Introduction

How far do you think you have to go to be cut off from your usual life for a while and plug in a constant wave of tranquil thoughts? How difficult is it to embrace spiritual peace when you have your hands full with all kinds of earthly responsibilities? Not very difficult if you could have heard the eminent translator Rinchen Zangpo forecast the development of an exemplary monastic community in an 11th century monastery, thus spawning the name Spituk, which literally means exemplary. The very first feeling that will overcome you when you behold the Spituk Monastery is an overwhelming calmness that you had longed for all your life. And that’s because monastic life here is an example for others to follow if only to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Located about 8 kilometers (4.97 miles) away from Leh, the Spituk Monastery was established by Od-de, the older brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od, and was administered under the Kadampa sect initially. With time and the supervision of Dharmaraja Takspa Bum, the monastery’s administration soon converted into the Gelugpa order and still continues to do so. This tri-chapel designed monastery has a huge collection of antique thangkas, masks of deities, weapons and images of Lord Buddha and Amitayus, besides a high throne for the Dalai Lama in the Dukhang (main temple). A special attraction of the monastery is the Gustor Festival, which is celebrated from the 27th to 29th day of the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar and witnesses various dance performances by the monks.

Phyang Gompa is another ancient Buddhist monastery that was once a part of several monastic structures gifted to Chosje Damma Kunga during the period of Dharmaraja Jamyang Namgyal. Built in the year 1515 over the hill of Phyang, it was initially known as Tashi Chozong until a monastic community was set up there, making way for the spread of the Digung teachings in Leh. The Phyang Monastery belongs to the Drikung Kagyu (Red Hat) school of Buddhism, one of the only two existing in Leh, about 16 kilometers (9.9 miles) from the town. The most interesting thing about this monastery is a 900 year old museum within the complex, which is a vast storehouse of enormous-sized thangkas, firearms and weapons from China, Mongolia and Tibet, idols of various deities and Kashmiri bronze artifacts. Even the monastery is traditionally done up with murals from the royal era, besides various sacred shrines that are spread out throughout the sanctum. Interestingly, the monastery comes alive with sacred dance performances, including the Chham Dance on two very important occasions. The festival of Gang-Sngon Tsedup is celebrated from the 17th to the 19th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar, while a two-day festival called Phyang Tseruk is celebrated on the 2nd and 3rd days of the sixth month in the form of a pilgrimage to the huge thangka of Skyabje Jigten Gombo, the founder of the Dringungpa order.

Special Attributes

A 900 year old museum inside the Phyang Gompa, which houses valuable artifacts like massive thangkas, Chinese, Mongolian and Tibetan weapons, idols and Kashmiri bronze items.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

None. Wrap up in warm clothes as temperature can go down drastically during evenings.

Connectivity

Shared Taxis, Jeeps

Enjoyed by

Singles, Backpackers, Nature Lovers

Exposure

You will remain indoors mostly.

Avoidable Season

November, December, January, February, March, April

Facilities

Basic. Plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restrictions

Tip

If you want to behold the beauty of the landscape, it's better to trek down to the monasteries and click pictures along the way. Be equipped with water for the uphill walk.

Type of site

Monastery