ABOUT THE
Attraction
Established in the 11th century, the Spituk monastery is situated on a hill overlooking the Indus river in Jammu and Kashmir. While the original gompa has been restored, a new structure too has been built. Founded by Od-De, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub-od, the gompa was named Spituk (meaning exemplary) by the great translator of Buddhist scriptures Rinchen Zangpo. Initially, the gompa was run according to the Kadampa school, later it came under the Gelugpa order of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery has a rich collection of icons of Buddha and several thangkas. It also has a collection of ancient masks. Every year, on the 17th and 19th day of the 11th of the Bodhi month, the Gelugpa order of monks celebrate the Spituk festival known as Gustor. During the festival, the lamas wear masks of deities and through dance depict mythological stories related to Buddhism. Today it is home to about 100 monks. Leh town is around 20 km away.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Alchi Monastery
Dating back to nearly one thousand years, the monastery has strong Tibetan influence in its art and architecture.
Ambaran Monastery
Though in ruins now, the brick stupa seems to resemble the ones excavated at Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh. Excavations have led to the discovery of bases of stupas and votive stupas, and walls of a monastery, and many important antiquities.
Thiksey Monastery
Sitting on a hilltop and offering stunning views of the Indus valley, the oft-photographed Thiksey monastery is one of most recognisable monasteries in Ladakh.