About Thiksey Monastery
Located in the Eastern region of Leh, Thiksey Monastery is one of the most beautiful Tibetan Buddhist style monasteries in India. At a height of around 3600 metres above sea level, it is situated in between the cold deserts of Leh and Ladakh. Known to be the largest Tibetan monastery in Ladakh, Thiksey monastery houses several stupas, statues and other Buddhist artefacts in its 12 storey structure. There are various sections which you can visit in the monastery, each of which has a distinct style of architecture.
Thiksey Monastery, also known as Thiksey Gompa is a Buddhist monastery, located approximately 19 kilometres east of Leh. The temple has a 15-meter-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, which covers around two storeys of the building. This gompa is a must-see location on your journey to Ladakh because of its stunning architecture, peaceful environment, and important cultural and historical background. It is often included in many Ladakh tour packages, making it a top destination for travellers seeking both spiritual and scenic experiences.
Thiksey Monastery Highlights
• One of the most beautiful and largest monasteries in central Ladakh, Thiksey Gompa is located atop a hill overlooking the cold deserts of Leh.
• Often referred to as the ‘Mini Potala’ of India, the monastery resembles the grand Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.
• A colossal statue of ‘Maitreya’ Buddha, which is approximately 49 ft high, can be seen from afar while visiting this 12 storey towering structure of Thiksey Gompa.
• The buildings of Thiksey Monastery have been constructed in a hierarchical manner, where each building holds different significance and serves a distinct purpose.
How To Reach Thiksey Monastery
1. By Car: The Thiksey Monastery is located approximately 17 kilometres from the Leh City Center and the car journey takes around 25 to 30 minutes. You can hire a cab or drive yourself to the Monastery from there.
2. By Bus: Buses depart from the JK SRTC bus stand every 15 minutes. It will take you approximately one hour to reach Thiksey by bus from here.
Best Time To Visit Thiksey Monastery
1) Best Time of the Week: Plan a visit to the monastery during the weekdays as weekends attract large crowds.
2) Best Time of the Day: The best time to visit Thiksey Monastery is early morning or late afternoon. During these times, the crowds are less and you can explore the monastery peacefully.
Thiksey Monastery Other Essential Information
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Thiksey Monastery FAQs
How old is Thiksey Monastery?
Thiksey monastery started to be built during the mid 15th century. Thus, it is more than 5 centuries old.
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Who built Thiksey Monastery?
Thiksey monastery was built by Palden Zangpo and some of his disciples after receiving a divine indication. it is believed that palden Zangpo and his disciples were guided by two crows who carried the holy torma to Thiksey which indicated them to construct the monastery at this spot.
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What is the opening time of Thiksey Monastery?
Thiksey monastery opens at 7 AM in the morning from March to October. The monastery remains closed from November to February because of intense snowfall.
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Can We stay at Thiksey Monastery?
Yes, you can stay at the monastery at nominal charges. There is no specific procedure for booking rooms. You just need to go to the reception and ask about accommodation.
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When is the annual festival held in Thiksey Monastery?
The annual festival of thiksey monastery, known as the Gustor ritual, is held in the month of October or November depending on the auspicious days according to the Tibetan calendar.
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What are the flight options for a Ladakh tour from Pune or Delhi?
- Direct Flights: Leh is well-connected to Delhi with daily direct flights operated by Air India, GoFirst, IndiGo, and Vistara. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours, making it the most convenient option for travelers.
- Road Travel: For those seeking an adventurous journey, road trips from Delhi to Leh are popular during the summer months. The Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways offer scenic routes, though they are typically open from June to October due to weather conditions.
- Connecting Flights: There are no direct flights from Pune to Leh. Travelers can book connecting flights via Delhi, where they can catch a direct flight to Leh. This option is convenient and widely used.
- Road Travel: Alternatively, one can drive from Pune to Delhi and then proceed to Leh via road. This journey is extensive and requires careful planning, but it offers a unique experience of traversing diverse landscapes.
For the most accurate and up-to-date flight schedules, it's advisable to check with airlines directly or use flight booking platforms.
What is the best time to plan a Ladakh trip from Mumbai?
If you're considering organizing a ladakh trip from mumbai, make sure to plan the trip from June to September, when the weather is pleasant, most mountain passes are open, and the best time to visit monasteries and high-altitude lakes as well as partake in biking, trekking, and adventure activities while you are in the area. If you're considering the snowy experience, you can go to Ladakh during December-February, but be warned that it will take additional preparation as winter takes hold and access is more limited. The monsoon season is best avoided, with road travel risking landslides and delays.
What is the estimated cost of an Ladakh Tour Package From Kolkata?
The cost of a Ladakh tour package from Kolkata can be estimated depending on many variables, including the season of travel, type of accommodation, and activities associated with the package. A budget package can start from about ₹20,000 per person for basic hotels and transportation. You could expect a mid-range tour package which would include accommodations, transport, sightseeing and adventure activities, cost you anywhere from ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 per person.
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