Thiksey Monastery

About Thiksey Monastery Ladakh

Noted for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Tibet, Thiksey Monastery is the largest gompa in central Ladakh and a must-see place near Leh. One of the main attractions of Thiksey Monastery is the Maitreya Temple which was installed to commemorate the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama to this monastery in 1970. The temple has a 15m tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, which is the largest statue in Ladakh covering two-storeys of the building.

Thiksey Monastery belongs to the Gelug or Yelloe Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhist. It is also known for its annual Gustor Festival held in the month of October/November in which a trade fair is held at the base of the monastery wherevillagers from all over Ladakh come to barter and trade items and socialize.

History of Thiksey Monastery

The history of Thiksey Monastery states that the gompa is a 15th century structure. In 1433, Jangsem Sherab Zangpo, the disciple of Tsongkhapa (the founder of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddism), founded a small village monastery called Lhakhang Serpo "Yellow Temple" in Stagmo, north of the Indus.

Later, in the mid-15th Century Palden Zangpo built a larger monastery a few kilometres away from Stagmo, on a sacred hill above a village of the same name. This monastery is what we now know as Thiksey Gompa.

Architecture of Thiksey Monastery

The architecture of Thiksey Monastery resembles greatly to the Potala Palace in Tibet. The building of the complex are arranged in an ascending order of importance and are well spaced. The foot of the hill has the dwelling units and at the atop of the hill is the monastery and potang (official residence) of the chief lama. The highest level of the monastery has a stupa (chorten).

Highlights of Thiksey Monastery

• Maitreya Buddha
• Assembly Hall
• Tara temple
• Lamokhang temple and quarters
• Gustor Festival

Best Time to Visit Thiksey Monastery

The best time to visit Thiksey Monastery is during the Gustor Festival in the month of October/November. During the festival, one can witness the traditional Cham Dance.

How to Reach Thiksey Monastery?

The best way to reach Thiksey Gompa is by hiring car or renting a bike from Leh, which is around 19 km away.