India is a land of diversity as there is something different and exciting every 50 km. The air, people, culture, and vibe change every step of the way. Be it a nature lover, a wildlife explorer, an adventure junkie, or a spiritual seeker; every wanderer will find his desired destination here. One place which fulfils everyone’s wishes is Ladakh. This is one mountainous region which hits the bucket list of every traveller. What exactly is so special about it and why are the cave monasteries of Ladakh in all the rage? In this blog, we will look into the history, culture, and exploration ideas of these rugged mountains.
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The Untamed Beauty of Leh Ladakh
Ladakh is placed beautifully between the Tibet border and the Kashmir Valley in India, and has a raw beauty seldom found elsewhere. This place is a suitable vacation spot for desert lovers, adventurers, nature admirers, and beach seekers. You can find yourself amid the two-humped Bactrian camels or biking through the mountains. Among all the Ladakh tourist places, seeking a spiritual experience at the top 5 cave monasteries of Ladakh is on everyone’s mind.
5 Best Cave Monasteries of Ladakh to Explore:
#1. Phugtal Monastery
Phugtal or Phuktal Gompa cave monastery of Ladakh is one of the most admirable cave monasteries of Ladakh and the best mountain spots in Zanskar. This place attracts everyone through the antique gompas structures and is lovingly called the “honeycomb monastery of Ladakh” due to the same reason. The 100 monks living here use complicated platforms and wooden ladders to reach the gompa. Phugtal Monastery is located remotely, making it perfect for visitors who want to disconnect from the world and seek introspection. It is situated on a cliff, making the journey a bit challenging. You can reach Phugtal only on foot via trek from the Chah Village or Purne Village. The shrine rooms are located inside a cave where people pray and meditate peacefully.
#2. Hemis Monastery
Awaken your spiritual side on this journey to Leh Ladakh as the Hemis Monastery invites you to experience serenity at its best. It was constructed amid the rule of King Singge Namgyal and was re-established in 1672. The place shares its story with an Indian Buddhist, Naropa who reached enlightenment here. Today, the monastery is run by the Drukpa sect and witnesses the yearly Hemis Festival between June and July. What attracts travellers to Hemis is the 300-year-old painting of silk thangka by Guru Rinpoche. It is displayed every 12 years so people can come and seek blessings from their Buddhist guru.Hemis Monastery is the largest Buddhist spiritual destination in Ladakh. It is located 40 km from Leh and takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach via road.
#3. Alchi Monastery
You must visit Alchi Ladakh Monastery as this is the destination to experience spirituality and closeness to the higher power. The religious site was constructed by Rinchen Zango in the 11th century and the story of this oldest monastery of all the ave monasteries of Ladakh in the mountains is fascinating. According to history, Richen used to plant willow sticks across Zanskar and Ladakh and once the sticks turned green, monasteries were formed at the exact locations. Another impressive tale is that Rinchen appointed Kashmiri artists to create carvings and paintings for the monastery which are today’s masterpieces. There are dedicated prayer rooms where visitors can devote hours to meditation.
Alchi Monastery is on a flat ground and is easily accessible via the Leh road. It is approximately 70 km and you will require a cab to reach the destination.
#4. Thiksey Monastery
The Gelugpa expansion led to the formation of Thiksey Monastery and is admired by the visitors for its extravagant size and structure. Its buildings are carefully arranged in a tier shape upon the cliff for elevation. There is a 15 m Maitreya Buddha statue inside the shrine room which acts as the major attraction point for everyone. This is one of the most peaceful cave monasteries of Ladakh and has a roof terrace which gives a clear view of the Stok Kangri peak. You can attend the morning prayer which happens every day and sit alone to seek a spiritual experience.
Reaching this Ladakh monastery becomes easy via bus or private cab. It is 19 km from Leh and takes approximately 30 minutes to reach.
#5. Lamayuru Monastery
If beautiful had a name, it would be Lamayuru Cave monastery of Ladakh. It is located on a mountain and has a picturesque appeal. Lamayuru is the oldest Buddhist spiritual destination in central Ladakh and is renowned for allowing everyone to contemplate. There is dukhang, the main assembly hall where Naropa meditated and rested in the 11th century. According to the legend, this area was located on the lake bottom but sand formation was observed over time. This turned the place into a landscape which resembles a moonland.
You can hire a private cab and reach the Lamayuru Monastery from Leh easily. It is approximately 27 km from there and takes 45 to 60 minutes.
When to Visit Leh Ladakh?
Make a plan and pack your bags if you have added the Leh Ladakh monasteries to your bucket list. But Leh Ladakh’s best time to visit is from April to June. The Ladakh weather during these months is quite pleasant and gives you a chance to explore without worrying about excess heat or chilled waves.
Book Your Leh Ladakh Tour Package
Come onboard with zingbus and confirm your Leh Ladakh and Kashmir tour packages at the best rates. We assure Leh Ladakh trip cost will fit your budget and bring you the most comfortable experience.
A bus will be the cheapest option if you are wondering how to go Leh Ladakh from Delhi.
Head to Keylong from Delhi first and then board the bus from there to Leh.
Happy, peaceful and amazing journey folks!
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