Journey To The Divine: 7 Pilgrimage Sites Around Leh To Visit.

Leh, India is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and is not only an adventurist’s paradise but is also where spiritual travelers come when they are seeking peace. With an unmatched serene atmosphere and an irreplaceable magical feeling, Leh acts as a vital link in the chain of popular religious places which are drenched in an aura of spiritual and religious excellence. This guide is a plea for the human race to be more spiritually active and from Leh, it takes a tour to some popular religious places that will give comfort and wisdom to the travelers of any faith.

1. Hemis Monastery Hemis Monastery, located 45 kilometers from Leh, is also one of India’s most popular monasteries. The resident village of Hemis is home to the Hemis Monastery, which was established in the 11th century and is considered the largest and richest Monastery in Ladakh. Called the Hemis Festival, the event marks the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava and is known around the world. It is a site of pilgrimage for the devotees who witness lamas clad in Tibetan costumes performing colourful masked dances, prayers and rituals against stunning snow capped mountains, which are an integral part of Ladakhi culture.

2. Thiksey Monastery Thiksey Monastery is situated at about 19 kilometers to the east of leh district and is a wonderful artistic and architectural site on top of a hill. Thiksey: Great Plains of Chapels, Monks Stupas and Residential Communes - Thiksey; coupled with its great complex of chapels, stupas and residential squatter cells aid in quietening the mind during prayer. This structure also includes the eye-captivating and impressive 15m tall Maitreya Buddha statue which embodies tranquility and compassion.

3.Diskit Monastery

And as you go further into the Nubra Valley which is a distance of 118 kilometers from Leh, get ready to be dazzled by the Diskit Monastery. The views from this monastery, built in the 14th century, are breathtaking as it is set in a desert setting with the Himalayan mountains in the backdrop. Here, devotees can pay reverence to the gigantic sculpture of Maitreya Buddha, receive holy blessings from the monks who reside in the monastery, and absorb the tranquil feeling that this place has to offer.

4.Alchi Monastery

Another Alchi Monastery which is situated about 70 kilometers to the west of Leh along the banks of the Indus River is one such historical treasure that is embellished with remarkable fresco paintings. Alchi differs from the other monasteries of the region in that the design is built up in an uncommon Kashmiri style that bears significant influences from Indian and Tibetan artistic styles. At this historical site, devotees meander through the murals of Buddhist deities that were made hundreds of years ago in order to repair the elaborate woodwork while deep in prayer.

5.Lamayuru Monastery

Atop a completely flat circular stone that protrudes from a sharp valley dominated by crater-like mountains is Lamayuru Monastery, which enchants each and every traveller while simultaneously invoking a sense of mysticism from the very core of one’s spirit. This ancient Buddhist monastery resides about 127km to the West of Leh and cherish 10th century relics, Whigh makes It one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh. Participating during the daily prayers, witnessing the rituals done in the moonlight and even climbing up the close by meditation caves, we can take part and engage in all of these life-altering activities and experiences in a uniquely different manner.

6.Likir Monastery

The Likir Monastery located about 52 km away from leh is one of the most picturesque monasteries in the Likir Valley that silently beckons the pilgrims to soak in the tranquility and rich peaceful essence of the regions. It’s holy halls are home to many statues and relics which includes one of the largest collection of Buddhist scriptures, the Maitreya Buddha statue which stands tall for 49 ft is among the many statues that decorate the halls. Visitors here regularly receive the blessings of resident lamas, engage in meditative activities and even explore farmlands that are surrounded by blooming apricots trees and barley fields.

7. Phyang Monastery

Phyang Monastery, roughly 17 km west of Leh, is a bustling spot in Leh, boasting the monastic history of Ladakh. Set on the mountains, this monastery contains colorful murals , ancient scripts, and plethora of religious artifacts. Visitors can participate in this festival as devotees and enjoy the lively masked dances as well as the ancient rituals that have been preserved for hundreds of years.