Lamayuru
Lamayuru (Tibetan Buddhist Gompa)
The village of Lamayuru (3390m) is home to the most famous, spectacularly set and the oldest known monastery in Ladakh, dating back to 10 Century. The gompa is said to have been founded by the Indian scholar Mahasiddha Naropa in the 11th century, on the site of a dried-up lake. Narapo spent many years in meditation here. The monastery belongs to Drikung, suborder of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Drikung Kagyu Lineage was founded by Jigten Sumgon (1143-1217), whose master was Gambopa, the main disciple of Milarepa. The current head of Drikung order is HH Chetsang Rinpoche. In 16 Century, the monastery was declared a holy site by the rulers of the land, and so even criminals could seek sanctuary here. Lamayuru is host to two annual masked dance festivals; in the second and fifth months of the Tibetan lunar calendar, called Yuru Kabgyat.. Around 200 monks live inside the monastery.
Near Lamayuru
More to see around Ladakh.
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Sight
Alchi
Alchi is a village located about 70km away from Leh in the lower Sham region, on the bank of Indus River at an altitude of 3,300m.
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Sight
Alchi Monastery
the monastery is known as Chos-kor, or religious enclave and comprises of five temples. The richest in paintings and images are in the Du-khang (assembly hall) and the three-storey Sum-tsek.
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Sight
Basgo Gompa and Fort
Basgo is situated about 40 km west of Leh, along the way to Srinagar. It is known for its castle ruin and the adjoining royal temples spectacularly located on the rocks.
