Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery, located in the high-altitude region of Ladakh, is one of the most striking and significant monasteries in the area. Perched on a hilltop, this 12-story complex resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, making it a must-see for visitors. The monastery was founded in the mid-15th century by Sherab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, who was the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Thiksey Monastery is home to around 120 monks and offers a glimpse into the life and rituals of Tibetan Buddhism. One of the most remarkable features of the monastery is the Maitreya Temple, which houses a 49-foot tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha, built to commemorate the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama to Thiksey. This statue is one of the largest in Ladakh and took over four years to complete. Thiksey Monastery's name and location have an interesting origin. Jangsem Sherab Zangpo and his disciple Palden Sherab were performing rituals when a crow flew off with a cake, later finding it intact at the top of a hillock. Seeing this as a sign, they built the monastery there, naming it Thiksey, meaning "in perfect order." The monastery offers affordable accommodation with excellent services. Luxurious hotels with modern amenities are available at the base of the hill, offering Indian and Tibetan food. The best time to visit is May to September; routes close after November due to heavy snowfall. Visitors can also experience the early morning prayers at the monastery, which is a spiritual and calming experience. The monastery’s location offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Indus Valley, especially during sunrise and sunset. A fun fact about Thiksey Monastery is that it hosts an annual festival called the Thiksey Gustor, where monks perform sacred masked dances known as Cham dances. These dances are believed to drive away evil spirits and bring peace and prosperity to the region.