Summary
- Hemis Monastery, Ladakh
- Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh
- Phuktal Monastery, Zanskar
- Monasteries in Spiti
- Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh
- Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim
- Tsuglagkhang Complex, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
- Palpung Sherabling Monastic Seat, Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh
- Mindrolling Monastery, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Namdroling Monastery and Golden Temple, Karnataka
When considering religion in India, Hinduism often comes to mind. However, Tibetan Buddhism is also flourishing, especially in the mountainous regions of northern India near the Tibetan border.
Numerous monasteries were established in the isolated areas of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim after the Indian government permitted Tibetan Buddhist exiles to settle in India in 1959. This article focuses on ten of the most significant Buddhist monasteries in India.
1. Hemis Monastery, Ladakh
Address: WP63+X4G, Hemis, 194201
Hemis Monastery is the largest and most affluent Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, albeit not the most visually striking. Originally established in the 11th century, the monastery was reestablished in 1652. Inside, visitors can find an extensive collection of ancient statues, sacred thangkas, and many other artifacts. During the tourist season, it’s possible to stay at the monastery and engage in the Hemis Spiritual Retreat curated by the monks, offering simple accommodations and food. Villagers also provide homestay options for visitors.
- Location: Nearly 50 kilometers southeast of Leh, just off the Leh-Manali Highway, within the village of Hemis. The high-altitude Hemis National Park is nearby.
- Don’t Miss: the annual Hemis Festival, held in June or July, featuring captivating masked dances.
- More Information: Visit the Hemis Monastery website.
2. Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh
Address: Thiksey, 194201
Thiksey Monastery is not only the second most notable monastery in Ladakh but also boasts a stunning location on a hillside. Its various buildings are arranged in ascending order of importance, resembling a quaint white-washed town with a fairy-tale ambiance. Tourists flock to this monastery, with many regarding it as the best in the region. A particular highlight is the Maitreya Temple, home to a 15-meter (49-foot) statue of Maitreya Buddha, commemorating the 14th Dalai Lama’s visit in 1970, a project that took four years to complete. The monastery also features a souvenir shop and café, along with an affordable hotel nearby.
- Location: About 20 kilometers southeast of Leh, just off the Leh-Manali Highway.
- More Information: Visit the Thiksey Monastery website.
3. Phuktal Monastery, Zanskar
Address: 759H+7WC, 194302
For those passionate about trekking, Phuktal Monastery is a must-visit. It is built from the mouth of a massive cave and clings to the side of a cliff, offering breathtaking views over a deep gorge. To reach the monastery, visitors must cross a suspension bridge over a river below. During the monsoon season, water pours dramatically from the cave’s mouth. Although the monastery itself is not in pristine condition, its nearly impossible location truly compensates for the wear and tear.
- Location: Located in the Zanskar region of Ladakh, with Padum being the closest administrative center. It requires a two-and-a-half- to three-day trek from Padum to reach the monastery.
4. Monasteries in Spiti
Address: 72X6+4QM, Key, Pinjoor, Himachal Pradesh 172114, India
There are five primary Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Spiti: Ki, Komic, Dhankar, Kungri, and Tabo. These monasteries are enveloped in mystique, with dimly-lit rooms filled with ancient treasures. Visitors can unearth well-preserved artwork, scriptures, and statutes while exploring Tibetan Buddhist teachings. Tabo stands out with its numerous meditation caves, hewn by hand into the mountainside, providing a serene environment for quiet contemplation.
5. Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh
Address: HVP5+M3X, Tawang, 790104
Tawang Monastery is the largest monastery in India and arguably one of the most stunning tourist attractions in Arunachal Pradesh. Perched at 10,000 feet above sea level near the Bhutan border, it resembles a fortress, flanked by ravines on two sides. The prayer hall is ornately decorated, and visitors can witness monks performing morning prayers at dawn, enriching the experience.
- Location: Located above Tawang town. Visitors can access it through Guwahati in Assam and Bhalukpong in Arunachal Pradesh. A new cable car has also been introduced to transport tourists from the town to the monastery. Note that Arunachal Pradesh requires permits for entry.
- Don’t Miss: Attend the annual Torgya Festival in January to experience the famous masked dances.
6. Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim
Address: Rumtek, Sikkim 737135, India
With around 200 monasteries in Sikkim, Rumtek is the largest and among the most frequented. This vibrant and grand monastery dates back to the 9th century in Tibet but was reestablished in India in the early 1960s. It has a controversial history, including disputes over lineage, resulting in tight security. Rumtek hosts various activities, such as morning and evening chanting and ritual services. Additionally, impressive masked dances occur during the annual group meditation (Drupchen) in May or June and two days before the Tibetan New Year (Losar). To fully experience its offerings, consider staying a few days in the nearby guest houses and visiting the Old Rumtek Gompa and Lingdum Gompa.
- Location: Situated in Rumtek village, about 25 kilometers from Gangtok. Reaching the monastery involves a steep 15-minute walk, which may not be suitable for the elderly. Visitors must have passports and Sikkim permits for entry.
- More Information: Visit the Rumtek Monastery website.
7. Tsuglagkhang Complex, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
Address: Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219, India
The Tsuglagkhang Complex represents the official residence of the Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama. Visitors can also explore the Tibet Museum, Namgyal Gompa, the Kalachakra temple, and the revered Tsuglagkhang temple. The Tsuglagkhang temple houses a three-meter-high gilded statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, and the Kalachakra temple features captivating murals. During afternoons, monks can be seen engaging in spirited debates within the Namgyal Gompa. For those desiring spiritual insight, following pilgrims in a ritual walk around the complex offers a tranquil experience.
- Location: Temple Road, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh.
8. Palpung Sherabling Monastic Seat, Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Address: Baijnath Bhattu monastery, Keori, Himachal Pradesh 176125, India
Palpung Sherabling Monastic Seat is set on 30 acres of tranquil pine forest, nestled against snow-capped mountains. Strolling through the winding footpaths and tracks enhances the idyllic atmosphere. A row of large stupas marks the entrance, and a majestic golden Buddha statue oversees the prayer hall. Visitors can unwind at the comfortable Visitors’ Retreat Center, while Hay House conducts yearly spiritual retreats at the monastery. Notably, monks from Palpung Sherabling have won a Grammy for their chanting CD.
- Location: Located in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, approximately two and a half hours from Dharamsala, between Bir and Baijnath. Consider visiting the delightful Four Tables Cafe & Gallery in Bir for great food and relaxation, along with boutique accommodations.
- More Information: Visit the Palpung Sherabling website.
9. Mindrolling Monastery, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Address: 3, Buddha Temple Road, New Basti, Clement Town, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248002, India
Mindrolling Monastery, recognized as one of the major monasteries of the Nyingma school in Tibet, was reestablished in India in 1976. It has grown into a significant center of learning, with one of the largest Buddhist institutes in the country. The Great Stupa, unveiled in 2002, will captivate many visitors with its impressive height and width, specifically designed to transform and harmonize elemental imbalances. Additionally, the stupa is touted as the largest in the world. Visitors can explore numerous shrine rooms adorned with elaborate murals and sacred relics, as well as relax in the peaceful landscaped gardens that surround it.
- Location: Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas in Dehradun (Clement Town), Uttarakhand.
- More Information: Visit the Mindrolling Monastery website.
10. Namdroling Monastery and Golden Temple, Karnataka
Address: CXJ8+7Q4, Arlikumari, Bylakuppe, Karnataka 571104, India
If visiting Himalayan monasteries is not feasible, the Namdroling Nyingmapa Tibetan Monastery and Golden Temple in southern India is well worth a visit. Boasting one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India, the monastery’s prayer hall and temples are striking due to the lavish use of gold, accentuated by massive gold statues of Buddha.
- Location: Bylakuppe, near Kushalnagar, approximately an hour east of Madikeri in Coorg, Karnataka. Be aware that the area is restricted, and foreign visitors must secure a Protected Area Permit for overnight stays at the monastery. However, accommodations are available in Kushalnagar.
- More Information: Visit the Namdroling Monastery website.
