Ladakh

Matho Monastery, Ladakh

About Matho Monastery

Immerse yourself in the magical charm of Matho Monastery, nestled in the majestic Himalayas. It was built by Lama Tugpa Dorjay in the 1600s and is 26 km southeast of Leh. Since it is the only temple of the Sakyapa sect in Ladakh, it is a peaceful place to get away from the busy roads.

With thangkas that are over 600 years old, it's a treasure trove of Tibetan Buddhist history. Its main attraction is the colourful Matho Nagrang festival, which honours the visit of two Gods (Rongtsan). It is held on the 14th and 15th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar and treats you to captivating ritual dances. During the Matho Rang Nag Festival, you also get to enjoy the captivating Chaam (Mask Dance) within the assembly hall.

The monastery comes alive in the first part of March every year during the Buddhist New Year with the annual festival of oracles. Thus, you can witness the growing number of resident monks within their meeting hall ornamented with paintings of the Lords of Quarters. Here, you can view the museum with 16th-century Tibetan-imported Thangka paintings. Moreover, you can also see the tiny chapel on top of the structure that holds a picture of Sakya Pandit and other holy lamas.

Day Wise Timings

Burj Khalifa opening hours through the week.

Open 0 days a week

Free entry

MondayClosed

TuesdayClosed

WednesdayClosed

ThursdayClosed

FridayClosed

SaturdayClosed

SundayClosed

Hours are seasonal — confirm your date at checkout. Special events may extend closing time.

Matho Monastery Highlights

• Explore the serene Matho Monastery, which was founded by Lama Dugpa Dorje in 1410 and is situated at the base of the Himalayas.
• Admire the 600-year-old thangkas of Matho Monastery, which display exquisite Tibetan Buddhist artwork.
• Enjoy the colourful ceremonies and performances as you immerse yourself in the lively celebrations of the annual Matho Rang Nag Festival.
• Visit the assembly hall to observe a mural of Sakya Pandits and lamas and a Shakyamuni Buddha statue that illustrates Tibetan Buddhism.
• Witness the heroic deeds of devoted monks during the Matho Rang Nag Festival as they display unfaltering bravery and altruism.

Why Choose Thrillophilia?

3 Million+

Happy customers from 70+ countries all around.

4.8/5

Rated across Trip Advisor and Google reviews.

Curated With Love

Special curated Indian itineraries built for Indians.

24/7 Assistance

Always there to help before and during trips.

Point of Interest for Matho Monastery

Explore the Monastery’s Assembly Hall

As soon as you enter the main assembly hall of the monastery, the imposing figure of the Buddha will astound you. The statue is made of solid gold and is decorated with precious stones that give it a divine sense of peace and beauty. It is a place to meditate and think, with butter lamps flickering and sweet incense burning around it.

Explore the Rich Collection of the Monastery’s Manuscripts

The Matho Monastery has a remarkable assortment of old scriptures and manuscripts that the monks have maintained for ages. With books from the very beginning of the tradition, the monastery library offers you an insight into the rich literary legacy of Tibetan Buddhism.

Partake in the Matho Nagrang Festival

Indulge in the captivating Matho Nagrang festival, which takes place in the calm splendour of Matho Monastery in Ladakh. People from all over the world come to this two-day extravaganza in the winter because it promises ancient prophecies and lively cultural acts. See the mesmerising Cham Dance, in which dancers in masks move to the beat of traditional music, taking you to a magical world. The real highlight, though, is when the oracles show up after two months of meditation alone to give predictions. Come along and ask the locals for wisdom and blessings for the road ahead.

Popular Related Attractions

Zorawar Fort

Established in the 19th century by General Zorawar Singh, the Zorawar Fort is one of the most historically important attractions in Leh and it should be part of your Leh Ladakh holiday packages. The Zorawar Fort, with its museums and its galleries showcasing priceless relics from Kashmir’s war-torn past. Weapons, documents and articles spell out the history within the Museum’s walls. The Zorawar Fort is also known for its fantasti light and sound show, which displays the historical events of Zorawar.

from ₹19,000

Zanskar Valley

One of the least explored places in the country and must be included in your Le Ladakh tour packages, Zanskar Valley is a hidden gem located near Leh, Ladakh which offers sublime scenic views of the snow-laced Himalayan range with sparkling blue river flowing at their foothill. It even provides an exotic experience of trekking, ‘Chadar Trek’, on a thick sheet of Ice on a river during the winter season.

Zangla Fort

Yarab Tso Lake

Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan ranges, Yarab Tso emerges as Ladakh's secluded gem, earning the moniker "The Secret Lake." Its mesmerizing aquamarine waters vividly juxtapose the verdant-brown peaks towering behind it during the summer months. Get a chance to explore this hidden treasure with Ladakh tour packages.

Wanla Gompa

Wanla Gompa stands as Ladakh's oldest and most sacred monastery, tracing its roots back to the 1st century. Despite its unassuming architectural style, the monastery boasts an impressive collection of artwork portraying Buddha, Bodhisattva, and mandalas. Adding to its allure, the monastery grounds house a 12th-century castle constructed by its founder, Lama Rinchen Zangpo. Explore this historical treasure on your Ladakh trip for a glimpse into ancient Buddhist culture.

Upshi

Nestled amidst the snow-clad mountains of Ladakh is the village of Upshi, also known for being one of the highest civilized settlements in the country. A part of an important trade route in the past, Upshi is also quite a popular place for cycling and trekking, so make sure to include in your Ladakh tour packages. Its vigorous terrains and scenic beauty all around has captured the hearts of many.

Popular Related destinations

Spiti Valley

Starts at₹16,500

Leh

Starts at₹1,000

More Things to Do in Ladakh

Quick links to everything else worth a slot on a longer stay.