Thiksey Monastery, Leh

Located around 17 km south to the Leh, this beautiful Buddhist monastery is the largest monastery in central Ladakh. This Tibetan Buddhist monastery was set up by the Gelukpa monks. This wonderful Gompa is positioned on rocky hills what gives the monastery an amazing look. The view of the Indus Valley looks wonderful from the top of this gompa. The architectural beauty and location of this monastery is superb. This 12 storied monastery comprises of 10 temples and assembly hall. The monastery is a residence for 120 monks and nunnery. The buildings of this gompa are built in hierarchal order. Thiksey monastery is known as Mini Potala of India. It has got resemblance with Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. There is a 40 feet high idol of Maitreya future Buddha which covers two floor of the gompa. One can visit the temple of Goddess Tara, one of the major attractions of this monastery. Other than visiting gompa, one can spot some of the rare and historical stupas, wall paintings, idols, thangkas, and swords in the monastery. Due to its closeness to Leh huge number of believers assemble in the Morning Prayer. At the end of the prayer, junior monks get back to their respective duties of puja daily worship. You can spot a wonderful painting of Bhavacakra at the entrance of the monastery. This wheel like painting is related to Life which represents the recurring nature of samsara the worldthe endless series of life and death. A bird, a snake and pig run after each other in the centre of the wheel which symbolises attachment, aversion, and ignorance as the main causes of all misery according to the great Buddha. From the top of the gompa you can enjoy the clear ambiance of the Indus Valley. Some of the notable monasteries like Stok, Matho,and Shey can also be seen from this monastery. At the crest of the monastery you can visit the Lamokhang temple, where one can find the library of this ancient monastery. This library is a repository of huge number of thick books. It includes the sacred texts like Kangyur and Stangyur. Before heading to the stupa platform you can have a look at the library. Only men are permitted to get into this floor. At the entrance of the monastery you can spot engraved large stupas and mani walls. There is a huge pillar inside imprinted with the Buddha's teachings. One must not miss the opportunity to visit this monastery.