 ft, this beautiful structure was founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong Khapa. A sub-gompa of Thiksey monastery, it belongs to the yellow hat section of Tibetan Buddhism. The huge 106 ft tall Maitreya Buddha statue is the prime reason to attract tourists from all around the world.
This milky white gompa is adorned with intricate wall paintings, chortens and numerous shrines. At a distance of 116 km from Leh, the best time to visit this monastery is from the months of May to September. The roads to the monastery are open from Manali and Srinagar and weather is favourable for travelling.
A famous festival called Dosmoche or festival of the scapegoat is celebrated at Diskit during winters in the month of January and February. The locals of the villages participate in the festival. If you want to experience the ritual and are willing to endure the harsh cold climate, then you can plan your visit to Diskit during this time.
Likir Monastery:
One of the most well-maintained monasteries in the region of Leh Ladakh is the Likir Monastery. Also known as the oldest gompa, it is believed to have been existing since the 11th century by Lama Duwang Chosje . Located at a distance of 62 km from Leh, Likir monastery is vividly mounted at the height of 3700 meters above sea level giving you a mind-blowing panoramic view of the Himalayan region. A massive crowd of people visiting Sham valley visit Likir as per their travel itinerary for sightseeing.
The monastery houses various statues Amitabha, Sakyamuni, Maitreya Buddha, Boddhisattva, and Tsong Khapa in the prayer hall along with brightly colored thangka paintings, manuscripts and collection of earthen pots. The roads to this monastery are closed from November to May due to heavy snow. Hence it is advisable to visit Likir Monastery from June to October.
On the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar every year, the festival of Dosmochey is celebrated, which involves dance, music, food, sports and many more things. You can visit this monastery during winters if you are willing to endure the cold temperature and want to marvel at the white beauty of Ladakh.
Day 17: Alchi to Kargil / Panikhar
Day 17: Alchi to Kargil / Panikhar
Alchi to Kargil
You will have to make an early start if you choose to go off the beaten track and head from Alchi to Kargil by a longer but very interesting alternate route via Batalik. However, please note that a permit, obtainable at Leh, is required for this section and security is pretty tight in and around Batalik.
Taking the regular route, the first diversion for the day is barely 10km from…
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Day 16: Drive & Stay from Leh to Alchi
Day 16: Drive & Stay from Leh to Alchi
Drive from Leh to Alchi
The drive from Leh to Alchi is relatively easy and not as spectacular as the Manali-Leh route. Somewhat gentler terrain comes as a relief and its beauty has a compelling attraction of its own. The journey to Kargil is 231km with some flat stretches on a good tarmac road and can be completed in a day (8 hours driving time). However, unless you are tired of sightseeing, or…
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