Exploring Central Ladakh’s Spiritual Spine: The Monastery & Palace Circuit

Where royal dynasties, ancient monasteries, and community heritage come together in the cradle of Ladakhi civilization.

At the heart of Ladakh lies Central Ladakh—a region where the sacred and the secular have coexisted for centuries. Here, you’ll find majestic palaces nestled among poplar groves, centuries-old monasteries perched along rivers, and vibrant village life supported by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) working to preserve culture and livelihoods.

This Monastery & Palace Circuit offers a deeply immersive journey through Buddhist architecture, royal legacies, spiritual rituals, and craft heritage, all within easy reach from Leh.

Circuit Route at a Glance

Leh → Shey → Thiksey → Stakna → Spituk → Sankar → Stok → Saboo → Phyang → Phey

Duration: 2–3 days (or more if you linger)
Best Time to Travel: April to October
Ideal For: Culture seekers, spiritual tourists, architecture enthusiasts, educators, families

Starting Point: Leh Town

Before heading out, take time to explore:

Leh Palace – a 17th-century royal residence offering panoramic views of the Indus Valley.
Main Market – for traditional Ladakhi handicrafts, SHG products, and bookstores on Buddhist philosophy.
Soma Gompa & Tsas Soma SHG Café – a peaceful introduction to community life in the town.

Shey – The Summer Palace of the Namgyals

Located just 15 km from Leh, Shey Palace was once the royal residence of Ladakh’s Namgyal dynasty.

Don’t miss the 12-meter-high copper-gilded Shakyamuni Buddha housed inside the palace.
Nearby Shey Monastery offers a peaceful atmosphere and great views over mustard fields.
Join a Herbal Soap & Oil workshop with Apricot Bloom SHG, using local apricot kernels and Himalayan herbs.

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Thiksey – Mini Potala of Ladakh

This 12-story hilltop monastery, often compared to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, is a must-visit for its grandeur and significance.

Attend the morning prayer ceremony at sunrise, surrounded by chanting monks and incense.
Explore the Maitreya Buddha statue, libraries, and rooftop terrace.
Thiksey also houses nuns supported by women’s cooperatives, offering butter lamp kits and souvenirs.

Tip: Try the local tea at the monastery’s SHG-run café after your visit.

Leh

9 Experiences 27 Homestays 22 Tours

Shey Village

9 Homestays

Thiksey Village

2 Experiences 11 Homestays

Stakna – The Monastery on a Hill

Perched above the Indus River, Stakna Monastery is serene and photogenic, with fewer visitors.

Watch the reflection of the monastery in the river, especially during golden hour.
Known for its unique Drukpa lineage art and dragon motifs.
Ideal for solo travelers and spiritual photographers.

Spituk – Fortress of the Elders

Located close to Leh airport, Spituk Gompa is a functioning monastery with stunning views and deep cultural roots.

Visit during the Spituk Gustor Festival (January) to witness masked dances and rituals.
The monastery also houses relics from Tibet and rare manuscripts.
Spituk Women’s SHG sells handwoven bags and incense kits in the temple complex.

Sankar – The Quiet Retreat

Sankar Monastery is a small, modern monastic complex affiliated with Spituk but located within walking distance of Leh.

Great for those short on time or looking for an intimate, meditative experience.
Visit in the early morning for serene solo exploration.

Combine with a short walk to the Donkey Sanctuary, supported by local volunteers and SHGs.

Stakna village

3 Homestays

Spituk Village

2 Experiences 3 Homestays

Sankar Monastery

Stok – Royal Legacy & Living Culture

Across the Indus lies Stok, home to the present-day Ladakhi royal family.

Visit Stok Palace, now partially a museum and boutique stay.
Learn about the Namgyal dynasty, traditional costumes, and royal thangkas.
Nearby, the Stok Wool Artisans SHG offers weaving demos, yak wool products, and stitching workshops.

Tip: Join a guided walk through the palace and then dine on chhurpi curry at a village homestay.

Saboo – Craft Revival & Spiritual Touchpoints

Just outside Leh, Saboo village combines spiritual significance with thriving SHG work.

Explore Saboo Gompa, a peaceful monastery surrounded by barley fields.
Visit Saboo Women’s SHG and Ladakh Women’s Federation – Saboo to purchase handmade pickles, stoles, jams, and embroidered woolen goods.
Ask about their seasonal natural dyeing workshops.

Phyang – Monastery, Meadows & Snow Valley SHG

One of the most dynamic monastic sites in Central Ladakh, Phyang Gompa is known for its annual Phyang Tsedup Festival (July/August) and vibrant community life.

Visit the monastery museum showcasing antique weaponry, masks, and scripts.
Meet the women of Snow Valley SHG, who lead workshops in handloom weaving, eco-tourism, and agro-enterprise.

Combine with a village stay or short ridge hike for sweeping views.

Stok village

8 Homestays

Saboo/Sabu Village

9 Homestays

Phyang Village

1 Homestay

Phey – The Agrarian Soul of Central Ladakh

End your journey in Phey, a quiet village nestled among barley fields and riverbeds.

Visit the Phey Organic SHG, known for soil testing, composting workshops, and farm-based learning.
Eat a traditional paba & tangtur meal prepared by Phey Women’s Collective.
Try guided walks through irrigation channels and local seed banks.

Suggested 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Leh – Shey – Thiksey – Stakna
Day 2: Spituk – Sankar – Stok – Saboo
Day 3: Phyang – Phey – Return to Leh

Responsible Travel Tips

Choose SHG-supported homestays and heritage guesthouses over commercial hotels.
Purchase locally made crafts and herbal products directly from village SHGs.
Be respectful at monasteries: avoid loud talk, ask before photographing monks or nuns.
Hire local guides or youth storytellers to deepen your experience.

What You’ll Take Home (Beyond Photos)

Handwoven yak wool scarves from Stok and Saboo
Herbal oils and soaps from Shey or Saboo
Deep insights into Ladakh’s religious, political, and craft histories
Stories of royalty, resilience, and ritual from Central Ladakh’s spiritual heart

Ready to Design Your Monastery Circuit?

We offer:
Tailored Maps | SHG Homestay Booking | Ethical Shopping Guide | Trained Local Guides

Contact us to plan your trip and explore Central Ladakh through the lens of its sacred architecture and living traditions.

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Experience the heart of Leh by staying with local families.
Immerse yourself in Ladakhi culture, traditions, and warm hospitality.
Book your homestay and explore the region like never before.

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Discover Local Experiences

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.

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Discover Monasteries

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.

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