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Full day
No Cancellation
10 people
English, Hindi, Ladakhi
Step into the spiritual rhythm of Ladakh with a behind-the-scenes experience inside a working monastic kitchen at Thiksey Monastery. This immersive day introduces you to the soul of monastic life through its food — prepared in silence, served with devotion, and shared as a form of community service. Learn traditional monastery recipes, cooking rituals, and the philosophy of mindful eating in the heart of Ladakh’s Buddhist culture.
Located in Thiksey village, just 19 km from Leh, the Thiksey Monastery is one of Ladakh’s most iconic gompas, resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The monks here belong to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. You’ll be welcomed by the monastic kitchen staff, often young monks and elder cooks, who dedicate their lives to service and spirituality.
Food in Ladakhi monastic culture is more than sustenance — it’s a practice in compassion, routine, and discipline. Cooking in the monastery follows a daily ritual, with meals being offered to monks and guests alike as part of Ladakh’s rich tradition of hospitality. Participating in this experience gives rare insight into how religion and daily life intertwine in Himalayan Buddhist traditions.
Arrive at the serene Thiksey Monastery and meet your kitchen guide, a seasoned monk or cook. Start your day with a warm cup of butter tea and a short briefing about the day ahead.
Begin by preparing the kitchen area in traditional fashion. Engage in rituals that bless the food and space, and learn the significance of cleanliness and mindfulness in monastic cooking.
Join the morning preparations by learning to make tsampa porridge and the perfect Ladakhi butter tea—staples of the monastic breakfast. These offerings are made with care and intention, setting the tone for the day.
Step into the heart of the monastic kitchen and help prepare a simple yet nourishing lunch using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Recipes may include thukpa (noodle soup), steamed momos, or vegetable dishes cooked in traditional ways.
Sit cross-legged in the dining hall and share a silent, communal meal with the monastic community. Experience the sacredness of eating in silence and gratitude.
Take a guided walk through the monastery, visiting prayer halls, meditation spaces, and the traditional kitchens. Hear stories of daily monastic life, culinary practices, and rituals that have continued for centuries.
Depending on the day’s schedule, you will either join a short prayer ritual or participate in a closing tea ceremony to reflect on the day’s learnings and give thanks.
Bid farewell to the monks and your kitchen guide, carrying with you the warmth, flavors, and peace of a day spent immersed in Ladakhi monastic life.
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