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Matho monastery, also known as Mangtro gompa, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery that is located in Ladakh and also on the banks of the Indus river. This monastery is located in the village of Matho, which is opposite Thiksey monastery. Even though this monastery is not that famous because it does not lie on the main highway, it is popular among the outsiders for its annual Oracle Matho Nagrang festival, which is held on the 14th and 15th days of the first month of the Tibetan calendar. The monastery was founded in the year 1410 by Lama Dugpa Dorje.
Location
Photo: Michael Hardy / Wikimedia Commons
Matho monastery is located in the south-eastern part of Ladakh, which is 26 km away from Leh and the eastern part of Leh, which is 130 km away. It is located on the banks of the Indus River and it is also situated at the mouth of the Zanskar range.
How To Reach Matho Monastery
Photo: Julia Volk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
By Taxi: There are many taxis available from Leh, which is 26 km away from the Matho monastery, which takes nearly 45 minutes.
By Bus: There are many buses that operate from Leh to Matho village, which takes one hour to reach the monastery.
By Air: The Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the nearest one that is located in Leh. From there, one can take a taxi or bus to Matho village.
Places To Visit Near Matho Monastery
Here are a few amazing places to visit around Matho Monastery that are rich in history and culture with beautiful mountain views to plan and enjoy an amazing trip.
1. Thiksey Monastery
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons
Thiksey Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located on the top of the hill. It is located at an altitude of 3600 m in the Indus Valley. It is a 12-story complex that has many items of Buddhist art like statues, wall paintings, Thangkas and many more. This monastery resembles the Potala Palace in Tibet. There is also a Maitreya temple in this complex, which is the major attraction that was installed by the 14th Dalai Lama on his visit in 1970.
Location: Thiksey Monastery, Thiksey, Ladakh
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 hours
Entry Fee: ₹ 30 for Indians and foreigners
Distance From Matho Monastery: 13.1 km
2. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
Photo: Lalitgupta isgec / Wikimedia Commons
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, constructed in the memory of Guru Nanak, is located on the Leh Kargil road. It is located 12000 Feet above sea level and was built in 1517. During construction, miraculously, a big stone was found in the shape of Guru Nanak. The constructors could not remove the rock because it kept coming in a dream and they learned that it was Guru Nanak himself who was attacked by a demon and the rock formed the shape of his body.
Location: 59RG+M8F Gurudwara Shri Pathar Sahib, NH 1, Phey
Timings: 4:15 AM to 8:30 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
Entry Fee: None
Distance From Matho Monastery: 40 km
3. Shanti Stupa
Photo: ClickAR89 / Wikimedia Commons
Shanti stupa is a Buddhist white dome that is located in Leh on the hilltop in Chanspa. This stupa has the relics of the Buddha at its base, which were enshrined by the 14th and Dalai Lama. It is a two-level structure with a Dharma chakra with a deer on the first level and the central Golden Buddha image sitting on a platform, whereas the second level has the birth, death and defeating of the evils of Buddha while he was meditating.
Location: Shanti Stupa, Shanti Stupa Rd, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
Entry Fee: ₹ 30 for donation
Distance From Matho Monastery: 26.2 km
4. Hemis Monastery
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Hemis monastery is a Himalayan Buddhist monastery located on the banks of the Indus River in Ladakh that was re-established by the Ladaki king in 1672. There is a manual today religious, even known as the Hemis festival, which is a major attraction, that has many religious paintings depicted known as Thangka. Every 12 years, one of the largest thangkas in Ladakh is unfolded in front of the large crowd in the Hemis festival.
Location: Hemis Monastery Museum, WP63+X4G, Hemis, 194201
Timings: 8 AM – 1 PM and 2 PM – 6 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 hours
Entry Fee: ₹ 50 per person
Distance From Matho Monastery: 26.9 km
5. Tanglang La Pass
Photo: Mark3890 / Wikimedia Commons
Tanglang La Pass, one of the most incredible mountain passes in Ladakh, is a high altitude area with 5328 m. The pass has many twists and turns that can only be handled by an experienced driver with thrilling excitement. The scenery of the rocky mountains, the gently flowing streams on a clear day looking at the snow-covered peaks from a distance, is one of the best experiences one can get to see in their lifetime.
Location: Taglang La, 194201
Ideal Trip Duration: 9 hours to explore the entire area
Distance From Matho Monastery: 98.9 km
Where To Stay
Photo: suhel vba / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are many hotels to stay near Mathur village. The best option to stay is in Leh, which has access to all the facilities for the tourists. There are many hotels like Trinity Homestay, Tsang Yat Homestay, Dakpa House, Orion Home and many more that provide meals, a serene environment, wifi, AC rooms, parking and many other services with an amazing mountain view.
Where To Eat
Photo: Christopher John SSF / Wikimedia Commons
There are many restaurants with authentic cuisine like momos, pizza, thukpa and many more with neat surroundings. Most restaurants available are accessible in Leh, like the Tibetan Kitchen, Chopsticks Noodle Bar, Bon Appetit, Syan Ladakh, Tsas by Dolkar and many more.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit the Matho monastery is between the months of June to September because during these months the climate is manageable and the roads are free from snowfall to travel. It is also recommended to visit during the Matho Nagrang festival that is in the month of March, which is a very famous festival. This Matho monastery timings are from 6 AM to 1 PM and 1:30 PM to 6 PM every day.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Christopher Michel / WIkimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
Considering the average trip costs nearly ₹ 2000 considering a stay in the hotel and food requirements. There is no entry fee to this monastery.
Tips For Travellers
- Carry warm clothing, especially in winter
- Plan the visit during weekdays to avoid crowds
- Bring cash because ATM facilities are limited
- Be quiet and respectful inside the monastery
- Take permission of the monks for pictures and do not disturb them while praying
Matho monastery, which has a famous Mukesh known for its annual festival, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Leh. It has a huge collection of Thangkas from the 14th century. This monastery is also rich in heritage and culture following Buddhism. It has a calm and peaceful vibe that is the best destination to escape city life. Make your bookings with Trip XL!
Cover Photo: Nellyrieuf / Wikimedia Commons
