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Chemrey Monastery, also known as Chemrey Gompa, is a beautiful site in Ladakh, India. The monastery is a Buddhist Monastery and follows Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery has become one of the most famous monasteries in Ladakh because of the breathtaking views of the valleys, mountains and peaks surrounding it. There is a good collection of ancient texts, paintings, relics and statues which belong to history. An annual festival is celebrated here which includes several sacred dances and performances. Chemrey Monastery offers a peaceful vibe and gives more insights into the spirituality that residents and monks of this monastery reflect.
Location
Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons
Chemrey Monastery is located in the Indus River Valley in Leh District, Ladakh. This site was founded in 1664 by Lama Tagsang Raspa. It was later dedicated to King Sengge Namgyal. This monastery is 6 kilometres to the north of Hemis Monastery and 46 kilometres from the city of Leh. Chemrey Monastery belongs to the Drugpa Monastic Order which is a branch of Kagyu School Of Tibetan Buddhism.
How To Reach
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are multiple ways to reach Chemrey Monastery. The journey to this place offers breathtaking scenery and amazing views worth witnessing
By Air: Those travelling to Chemrey Monastery by air shall land at the nearest airport of Leh. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is 45 kilometres away from the monastery.
By Train: Leh does not have a railway station because of its high altitude. Those wanting to travel to Leh and Chemrey Monastery by train shall get down either at Chandigarh Railway Station or Jammu Tawi Railway Station.
By Road: Those travelling to Chemrey Monastery via road shall take the Leh-Srinagar Highway or Leh-Manali Highway and reach their destination.
Places To Visit Near Chemrey Monastery
Each place is unique in itself and has a charm which is distinct. The places range from other ancient monasteries to beautiful markets.
1. Tibetan Market
Photo: Pallav.journo / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tibetan Market in Leh has the best collection of Tibetan Souvenirs. The place is worth visiting near Chemrey Monastery in Leh District. There are pretty stalls lined up in the market selling everything from handicrafts to antique bowls and trinkets. Visitors get magnificent views of the surrounding mountains too. The market also has a rich collection of Pashmina Shawls. Pashmina is considered the finest type of embroidery. Other items sold at the market include hand-spun rugs, shawls, carpets, handicrafts, silver jewellery, prayer wheels and flags.
Distance From The Monastery: 44.8 KM
Best Time To Visit: Anytime During The Day
2. Hemis Monastery
Photo: Hargunn / Wikimedia Commons
Hemis Monastery belongs to the Drukpa Lineage and is one of the oldest monasteries in the Himalayan region. The monastery is located in Hemis which is on the banks of the Indus River, Ladakh. The site is a spiritual centre and a renowned place for its offering of excellent views of the surrounding peaks. The monastery has a gallery which houses multiple paintings of the Mahasiddhas. The site was re-established in 1672 by the Ladakhi King Sengge Namgyal. The annual festival of Hemis Monastery is in the early days of June.
Distance From The Monastery: 16.4 KM
Best Time To Visit: Anytime During The Day
3. Stok Palace
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Visitors visiting Stok Palace near Chemrey Monastery not only admire the great architecture of the palace but praise the excellent views of the surrounding mountain peaks. During winter, the snow on the peaks adds beauty to the place. The palace holds historical aspects and a part of the palace has been restored as a heritage hotel. The hotel offers exquisite services and a worthy stay. The palace is the residence of the royal family of Ladakh and once belonged to the Namgyals. The palace is almost 200 years old and indeed has a rustic charm.
Distance From The Monastery: 40 KM
Best Time To Visit: Early Morning To Late Evening
4. Leh Palace
Photo: RPSkokie / Wikimedia Commons
Leh Palace is a significant historical place to visit in Leh. The palace lies at a bit of a distance from Chemrey Monastery but it is a worth visiting site. It is also known as Lachen Palkar Palace regionally. This palace was previously a royal palace for the royal family and it overlooked the city of Leh. The palace is huge and is nine storeys high. The upper floors were occupied by the royal family whereas the lower floors had stables, store rooms and guest rooms. Leh Palace has a rich collection of jewellery, clothes, artefacts, crowns, ceremonial crows and attires.
Distance From The Monastery: 45.8 KM
Best Time To Visit: Early Morning To Late Evening
5. Shanti Stupa
Photo: Yann Forget / Wikimedia Commons
A pretty Buddhist Stupa, Shanti Stupa, located in Leh is a beautiful site to witness. It is located on a hilltop at Chanspa which is 4267 metres high. The stupa is white-coloured and has a dome. The stupa was built in 1991 by a Japanese Buddhist Gyomyo Nakamura. This place provides breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountain peaks. Relics of Lord Buddha are displayed here which offer insights into the culture of Tibetan Buddhism. There is also a photograph of the Dalai Lama at this place.
Distance From The Monastery: 48.2 KM
Best Time To Visit: Anytime During The Day
Where To Stay
Photo: Yann Forget / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Hotels near Chemrey Monastery range from luxury ones to budget-friendly ones. There are affordable guest houses too which offer decent accommodations. One of the chosen places to live is the Niri La Guest House which is 40 kilometres from this place. Other notable options in the vicinity are Neryok’s Indus View Camp and Restaurant, Indus Retreat, Fana Resort, Hotel Kharu Vilaasa and Chamba Hotel And Restaurant.
Where To Eat
Photo: Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka / Wikimedia Commons
Restaurants near Chemrey Monastery offer a multi-cuisine experience. These restaurants serve traditional Ladakhi Cuisine, Tibetan Dishes and International Cuisine too. A few of the notable options for Chemrey Monastery are Neryok’s Indus View Camp and Restaurant, Chamba Hotel And Restaurant, Riwo, Donsal Cafe and Restaurant, Pangong Restaurant and De Khambir. These restaurants cater to every individual’s taste buds and promise satisfying dining.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Avikdutta90 / Wikimedia Commons
The ideal time considered for visiting Monastery is during the summer months from May to September. The temperature is mild and pleasant and visiting during this time helps visitors make the most of their trip. The roads during summer are clear and paved.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Multiple factors have to be kept in mind while visiting this monastery. Considering these factors ensures a fun and exciting trip to the place.
- Annual Festival: The annual festival of Chemrey Monastery is Chemrey Wangchok. Those wanting to witness the celebrations of this festival shall travel during the ninth month of the Tibetan Calendar as the festival takes place during the 28th and 29th dates of the ninth month.
- Photography: The region around this monastery offers excellent views of the landscapes. There are mountains and beautiful valleys, the photographs of which are worth capturing.
- High Altitude: Leh is the capital of the Ladakh region and is located at a high altitude. Chemrey Monastery is located at an even higher altitude and it is recommended to spend a few days in Leh for a hassle-free visit to the monastery without any health constraints.
Chemrey Gompa is indeed an interesting place to visit in Leh District, Ladakh. This place is both a spiritual and cultural landmark in the region. Being several years old, the monastery attracts bustling crowds. The monastery reflects the rich heritage of Tibetan Buddhism through its daily rituals and chores. Book a trip to Leh, Ladakh with TripXL and visit Chemrey Monastery for an authentic experience. The monastery is unique in itself and lets all visitors gain insights into the teachings, learning and faith of Buddhism.
Cover Photo: KennyOMG / Wikimedia Commons
