Spituk Monastery

About Spituk Monastery of Ladakh

An 11th century monastery, Spituk Gompa or Pethup Gompa is known for its giant Kali statue that is revealed on the annual festival of Gustor. Spituk is at a short distance away from Leh and is one of the top places to see.

The monastery now comes under the Tsongkhapa order (Gelug or Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism and is home to 100 monks. On Spituk’s premises, there’s also a museum that has a wide collection of ancient masks, antique arms, other icons and numerous thangkas (Buddhist paintings) making it an important attraction here.

History of Spituk Monastery

The history of Spituk Monastery dates it back to the 11th century when it was founded by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od when he came to Maryul. It is said when Lotsewa Rinchen Zangpo (Translator) visited the place, he predicted that an ‘exemplary’ religious community would arise there and so the monastery was called spituk (exemplary). Founded as a Red Hat institution, Spituk Gompa was taken over by the Yellow Hat sect (Gelug/Tsongkhapa) in the 15th century.

Highlights of Spituk Monastery

• The giant statue of Kali
• Annual Gustor Festival
• Museum

Best Time to Visit Spituk Monastery

The best time to visit Spituk Monastery is during the annual festival of Gustor. During the festival, one can witness the annual display of the statue of Kali and the traditional Cham Dance as well.

How to Reach Spituk Monastery?

The best way to reach Spituk Gompa is by hiring car or renting a bike from Leh, which is around 8 km away.