Lamayuru Monastery

Perched on the hilltop, the Lamayuru Monastery overlooks the entire Lamayuru Valley. The monastery becomes visible right from the moment you start climbing. The steep climb ends at the main entrance of the monastery where you will find prayer wheels that are referred to as Mani by the locals.

Lamayuru monastery is one of the finest attractions of Ladakh and while you visit here, you can witness the intriguing walls that are covered by a few ancient paintings. This is because it is one of the oldest gompas in the region. While you walk in the vicinity of the Monastery, you will come across 5 ancient temples that were a part of the original Lamayuru monastery that was built back in the 10th century.

While crossing all these you will then be standing in the assembly hall of the Gompa which is decorated with interesting Thangka art. Then around this hall, you will find more prayer halls and a school as well. The more you explore the more you get to know that this hall is quite expansive and spacious.

Here is the detailed information about Lamayuru Monastery Ladakh

Attractions in Lamayuru Monastery

• A tall prayer flag pole grabs the attention.
• On the right side of the courtyard you can spot The Dukhang. The Dukhang was revamped in 1970 with new column paintings.
• A colorful depiction of the Guardians of the Four Directions are recently painted on the entrance verandah.
• The mural on the left wall portrays the proper way for a lama to live.
• A small cave known as Naropa's cave lies on the right side of the Dukhang. The cave is the place where Naropa is supposed to have meditated for several years. The cave houses a statue of Naropa as well as statues of Marpa.

How to reach Lamayuru Monastery

Lamayuru Monastery is quite accessible from Srinagar and Leh because it falls on the Srinagar- Leh highway. The monastery is approximately 125 km from Leh. You can get down at the Leh Airport and take a taxi or a bus to reach the monastery. Whereas if you are traveling from Srinagar, it will fall en route.

Best time to visit Lamayuru Monastery

The best time to visit Lamayuru Monastery is between May and September. Because throughout these months, the temperature remains comfortable. And the sky is clear allowing better visibility and view.

Here are some travel tips that you should keep in mind

• While going to the monastery you will have to trek for some time so it is better to wear comfortable trekking shoes.
• Keep water bottles in your backpack to keep yourself hydrated because water is quintessential for you.
• If possible visit here during the fifth and second months of the lunar calendar that’s followed by Tibetans. During these months, there are two events more of a dance festival that are conducted by the people.
• You do not require an inner line permit to visit the monastery and if you are coming towards Leh from Srinagar, you can visit this monastery en route.
• Do not violate the rules and regulations of the monastery. Read the signboards and follow whatever is written.
• Smoking inside or around the Gompa is strictly prohibited. If a person is found under the influence of alcohol inside the premises, it might be a discomforting experience.
• There are areas where you cannot take pictures, so refrain from doing that. Also, it is important to take permission from the monks before you click them or get yourself clicked with them.
• Mobile networks are very feeble around the Lamayuru Monastery, so it might be difficult for you to connect with someone.
• The monastery is at a high altitude, so keep AMS medicines in your backpack and wear clothes accordingly.