Introduction

Driving down about 73 kilometers (45 miles) from the town of Leh you will come across one of the most structurally intriguing monuments that is the Rizong Monastery, which is also known as the Yuma Changchubling locally. Founded in the year 1831 by Lama Tsultim Nima and following the Yellow Hat or Gelugpa order of Buddhism, the monastic complex is famed as a “paradise for meditation” with highly firm regulations of celibacy set for the followers. The Rizong Monastery sits solemnly on a rocky top off the valley’s wall north of the river Indus and west of Alchi village. There is a firm belief attached to the monastery, which reveals that the great Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the sanctums of the caves around the monastery long before it was constructed. This, of course, proved too inspiring for many lamas who reportedly meditated in complete isolation in those very caves for several years, thus going on to further consecrate the place.

Actually, even before the monastery was constructed, there used to be a hermitage started by the Lama in the 18th century, where meditation and the teachings of the Buddha were taught to monks of all ages. As the numbers kept increasing, Lama Tsultim Nima felt the need to set the idea of a monastic complex into motion and established the present day monastery, with the rule of celibacy or “Vinaya Rules” as the foremost principle. Even the King of Ladakh joined in the cause by donating funds to further improve the pilgrimage centre, which is said to be visited by the Queen herself on a pilgrimage. Today, this fairly large monastery houses 40 monks and has three chambers, including one that holds a stupa within. The complex comprises a relic shrine (Sku-Gdung), which holds the relics of the founder besides frescoes of various deities around, the assembly hall housing the statue of Sakyamuni at the centre with idols of Avalokite?vara and Mahakala, the sacred chamber, the Thin-Chen shrine and various other structures.

About 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) or a pleasant 45 minutes walk away from the Rizong Monastery is the Jelichun Nunnery, also known as Chulichan (Chomoling), the spiritual sanctuary of more than 20 nuns. The nunnery is administered by the governing body of the monastery and allows the nuns (Chomos) to participate in meditation and Buddhist philosophical enlightenment. Trained in various chores like spinning wool, milking and oil extraction, the nuns have proved to be a great support to the economic wellbeing of the monastic complex. Fascinatingly, even the nuns lead a life of celibate monasticism here, lending a great hand to the success of the monastery, their only compensation being the opportunity to inch closer to higher spiritual learning.

Special Attributes

An 18th century monastic complex based on celibacy that augmented the establishment of a nunnery based on the same principle

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

None. Be decently dressed as you will enter a complex based on celibate-monasticism and might hurt the sentiments of the inhabitants

Connectivity

Public transport buses, taxis/jeeps

Enjoyed by

Singles, Backpackers, Nature Lovers

Exposure

You will remain indoors mostly.

Avoidable Season

October, November, December, January, February, March, April

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restrictions

Tip

Leave early in the morning so you can spend more time and meditate in the peaceful ambience of the monastery

Type of site

Monastic Complex