A trip to Leh and Ladakh is on the radar of every traveler’s list. It is the gorgeous view and isolated essence that is worth exploring. The Leh trip is meant to surpass all your expectations, and when you head for lesser-known sites, you get stories and memories like never before.
One such site is the Thikse Monastery, located in the beautiful hills of Thikse. The Monastery is known for its breathtaking views and historical value that gather tourists from around the globe. Plan your Leh trip with a pit stop at the Monastery and elevate your overall experience.
Thikse Monastery
Thikse Monastery is located at 11,800 feet in Thiksey village near Leh. The beautiful architecture is meant to take your breath away. It stands tall with 12 stories divided into different halls, temples, monk homes, and nunnery. The focus of attention is its Maitreya temple, located in the center of the building.
Standing in front of the Monastery, you would witness a striking blend of color palate created all over. It is a widespread belief that the blend of red and ochre creates a happy and positive vibe around the Monastery, making visitors connect better.
History
The Monastery’s history makes the visit even more appealing as it goes back to the 15th century when Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of Gelug School, sent six disciples to preach his teachings. While on the journey to propagate the teachings of Je, one of his disciples reached the area and decided to establish a larger structure because of the natural calmness and peace that the village, Thiksey, offered.
Things to look out for Thikse Monastery
Your trip to the Monastery will take around half a day to explore thoroughly. While the view from the top is worth gazing at for hours, you are swept away right from the entrance.
1. Architecture: The Monastery welcomes you with its handcrafted statue of the protector deity, followed by a gigantic hall featuring engravings of preachings. If you are interested in Buddhism, then the Monastery and its unique elements have a lot to offer. Climb the stairs and get ready to capture the best pictures of your Leh trip from the top.
2. Thikse Monastery Festival: This famous festival is celebrated to cherish the victory of good over evil. It starts with preparing a cake – Torma (the evil)and ends with the head monk cutting it in half, symbolizing the win of good over evil. Apart from the ceremony, several local stores and vendors sell unique items that make for the perfect souvenir.
3. Food: You can only enjoy a trip to its fullest by indulging in local flavors. The Monastery has amazing food to offer on its campus. The cafe at the top enhances the flavor of dumplings and Thupka with the view. You can also grab snacks from the mini cafe near the parking lot.
4. Stay: Thikse village, though remote, has good places for your stay. You can quickly get a room for the night with prices as low as ₹300-400. Staying in the village is recommended if you wish to learn more about Buddhism.
How to Reach Thikse Monastery
Reaching the Monastery has been made convenient in the last decade due to increased visitors.
Via private vehicle– The Monastery is located on the Manali-Leh highway, so first, you must reach Leh. From Leh, you can drive for 20 km, which takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Via local bus– Buses are the best option if you are traveling via local transport. Reach the Leh bus stand first and take a bus to Choglamsar, from where you have to change the bus and take the one moving forward to Thiksey. You can easily find buses every 15-20 minutes, and the ticket is as cheap as ₹35-50. The real adventure begins when you get down at the Thiksey bus stand as you have to walk to the Monastery. However, the pleasant weather and stunning landscape make the walk seem shorter.
Via cab/taxi– Another option is to book a cab/taxi from the bus stands for the Monastery, which will charge you around ₹1500-2000. If you are lucky enough, you might find shared cabs.
Best Time to Visit Thikse Monastery
If you plan to visit the Monastery, May to October is the perfect time. The pleasant weather and less crowded road make your visit worthwhile. The Leh Road is open during the season for bikers to channel their love for rides in challenging and gorgeous terrains. You can switch to other commuting options, including local taxis and buses.
You can witness snow-capped roads if you travel anytime between November to Feb. Traveling via air is the only option available. It is highly recommended to check the Monastery opening timings to avoid disappointment.
Further Reading:
- 11 Best Places to See Ladakh in June 2024
- How to Spend One Week in Ladakh
- Chadar Trek Ladakh: Your Ultimate Wonderland Expedition Guide
- 10 Famous Trekking Places in Ladakh
- Ladakh’s Most Popular Offbeat Places
- Top 10 Places to See in Ladakh in July 2023
- Ladakh Traditions, Arts, Culture & Lifestyle of Ladakhi Peoples
- Top 10 Popular Local Food in Ladakh
- How To Plan A Trip To Ladakh
- Lamayuru Monastery: The Ultimate Ladakh Travel Guide
- Nubra Valley Ladakh – A Complete Travel Guide
- A Complete Travel Guide to Khardung La, Ladakh
