Spituk Monastery
Overview
Spituk monastery, popularly known as Spituk Gompa, is about 8 km from leh and was constructed in the 11th century to help develop a religious community in Ladakh; it is located on top of a hill with Indus River flowing behind it with snow-capped mountain peaks gives it a perfect backdrop. The monastery attracts visitors with its fantastic view of the airport and the surrounding Leh Valley and is an excellent spot to capture time-lapse videos at sunset. It is an ancient monastery in Ladakh where you can see a giant statue of Kali, which was only unveiled during the Spitul festival and kept covered for the rest of the year. Among the other monasteries, only the Spituk monastery is not allowed inside the temple, and you can attend prayer outside it. The ministry has more than 100 monks. It is among the best places to visit in Leh Ladakh to feel the unbeaten vibe.
Highlights of Spituk Monastery
- Spituk Monastery Leh has one of the most significant monastery complexes you must visit.
- Spituk Gompa is Ladakh’s oldest religious establishment, with old and new temples in the complex. The biggest highlight of the monastery is the Spituk Gistor festival, which takes place in the eleventh month of each Tibetan calendar year.
- The monastery boasts the silk painting of Lord Buddha that adorned the assembly hall.
- Tourists must visit the two shrines within the complex: The Chokhang Shrine and the Dolma Lhakhang temple.
- The Kali statue in the temple is a blood-thirsty figure with a blood-red colour and a fierce expression which should not be missed.
- Be sure to tour the old monastery chapel home to the Lord Buddha statue.
- Witness the masked dance performed here during the festival.
- The monks at the monastery commit themselves to studying Buddhist teachings and meditation practices.
History of Spituk Monastery
The Spituk Monastery Ladakh was founded by the influential Buddhist guru Od-de or Lama Lhawang. According to the local beliefs and historical records, the masonry was established long back as a seat of the Gelugpa school of Buddhism with which many traditional gurus, including Dalai lama, have traditionally identified; the Gelups sect is well known for their love for studying many dimensions of Buddhist philosophy and meditation techniques. The monastery is located at the top of the hill, which offers a tremendous mesmerising view of the Indus Valley and symbolizes the heights to which Buddhists aspire. The isolated and great setting of the sentry was well-suited, and it became an ideal location for meditation and spiritual practices. It has remained a spiritual centre and cultural institution for centuries. This incredible monastery in leh is more than a treasure of the past and is among the chief Buddhist monasteries representing thousands of years of constant religious activity. The Spituk Monastery site was specially blessed by Arhat Imaging, a spiritual leader and scholar and is visited by hundreds of pilgrims every year, including national and international tourists.
The best time to visit Spituk Monastery
Spitul Monastery ranks as a spiritually and culturally significant landmark and Leh to Spituk Monastery distance is just 8 km. The monastery offers a glimpse into Buddhist life along with its soul-stirring beauty. The best time to visit the monastery is during the summer months, from April to September, as the weather remains pretty good and roads are all accessible. In winter, however, the region is fully covered with snow, and some areas are blocked entirely. So, avoid planning a visit to the monastery from October to March because the region experiences harsh cold with low temperatures of about minus 20 degrees Celsius. The temperature during summer months ranges between 15 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius, which makes it easy for travellers to explore the beautiful architecture of the monsters and also to enjoy the mesmerising views of the Indus Valley, and have a chance to enjoy local cultural experiences as well.
Entry fee and timing for Spituk Monastery
The Spituk monastery was blessed with Arhat Nyimagung and thus is visited by many tourists around the globe every year. It is counted among the beautiful monasteries of Ladakh, and its cliff-top makes the view from the top stunning. The times to visit the monastery are 6 AM to 1 PM and 1:00 PM to 6 PM, open seven days. However, exploring the monastery entirely takes about one to two hours. The entry fees are just INR 30 per person; tourists must visit the monastery during the Spituk festival, during which they can also enjoy traditional dance, prayer, and cultural art exhibitions. Since there are no eateries around the pantry, carrying your water and some snacks with you is best. Try to visit Spituk monastery during January to enjoy the annual Gustor Festival that showcases the Cham Dance performed by monks in cold weather with vibrant energy.
Important festival celebrated at Spituk Monastery.
Spituk Monastery Leh is known for its stunning architecture and the most popular religious festival, Spituk Gustor. The festival is held annually during the 28th and 29th days of the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar and is a highly religious affair for the locals. The festival is a beautiful naked dance in which monks perform Cham dances in traditional elaborate costumes. The dance is beautifully performed to ward off evil spirits and ensure good luck throughout the upcoming year. These dances symbolise cleansing the atmosphere, healing, and protecting the community from evil powers. The festival takes place at the monasteries, which have a theme of folk music, bright colours, drums, triplets, etc. The festival is a great time to witness many monks worldwide, including Saboo, Sankar, Spituk, and Stok, congregate at the monastery. The visitors and believers come to the monastery to spectacle and enjoy religious entertainment. The festival ends with the burning of the evil effigies.
How to Reach Spituk Monastery
Spituk Monastery Leh is located about 8 km from Leh on the Srinagar Leh highway, and tourists can find buses, cabs, jeeps and many litre vehicles to reach the most. Adventure lovers can also get the monster by enjoying bike rides. If travelling by bus, it is best to know all the details of the bus times from Spituk to Leh. People who plan to visit Spituk by air can take a flight from New Delhi to Leh and, after reaching Leh airport, take a cab to reach the monastery. A short trek can also get to the monastery, one of the best activities done by adventure enthusiasts in Leh Ladakh.
Things to do at Spituk Monastery
Explore the monastery
Exploring the monastery with a fantastic walk in the peaceful halls and museum will give you the most beautiful experiences. The monastery offers a unique blend of Ladakhi and Tibetan cultures.
Witness the prayer ceremony.
Plan your visit to the monastery during the prayer hours to witness the prayers and rituals and feel the serene and spiritual experience.
Visit the Golden Buddha
Witnessing the Golden Buddha statue, one of the main attractions of Spituk Gompa, is a must-see for all travellers.
Enjoy the scenic views.
Spituk Monastery offers scenic views as it is situated on a hilltop, and the panoramic views of the Indus Valley and surrounding mountains will rejuvenate your soul.
Take part in the annual Spituk festival.
Plan your visit to Spituk Monastery to witness the most significant events of the festival celebrated on the 28th and 29th of the 11th month of the Tibetan calendar. The festival allows visitors to witness the vibrant masked dances and music the monks perform.
Photography
Photography is another must-do thing in Spituk monastery as the place is located amid the stunning views of snow-covered Himalayan mountain ranges and the Indus Valley. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful walk, explore the mesmerising views of surrounding landscapes and take amazing photographs.
Spend time in a peaceful reflection.
Spituk Monastery is the best palace in Leh, offering a tranquil environment and great meditation. It is best to spend some time absorbing the entire atmosphere of this beautiful, sacred site.
Places to visit near Spituk Monastery
Pangong lake
It is the largest beautiful lake in Asia, with spectacular aline water that will make you fall in love with it. The lake is well known for its colour transition from azure to mild blue and green to grey. The place is great for scenic walks, photography, time sky gazing and ice skating.
Zanskar valley
It is the most beautiful place near Spituk monastery, nestled in a remote part of Ladakh, and is known for its landscape, trekking and river rafting. Located close to the majestic Zanskar Valley, it serves as a perfect holiday destination in Leh Ladakh, offering everything from dramatic vistas to silver glaciers. The area is also famous for the iconic Chadar trek.
Leh market
It is one of the most attractive places in Leh Ladakh for shopaholics, as here you can get almost everything from jewellery to clothes, groceries to street food. The market is all about stalls, shops, and stores, mainly fabulous for woollen garments, artefacts, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Hall of Fame Museum
It is the most fantastic museum, which was built and managed by the Indian army, and is a must-visit place in Leh. The museum has all the details of Leh’s history, vegetation, animals and way of life. The museum is the pride and patriotism of the nation and offers an opportunity to pay respect to the brave soldiers.
Take part in the annual Spituk festival.
Plan your visit to Spituk Monastery to witness the most significant events of the festival celebrated on the 28th and 29th of the 11th month of the Tibetan calendar. The festival allows visitors to witness the vibrant masked dances and music the monks perform.
Photography
Photography is another must-do thing in Spituk monastery as the place is located amid the stunning views of snow-covered Himalayan mountain ranges and the Indus Valley. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful walk, explore the mesmerising views of surrounding landscapes and take amazing photographs.
Spend time in a peaceful reflection.
Spituk Monastery is the best palace in Leh, offering a tranquil environment and great meditation. It is best to spend some time absorbing the entire atmosphere of this beautiful, sacred site.
Essential tips for visiting the monastery
Your visit to Spituk monastery is one of the best experiences of your life to get calmness and peace. There are some tips that you must keep in mind while visiting the monastery:
- Dressing respectfully is necessary during your visit to the monastery. Wearing modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is essential, and it is an act of respect for the religious site.
- It is also vital to maintain quietness and be mindful of photography rules. Always keep a low voice tone to preserve the peaceful environment of the monastery.
- If you visit the monastery during the Spituk Gustor festival, arriving early is a must. Before visiting the monastery, inquire about the local customs in advance.
- Witness the ancient artefacts and thangkas during your visit to the Spituk monastery.
- If you are here in the winter, be aware of the high altitudes and dress in layers accordingly.
FAQ's
Who built the Spituk Monastery?
Spituk monastery dates back to the 11th century and was founded by Od-De, the elder brother of La Lama Changchub Od. Arhat Nyimagung blesses the Spituk site, which is home to 100 monks.
Which is the wealthiest monastery in Ladakh?
Hemis Gompa is considered the most significant and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. It is a Himalayan Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Lineage and has been under royal and aristocratic patronage since its inception.
Which god is famous in Ladakh?
The Sun god is famous in Ladakh, and the region has a very prominent temple; Sun Temple is devoted to the Sun God, Bhaskar and is a medieval holy place.
Which is the hidden monastery in Ladakh?
Matho Monastery in Ladakh is a hidden monastery well-known for its culture, history and spirituality. It was built around 500 years ago and overlooks the Indus Valley.
