The Cultures and Topography of the state of Jammu and Kashmir divide the and into three major parts. Ladakh is also a part of this division and is a desert on sky with a majority of Buddhist Population. Although its extremely famous for its dry and arid climate, the beautiful monatsries in the region enhance the tourism quotient.

With a rich history behind them, these monasteries or gompas as they are called is the place where Busshist monks stay and continue the practice of Buddhism . Mountains and Hills as their locations add to their visual appeal. Even tjose that stay back in the plains caryy the same charm . These Gompas also house a huge and generous amount of painting that are know commonly as the thangka paintings. Apart from this many arts and artifacts of the Buddhist are also available. The way the monasteries are built lend you a certain degree of insight into the reality of Buddhism.

The visit to these monasteries comes with a certain degree of advisory.First of all, One must try to dress like the locals and make sure the dress is proper. Besides, One must never, under any circumstances, wear a shoe or a footwear in the actual are of prayers .One must seek permission before clicking pictures and should never be a disturbance for the praying monks.Drinking, Smoking, Loud Talking must never be indulged in.At times, Women are not supposed to be in the prayer hall thus one must always seek permission.

There is a large number of monasteries in the region of ladakh. The bnumber is so vast that a short trip can never take you through all of these Buddhist marvels/. Providing an insight into the details and places of the Gompas, We attempt to make the visit fruitful .One you have your information is order about every monastery and monasteries near it, you would be able to plan the trip in a better way. Also, there are several festivals and fairs in each monastery. We attempt to throw some light ion the same to ensure that you visit them during the right time.

Famous Buddhist Monasteries in Jammu Kashmir

Hemis Monastery

He largest monastery in Laddkah, the Hemis Monatery is revered by people. The Monatery boastsof a taotal of 200 wings with each having a thousand or more monks
Located right outside the city of Leh and on the foothilld along the Indus, The Hemis Monastery is accessible through roads. With thrilling rides , the surroundings and the way to the monasteries makes the ride unforgettable.

Perhaps the richest one In India, This Monastery is renowned for the wealthy compilation of antique miscellany including a copper statue of the Budha and Golden and Silver Stupas. Also peresnt in it are holy murals, Thangkas and an assortment of artifacts.

The Hemis Monastery is a belonging of the Drukpa Lineage which is  Order of Dragon  under Mahayana Buddhism. The colorful vivacity of the architecture add the dollop of beauty to the Hemis Monastery. This in turn is a characteristic of the Tibetan architecture. The Hemis Monastery has an elongated assembly hall which is called the Dukhang and a temple area known as the Tshogkhang. Another strong visuall appeal at the monastery is the presence of its vast courtyard which witnesses the celebrations of fairs and festivals due to its large space. The courtyard also boasts of a Verandah which is bedecked and has multicolored paintings of the kalachakra of the Buddhists.

Alchi Monastery

At a distance from around 67 kms from the town of Leh, Alchi, A humble village lies which is the home to some of the most ancient monasteries ladakh possesses.Also known as Alchi Choskor, The Alchi Monastery stand besides the mighty river of Indus.The main person responsible for the construction of this remarkable monatery is the celebrated translator called Rinchen Zangpo who lived from 958AD to 1055 AD, the Ancient monuments conserved at this juncture are as old as the middle of the 12th century. Anoither major significance of this place is the fact that it is the ony monastery made on a flat ground.

There are two main temles inside the comple namely the Sum-tsek and the Alchi Du-khang. Moreover, additional minor buildings inside this monastery compound include Lotsawa Lha-khang, The Temple of Manjushri  and the Lha-khang Soma

at the moment, the monks belonging to the Monastery of Liker manage this monastery too. If a tourist wishes to enter the huge complex of this monastery it is highly recommended for him to carry a torch or flashflight. This is important as there is no electricity supply in the monastery.

Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery is an exceptional example of the architectural beauty of Laddakh. It is nothing less than a magnificent monastery for the Buddhists situated at a distance of 18 km from the city of Leh on its eastern front. Soaring high on top of the charming summit of a hill, the Thiksey monastery encapsulates several Thangkas, stupas, swords, wall Art, and statues. Along with that there is also a huge column engraved with the ideas preached by Buddha.