Thiksay Gompa
Thiksay monastery is perched high on a hill above the Indus River at 3600m, around 5kms further south of Shey (20km from Leh). It is the seat of Tiksey Rinpoche, the main leader of the Gelug School in Ladakh. It is believed that in the early 15th century, Tsongkhapa, the founder of the reformed Gelug School, sent six of his disciples to remote regions of Tibet to spread the teachings their new school. One disciple, Sherap Zangpo is said to be the first founded the temple of Stagmo Lakchung at the top of the Thiksey valley. Then later Paldan Sherab, nephew of Sherb Zangpo is said to have founded Thiksey monastery at the present site. It houses one of the largest statues of Maitreya, the future Buddha, whose form rises majestically through two-storey of its main gompa. It also has some excellent artwork and if you come early in the morning, you can observe morning prayers.
Near Thiksay Gompa
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.
