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Ladakh Monasteries: Retaining The Age Old Buddhist Practices

Buddhist Monasteries are the key attractions to the tourists visiting the beautiful valley of Ladakh. Monasteries or Gompas are ancient structures, where Buddhist monks and nuns live, study and practice their religion. Almost all of these historic monasteries are situated in scenic locations, on hills and mountains. Tourists visit these places very frequently and admire the architecture and art collection here. The greatest concentration of major Buddhist monasteries or gompas can be found in the central Ladakh.

These main centres for worship, isolated meditation and religion teaching belong to either the Red Hat sect or the Yellow-Hat sect of Tibetan monasticism. Over twelve monasteries are situated near the Indus, out of which the Lamayuru is considered the oldest monastery. It has been a sacred site for the pre-Buddhist religion known as Bon. These Gompas are undoubtedly beautiful and splendorous, but are perched dangerously on the edge of craggy mountain faces or rocks. A few popular monasteries/gompas in Ladakh are:

• Alchi

• Namgyal Tsemo

• Sankar

• Shanti Stupa

• Likir

• Spituk

• Cave Monastery

• Thiksey

• Stok Palace

• Shey

• Lamayuru

• Phugtal

• Leh Palace

• Zongkhul

Apart from that, Phiyang, Hemis and Chemrey are a few other ancient monasteries that were founded under the patronage of members of the ruling Namgyal dynasty. It is suggested to cover your limbs and take off the shoes while entering the monasteries. Prior permission should be taken for photography inside the monasteries and drinking or smoking is stricly prohibited. A head is appointed in every monastery, who is called the 'Kushak', which literally means a 'Reincarnation'. Your tour to Ladakh monasteries showcases the rarest collection of Buddhist relics like thankas, murals, sculptures, scriptures, etc.

About the Author

Travel to Ladakh monasteries to explore the age old Buddhist culture and traditions. Leh Ladakh tourism is an ideal shot for history buffs, nature lovers and religious minded people. Ladakh travel guide provides the best of Ladakh monasteries information.