From cliffside caves to royal chapels, this sacred circuit unfolds Ladakh’s spiritual spine—one monastery at a time.
If Ladakh is a land of silence and stars, its monasteries are the living heartbeats of that silence—repositories of ancient wisdom, prayer, and Himalayan art. The West to East Monastic Circuit is perfect for those seeking spiritual immersion, architectural marvels, and cultural depth.
This route is also an opportunity to engage with monastic SHGs, nunnery collectives, and village artisans, turning your pilgrimage into a form of conscious travel.
Lamayuru → Alchi → Rizong → Likir → Phyang → Spituk → Shey → Thiksey → Stakna → Hemis → Matho → Chemrey → Takthok → Korzok
Known as the oldest monastery in Ladakh, Lamayuru rises from a lunar-like landscape, once an ancient lakebed.
Alchi Gompa is more of an art gallery than a fortress, home to 11th-century Indo-Tibetan murals and Kashmiri-style woodwork.
Known for strict monastic discipline, Rizong is serene and secluded, nestled within a rocky canyon.
This hilltop monastery features a towering golden statue of the Future Buddha.
Overlooking wide meadows and poplar groves, Phyang Gompa is both visually grand and spiritually grounding.
Close to the airport, Spituk is often the first monastic stop for many.
Once the summer capital of Ladakh, Shey combines royal architecture and monastic prayer halls.
Built on a hill in a tiered fashion, Thiksey is one of Ladakh’s most iconic monasteries.
Local Experience: Combine visit with nearby homestays for traditional meals or Buddhist philosophy sessions for guests.
Perched on a hill shaped like a tiger’s nose, this monastery is relatively peaceful and less crowded.
The wealthiest and largest monastery in Ladakh, Hemis is a must-visit.
Matho is unique for its Oracle Festival, where monks become spirit mediums.
Built against a rocky mountain, Chemrey is often missed by casual tourists—making it perfect for slow explorers.
Takthok is Ladakh’s only Nyingma monastery, built around a meditation cave of Guru Padmasambhava.
On the banks of Tso Moriri, this monastery is spiritual and symbolic for the Changpa nomads.
SHG Connection: Changthang Weavers SHG offers felt-making, wool carding, and yak butter demos—a deep dive into nomadic livelihood.
Day 1: Lamayuru → Alchi → Rizong
Day 2: Likir → Phyang → Spituk
Day 3: Shey → Thiksey → Stakna
Day 4: Hemis + Herbal SHG activities
Day 5: Matho → Chemrey
Day 6: Takthok → Drive to Korzok (Tso Moriri)
Day 7: Korzok monastery visit + SHG immersion, return via Chumathang
We offer:
Reach out to curate a sacred, community-rooted, and unforgettable monastic experience in Ladakh.
From pottery workshops to Ladakhi cooking sessions, uncover the authentic experiences that Leh offers. Dive into the local culture with hands-on activities that will leave lasting memories.
Leh is home to some of the most stunning and serene monasteries in the world. Visit these sacred sites, learn about their rich history, and experience the spiritual calm of Ladakh.
