India is renowned for its varied and opulent cultures that coexist phenomenally! Be it churches, temples, mosques or monasteries, India has a wide variety of them that boasts of a surreal aura. Buddhism, originated in India somewhere between 6th century - 4th century B.C, spread through much of Asia thereafter!
Buddhist monasteries offer a unique opportunity to experience the opulent culture and tradition of Buddhism first hand! India is home to many Buddhist monasteries that boasts of rich tradition and spectacular beauty. Let's see 4 Buddhist monasteries in India that are quite famous! These famous monasteries of India are simply surreal and vouches for a splendid experience.
4 surreal monasteries of India!
Phugtal monastery/ Phugtal Gompa
PC : Shakti
Phugtal monastery or Phugtal Gompa is a Buddhist monastery located in Lungnak valley of Ladakh region. It is one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries in India and is accessible only by foot! Festivals in Phugtal monastery are quite famous among the locales and avid travellers. Smonlam CKsuryawanshihenmo, Chudsum Chodpa and Chonga Chodpa are some of them.
PC : Ksuryawanshi
Key monastery or Kye Gompa is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery known for its out of this world beauty! Imagine a giant white balloon floating in the sky?! The marvel of Key monastery in Himachal Pradesh appears to be just that from the town of Kaza which is 7km away. Set in the magnanimous lap of Himalayas with Spiti river furling through vouches for a spellbinding experience! This 1000 year old monastery is certainly one of the must visit Buddhist monasteries in India.
Thikse monastery
PC : Lomita
Located on a hill top in Thikse village, Thikse Gompa or Thikse monastery in Leh resembles Potala Palace in Lhasa. This twelve storied complex has many items of Buddhist art such as stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings and swords, and houses the largest statue in Ladakh. It is also the largest Gompa in central Ladakh.
Diskit monastery
PC : Hynek Moravec
Diskit monastery or Diskit Gompa is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh! Dosmoche or the "Festival of the Scapegoat" in Diskit monastery is a very famous festival held during the winter season in February! With gigantic mountains overlooking azure river and snowy white clouds, the surreal aura is surely going to astound you. Have you been looking for some 'me time'?! Try meditating at the terrace of the monastery.
These are some of the spectacular and most famous monasteries of India. Travel to these magnificent places for a spiritual uplift! Happy Travelling :)