Thiksey Monastery
Thiksey Monastery
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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- K BLafayette, California433 contributionsInteresting architecture, active Buddhist community, lovely viewNot too far from Leh, Ladakh, this monastery is interesting architecturally as it resembles Potala Palace in Tibet. It is also a Tibetan Buddhist monastery with active monk community, including quite young boys. It is quite a climb to the top (many stairs) but worth it. There are several different temples and prayer rooms you can go in and unlike a lot of monasteries, they did not seem to limit photography inside. The views from the top to the surrounding mountains and valleys are stunning. Although we didn't stay here, it was interesting to learn that you could: they have a guest house and restaurant. However, we were just on a day trip from Leh where we were staying to acclimitize for higher elevation travel.Visited February 2020Written February 29, 2020
- binduborleDubai, United Arab Emirates132 contributionsTruly divineThiksey Monastery is situated atop a hill and resembles the Potala Palace in Tibet. It is the largest gompa in central Ladakh and is a must-see place near Leh. This monastery has several stupas, statues and other Buddhist artefacts in its 12 storey structure. One of the main attractions of Thiksey Monastery is the Maitreya Temple. Our guide accompanied us to the monastery and took time to explain us all about the murals and art in the monastery. The view from the monastery is really very beautiful! Definitely worth a visit.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 10, 2023
- Amit Singh SHyderabad District, India82 contributionsThis is ancient monasteryOne can visit this monastery and have blessing of lord Buddha. The view is magnificent from top of the Monastery. You will not find much eateries nearby this monastery there is only one restaurant inside the compound of this Monastery, they serve very little options of menu and take whole lot of time to serve you your order, so plan your timing accordingly.Visited May 2022Written July 17, 2022
- YadlapatiVisakhapatnam, India318 contributionsMust VisitIt is located on top of a hill in Thiksey approximately 19 kilometres (12 mi) east of Leh in Ladakh, India. It is a twelve-storey complex and houses many items of Buddhist art such as stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings and swords. One of the main attractions of Thiksey Monastery is the Maitreya TempleVisited May 2022Written June 21, 2022
- Narasimman VCChennai (Madras), India12 contributionsWoww..! Get to know the Ladakh History from here..!Beautiful drawings / devine paintings that belong to 1st & 2nd Century are carefully maintained here. Have a word with the Preists / Monks and they will explain the true Ladakh history and their culture which remain undisturbed even by the Mughals & Christs..! Hats off. !Visited May 2022Written May 19, 2022
- Apolonia701,549 contributionsAn imposing structureThis was the monastery I most wanted to visit. As we stopped to take photos before entering the grounds I marveled at its size and grandeur. Sadly, no-one informed us that the monastery wasn't open that day - usually is. The monks decided to have a day off to do archery so we were unable to visit the place at all. We walked across the road to the monastery restaurant for lunch instead. Lunch was good and vegetarian only. Luckily I had seen many monasteries during my week long travels so didn't feel too disappointed.Visited September 2022Written December 22, 2022
- UtpalaPune, India67 contributionsPeaceful place with panoramic viewThis monastery is built on the similar lines of Potala palace in Lhasa and offers a peaceful experience. The large Maitreya Buddha statue is magnificent. From the top one can see the famous Stoke peak as well as the Indus valley. Do visit.Visited April 2022Written April 24, 2022
- atwoodtPortland, Oregon31 contributionsBeautiful monastery with great viewsI visited Thiksey in 1988 and it was very interesting then but a little run down. It has now be renovated and is even a better place to visit. Still has the great views of the Leh Valley and excellent art...both statues and wall paintings.Visited February 2020Written February 28, 2020
- RuchirzMumbai, India102 contributionsTruly divine feelingNice place. Kept very clean. The vibrant colors of the monastery are worth a look. The monastery is on a height and requires some amount of climb. But, its totally worth. One must keep 45 mins - 60 mins to visit this place. The Buddhist chant of 'Om Mani....' reveres in our heart while visiting this monasteryVisited August 2022Written August 31, 2022
- Deepak_01Bengaluru, India6,467 contributionsPeaceful & Serene.Extremely peaceful & serene monastery.Beautiful & enriching section with the monks praying & doing their rituals.Different levels of monastery with peaceful praying halls.One has to be prepared to climb the steep stairs all along. Restaurant at the entrance provides homely food.Visited June 2022Written June 14, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
1,763 reviews
Excellent
1,077
Very good
592
Average
82
Poor
9
Terrible
3
DavidG897
London, UK2,978 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
It proved worthwhile getting up early enough to attend the various rituals before and during the monks’ breakfast, including the conch shell blasts into the valley from the roof.
We visited two of the temples on site, the one dedicated to the future Buddha being particularly beautiful.
We visited two of the temples on site, the one dedicated to the future Buddha being particularly beautiful.
Written July 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Serena D
Melbourne, Australia169 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Very beautiful monastery and makes for majestic photos if you stop at various view points along the road reaching it.
Written July 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin S
Pontypridd, UK6,225 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Fabulous looking monastery from a distance and also impresses with its interior. Several temple rooms, cen-turies old decorated in the now familiar style seen in the better temples like this one. Lives up to its reputation, perhaps not the dramatic location of some like Chemrey but easily accessable from Leh. .
Written July 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
binduborle
Dubai, United Arab Emirates132 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Thiksey Monastery is situated atop a hill and resembles the Potala Palace in Tibet. It is the largest gompa in central Ladakh and is a must-see place near Leh.
This monastery has several stupas, statues and other Buddhist artefacts in its 12 storey structure.
One of the main attractions of Thiksey Monastery is the Maitreya Temple.
Our guide accompanied us to the monastery and took time to explain us all about the murals and art in the monastery.
The view from the monastery is really very beautiful!
Definitely worth a visit.
This monastery has several stupas, statues and other Buddhist artefacts in its 12 storey structure.
One of the main attractions of Thiksey Monastery is the Maitreya Temple.
Our guide accompanied us to the monastery and took time to explain us all about the murals and art in the monastery.
The view from the monastery is really very beautiful!
Definitely worth a visit.
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GerritL
Belgium229 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Very interesting monastery. A must-do when you are in Leh to get acclimitized to the altitude. About 1h drive outside Leh. Can be combined with visi a the Shey Palace. Beautiful monastery, built on a hill. Also called ‘the little’ Potala Palace. Make sure to climb to the topflorr to visi the prayerroom of the monks.
Written March 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JackPC32
Bengaluru, India311 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
Lovely place with full of history. This is one of the oldest monasteries in the world. The tourists can't access the old building but can see the new buildings.
Written March 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aryaman
Gurugram (Gurgaon), India5 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
Beautiful and peaceful perfect. My visit to Ladakh has been perfect and completed with a visit to the Thiksey Monastery. The monastery is peaceful and beautiful. It’s heritage can be seen from the first time you step in.
Written February 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Apolonia70
adelaide1,549 contributions
Sep 2022
This was the monastery I most wanted to visit. As we stopped to take photos before entering the grounds I marveled at its size and grandeur. Sadly, no-one informed us that the monastery wasn't open that day - usually is. The monks decided to have a day off to do archery so we were unable to visit the place at all. We walked across the road to the monastery restaurant for lunch instead. Lunch was good and vegetarian only. Luckily I had seen many monasteries during my week long travels so didn't feel too disappointed.
Written December 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruchirz
Mumbai, India102 contributions
Aug 2022
Nice place. Kept very clean. The vibrant colors of the monastery are worth a look. The monastery is on a height and requires some amount of climb. But, its totally worth. One must keep 45 mins - 60 mins to visit this place. The Buddhist chant of 'Om Mani....' reveres in our heart while visiting this monastery
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
84robertantony
Bengaluru, India10 contributions
Jul 2022
a wholesome experience, from the magnificent monastery, the statues of the future Buddha, views and seeing the young monks in their studies
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bien P
Bhubaneswar, India
Want to know how do I go ahead and arrange a stay for a group of four belonging to my family in the monastery for a day in June 2023?
Nagmani2015
Jamnagar, India131 contributions
Contact the monastery on 01982267005, I got this from google. Hope it works
Thomas
Bangalore54 contributions
Is there ample staying options near the monastery.and how much they charge for DBL room approx.
Sudhakar J
Udaipur, India296 contributions
No need to stay near Thicksey, It is a short distance from central Leh.
PulakChatterjee
Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia1 contribution
Hi. me interested in Leh Ladhak and therefore want to visit Thiksay monastry. Can you tell me how many stairs I need to climb to reach the monastry.
Sudhakar J
Udaipur, India296 contributions
Not more than 500 and that too with frequent landings between. Take your time in climbing the stairs and rest between taking a look around. The place is a must to see, dont be afraid of height.
GK_Explore
New Delhi, India46 contributions
Hi, do we have to walk a lot to reach to the top? Or can a vehicle drop till entrance?
Traveller Mehedi
Berlin, Germany116 contributions
You can directly bring your vehicle to the entrance gate of the monastery and buy ticket from there. It's a 12 storied monastery so you have to climb up,but take rest and lift the stairs.
I wanted to stay in the monastery for like 6months - 1year. How much will it cost me for the accommodation and food per month?
Sally W
Montrose, UK383 contributions
I think you would need to check with the monastery direct
jjlopera
barcelona3 contributions
Hi!
Is there an email to book a stay and get more info at thiksey Monastery?
Himalayan Destination
Kolkata (Calcutta), India15 contributions
Thiksay Gompa, Thiksey Monastery or Thiksay monastery is a gompa of Tibetan Buddhism religion. It is located on the top of the hill. It is very famous for its similarity with Potala Palace of Lhasa. This monastery is famous for pilgrim activities, architectural elements, sightseeing and exploration. The monastery has an interesting anecdote of how it was built in this exact location. It is said that when two Buddhist monks offered prayers and rituals at the Yellow Temple and were about to through a cake (offering to God) into the valley, a crow took away the cake and place it on a hilltop. They assumed this a divine order and built a monastery here.
How to Reach Thiksey Monastery-
The Thiksey Monastery is located on top of hill of 3,600 m altitude in Thiksey village. This village is located on the Leh-Manali highway in Jammu and Kashmir. The village lies 18 km to the south of Leh. Leh has a domestic airport, which is the highest airport in the country. The frequency of flights to Leh from other parts of the country is very less. Tourists usually reach India via Delhi or Srinagar airport and choose any land transportation to reach Leh. You can either hire cab to reach Thikse monastery or choose bus. The bus to the monastery starts at 9 in the morning. The bus tour includes many attractions including the monastery and thus, the time limited for exploring the monastery will be less. If you are planning to enjoy the monastery completely, it is better to visit in a car.
Best Time to Visit Thiksey Monastery-
The monastery is open to tourists from 7 in the morning to 7 in the evening throughout the week. October and November is the best months to visit the monastery. After November, the place will be closed due to snowfall and it opens by May. After November, the routes to the monastery will be blocked by snow and it becomes dangerous to visit. If you visit during early morning, you can enjoy many unique rituals. Numerous people visit the monastery by 6:00 in the morning to take part in the morning prayers with delicious hot local tea served by the monk. .
Entry Fee of Thiksey Monastery-
The entry cost is 20 INR for both locals and foreigners. There is no fee for camera. It would take around 2-3 hours to scale the whole place.
Places to Visit in Thiksey-
The monastery holds ten temples, home for monks, assembly hall, nunnery and others. The monastery has 12 levels. It is one of the largest structures in Ladakh. As you enter the monastery, you can find the statue of the protector deity in the entrance. From the monastery, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the flood plains of Indus valley.
Maitreya Buddha-
This is one of the important attractions inside the monastery. It is a large statue, which is two storey tall. This is the largest statue in Ladakh.
Assembly Hall-
The Assembly hall entrance has a wall that has murals of Tibetan calendar. The prayer room next to this wall has many books and manuscripts. Beyond the prayer room, there is a small sanctum. Apart from these, the assembly hall has many pictures, statues and murals.
Tara Temple-
This is a small temple dedicated to the Goddess. There are 21 images of the deity in this shrine. You can find many murals here.
Lamokhang Temple-
This temple holds many scriptures including Stangyur and Kangyur. Women are not allowed inside this temple. There is a small school on top of the temple where young boys are taught to become Lamas. You can find a large pillar with Buddha’s teachings engraved on it. Beyond the temple, you can find numerous white huts, the residence of Lamas.
Nunnery-
This is the school for nuns.
Festival of Thiksey Monastery-
Festivals takes place either in November or in October. The festival spans for two days. During this festival, after the morning prayers, the celebrations begin. A sacrificial cake is distributed during this festival. Top attraction of this festival is the mask dance, which is performed by the monks. It is said that the masked dance wade off the evil. The Black Hat dance is performed to re-enact the assignation of Lang Dar Ma by a monk. The exact date of the festival changes every year with respect to the Tibetan calendar. During this festival, a fair takes place at the monastery’s base. This fair is the best place to buy souvenirs and socialize with people.
What to Eat in Thiksey-
The monastery offers dinner at 6:30 pm. You can join the monks to enjoy the simple dinner. You have to pick a bowl and stand in a queue to receive thukpa, a noodle soup with many vegetables. You can also get butter tea here. If you are dining in the monastery, you are requested to clean your dishes.
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Meethee
Kolkata (Calcutta), India27 contributions
what will be the suitable time to visit lah ladakh ? I am having a kid of 8 years old and will be travelling from Kolkata. What will be the best route to travel with estimated cost ? can we plan to travel in December this year? It will be very helpful if any one can suggest. Thanks
Mj_metaljaw
Bangalore District, India3 contributions
I would recommend you to visit Ladakh during summer months (Jun/Jul being ideal).. in fact right now I'm on Ladakh trip.. it's already pretty chilly out here and with a kid you would require to be more cautious.. best route is from Manali side as it offers amazing views enroute and it's a beautiful drive no doubt.. although I'll suggest you to check the weather forecast and road conditions before planning as it is frequently marred by landslides..
Meethee
Kolkata (Calcutta), India27 contributions
what will be the suitable time to visit lah ladakh ? I am having a kid of 8 years old and will be travelling from Kolkata. What will be the best route to travel with estimated cost ? can we plan to travel in December this year? It will be very helpful if any one can suggest. Thanks
Raj68
India90 contributions
Best to fly to Srinagar and go by a beautiful road to Leh via Kargil and Alchi. Return direct flight from Leh to delhi.
Ruchir R
New Delhi, India7 contributions
Hi, could you please confirm the boarding charges for Thiksey monestary? Was $25 you paid, per day? or total amount?
Chauhan_Vishal
New Delhi, India247 contributions
I think you mean to boarding is "Entry". It was INR 30 that we paid! It was the fee for a single day. If you want to stay there for a night or multiple nights then you have to contact thikshey monastery directly.
Deepraj K
Indore, India1 contribution
any places to stay nearby temple
Chauhan_Vishal
New Delhi, India247 contributions
You can actually stay inside the Thiksay Monastery. I don't know about the process which needs to follow but Thiksay monastery is amongst those monasteries which allow visitors to stay for a limited time.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Thiksey Monastery
- Thiksey Monastery is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking Thiksey Monastery tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 17 Thiksey Monastery tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Thiksey Monastery:
- (0.03 mi) The Ice Guest House
- (4.94 mi) Ratna Hotel Ladakh
- (8.54 mi) The Abduz
- (9.25 mi) Hotel Paradise Ladakh
- (9.48 mi) Hotel Evergreen Ladakh
- Restaurants near Thiksey Monastery:
- (0.76 mi) Cafe Cloud
- (8.91 mi) The Tibetan Kitchen
- (8.88 mi) Chopsticks Noodle Bar
- (9.04 mi) Bon Appetit
- (6.90 mi) Willow Kitchen And Bar
Thiksey Monastery Information
Excellent Reviews | 1,077 |
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Very Good Reviews | 592 |
Thiksey Monastery Photos | 1,622 |