Monasteries in Ladakh :
Apart from the numerous sightseeing location, Ladakh is dotted with monasteries of all kinds, belonging to various orders of school of Buddhism. All the major monasteries are scenically located, forming the spectacular background for the tourists coming on the tour to Ladakh. Monasteries are the integral part of Ladakh belonging to either Mahayana or the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. There are major 200 Gompas in Ladakh. One of the best known Gompas in Ladakh is the Hemis Monastery, located 45 km south of Leh.
Hemis is renowned for the largest Thangka painting in Ladakh. Make a visit to the Likir Monastery, 52 kms from Leh, that houses the huge clay images of Buddha. Another interesting monastery in Ladakh is the Spituk Monastery founded by Od-de in the 11th century and was called Spituk by Rinchen Zangpo, a translator that visited the place. Even the Lamayuru Monastery is worth visiting. Popularly known as Yung DrungLamayuru famous for the fascinating caves carved out of mountainside and set on a high cape overlooking the village and valley.
Monasteries in Sikkim :
Sikkim has the series of 200 monasteries called Gompa's , where the Buddhists monks used to live and practice their religion. Monasteries in Sikkim belong to the Nyingmapa Sect or the Kargyupa Sect but Sikkim also has monasteries of the Gelugpa, Sakyapa and Bon faith. Monasteries in Sikkim have been playing great role in influencing the cultural heritage and lifestyle of the people inhabiting there. Among the most famous monastery in Sikkim is the Pemayangtse, which is said to be the oldest monastery in Sikkim.
Pemayangtse has the excellent base for trekking trails. A drive through the beautiful countryside takes you to the Rumtek Monastery built in 1960's by his holiness the the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa when he took refuge in Sikkim after the Chinese attack. Than there is Enchey Monastery that was built during the reign of Thutob Namgyal. Not to miss is the Phodang Monastery, which is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Ladakh.
Monasteries in Himachal Pradesh :
The state of Himachal Pradesh is known for some of the most precious Gompas, famous throughout the world. Check out the Dhankar Gompa located in Spiti valley. It stands at the height of 12,774 feet and lies between the towns of Kaza and Tabo. Dhankar was the previous capital of Spiti Valley Kingdom during the 17th century. Another one is the Tabo monastery that too lies in the Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh.
Other famous monasteries in the region are Guru Ghantal monastery, Namgyal monastery, Rewalsar, Kanum Monastery, Kardang monastery, Shashur monastery, Tayul monatery, and many more. Tse-Chok-Ling monastery is nestled in a quiet spot and one can visit and take part in the prayer services. The beautiful monastery of Norbulingka, is where Tibetan culture is kept alive in the form of art, paintings, handicrafts and tangkhas.pil
Aparana Chauhan
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