Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Situated on the country's northern most tip, Jammu and Kashmir is a state filled with Buddhist relics. One can travel through the state and admire the Buddhist carvings and architecture here. Although many of them are in ruins, travellers are still left to wonder as to how such mega structures were built and how long did the construction take in a day of no modern equipments.
The intricate carvings on the life of Buddha is common on most of the architecture. Still serving as a religious place for Buddhists, most living temples and monasteries are maintained by the resident monks, while other relics are left to the care of nature. So let's set out to explore these ancient relics built by our ancestors that still live on with us here at Jammu and Kashmir.
Alchi Monastery
Among the oldest and most beautiful monasteries in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is the Alchi Gompa. It is actually a complex of many Buddhist temples in the Alchi Village. The monastery has beautiful paintings on the inside that reflect both Buddhist and Hindu influences. The monastery consists of various structures such as the assembly hall, Sumtseg structures, temples and Chortens. Large statues of Lord Buddha are also noteworthy.
Photo Courtesy: Intrepid wanderer
Basgo Monastery
Situated at a distance of 40 km from Leh is another beautiful monastery in Jammu and Kashmir, the Basgo Monastery. Built by the Namgyal rulers, the monastery is located atop a hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding regions. The noteworthy features of the monastery include; the Buddha statues and wall mural paintings.
Photo Courtesy: Elroy Serrao
Chemrey Gompa
Famous for the tall Padmasambhava statue, the Chemrey Gompa is another must-visit Buddhist temple in Jammu and Kashmir. Located at a short distance from Leh, the monastery houses rare scriptures that are in the form of silver pages and writings in gold. The monastery also hosts key festivals as per the Tibetan calendar.
Photo Courtesy: Krayker
Diskit Monastery
The monastery famous for being the oldest and largest in the state, Diskit or Deskit Gompa is noted for its beautiful Maitreya statue. The lovely statue stands vibrantly against the stark backdrop of rugged mountains. It can be seen across great distances. Travellers finally reaching the base of the shrine will be amazed by the towering statue. The insides of the monastery also have interesting wall murals.
Photo Courtesy: John Hill
Hanle Gompa
The 17th century Hanle Monastery is situated in the picturesque Hanle Valley. The main monastery was built by the famous King Sengge Namgyal. The monastery has only a few resident monks but many others travel to the monastery for prayers. The village and the nearby Indian Astronomical Observatory are on sensitive grounds of the border and visiting them requires permission from the government.
Photo Courtesy: ZeePack
Hemis Monastery
The ancient Hemis Monastery has a history dating back to before the 11th century. Situated at a distance of 45 km from Leh, Hemis Gompa is famous for the festival celebrating the Hemis festival in honor of Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche. Stellar dance and cultural performances will enthral viewers. Some of the dances are said to be of tantric nature and referred to as Chams.
Photo Courtesy: Karunakar Rayker
Hundur Gompa
The Hundur monastery is located in close proximity to the Diskit Monastery and can be seen from a great distance. The monastery surrounded by stark landscapes of mountains is among the most peaceful places to visit. The views of the surroundings can also be enjoyed in the quiet.
Photo Courtesy: Karunakar Rayker
Korzok Monastery
The 300 year old Korzok Monastery is among the must-visit places in Leh district. Located on the banks of the Tsomoriri Lake, the monastery and lake are both considered with immense reverence. At an altitude of 4,595 mt, the monastery has a resident monk population of over seventy. The temple has beautiful idols and paintings of Shakyamuni Buddha and other deities.
Photo Courtesy: Steve Hicks
Kursha Gompa
Among the largest and important monasteries in the Zanskar region is the Kursha Gompa. Devoted to the worship of Padmasambhava, the temple has many shrines of other gods and goddesses. The temple also has exotic paintings that are sure to make you take a second look. There are over 100 resident monks at the monastery. Set against a backdrop of craggy hills and overlooking green valleys, the temple offers stunning views.
Photo Courtesy: Hamon JP
Lamayuru Monastery
A beautiful monastery to visit in Jammu and Kashmir is the Lamayuru Gompa. At an elevation of 3,510 mt, the monastery is among the largest and oldest in the region. Originally made up of five structures, four are down to ruins. The monastery is home to over 150 monks.
Photo Courtesy: Kondephy
Likir Gompa
The now isolated Likir monastery was once enroute the busy trade routes in the region. Nestled among the hills and near the Indus River, Lekir has over 120 monks in residence. The monastery has a 75 ft tall gilded statue of a seated Maitreya. Interestingly, the monastery is also built like a fort to protect it during the days of power struggle in the surrounding regions.
Photo Courtesy: jbhangoo
Lingshed Gompa
The Lingshed Monastery or Gompa located in a small village between Ladakh and Zanskar means 'A Hundred Thousand Images'. It is home to a small set of monks and consists of six main shrines for the six villages it serves.
Photo Courtesy: Hamon JP
Phugtal
Among the most unique monasteries to visit in Jammu and Kashmir is the Phugtal Gompa. Built on the mountain face, against the mouth of a natural cave through which flows the lateral gorge of Lungnak River, the monastery is a feast for the eyes. Merging seamlessly into the rugged mountains, the monastery is built in a honeycomb structure. It can only be approached by foot and is a day's walk from Dorzang.
Photo Courtesy: Shakti
Rangdum Gompa
Situated at an altitude of 4,031 mt above the Suru Valley, the Rangdum Gompa was built over 200 years ago. The monastery and its monks are dependant on supplies from Zanskar. Interestingly, the Gompa has around 30 monks and the same population of donkeys.
Photo Courtesy: Narender9
Rizong Gompa
The monastery also known as Yuma Changchubling, Rizong Gompa is located on the way to Lamayuru in Ladakh. The secluded monastery is know to be the 'paradise for meditation'. Following stringent rules, the monastery also has a nunnery located at a short distance. The monastery consists of the relic shrine, assembly hall, sacred chamber, Julichen nunnery, etc.
Photo Courtesy: Baldiri
Sankar Monastery
At an easy walk from Leh is another beautiful monastery in Jammu and Kasmir, the Sankar Gompa. Established by the Spituk Monastery, the structure is comparatively new. Noteworthy features include the stunning statue of Avalokitesvara, who is seen holding 1,000 arms and 1,000 heads. The walls are covered in paintings.
Photo Courtesy: Bodhisattwa
Shey Gompa
Situated at a short distance from Leh, Shey Gompa was once the summer monastery of the region. Built in 1655, the monastery is popular for the magnificent statue of gilded Shakyamuni Buddha, which is considered to be the second such large statue in Ladakh at a height of 39 ft.
Photo Courtesy: Karunakar Rayker
Sumda Chun
The ancient Tibetan Buddhist temple of Sumda Chun is located in the isolated parts of the Himalayas and is at a distance of 65 km from Leh. The journey to this monastery has to be made partly by motorable road and partly by trekking across alluring trails of streams and gorges. The old Gompa has many beautiful shrines and paintings that are actively being conserved now.
Photo Courtesy: Vskmenon
Thiksey Monastery
The biggest monastery in central Ladakh, the famous Thiksey Gompa is located atop a hill, a short distance from Leh. At an altitude of 3,600 mt, the monastery is a stunning 12-storey structure. Among the attractions of the monastery is the Maitreya Temple that houses the 49 ft high statue of Maitreya Buddha and rises within two storeys of the temple building.
Photo Courtesy: Saad Faruque
