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These monasteries in India have long been shrines to spiritual learning, a melting pot of cultures. Steep in Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions, such monasteries provide spaces for meditation and religious discourse and are spaces for artistic expression. Enshrined within remote mountains, serene forests, and towns of yesteryear, these sacred shrines symbolically reflect the architectural grandeur and philosophical depth of various spirituality being practised across India. Many of the ancient monasteries are still living embodiments of spiritual fervour, while some are soon emerging into the scene of attracting visitors eager to experience their drawing peaceful ambience, beautiful murals, and tradition-rooted devotion and wisdom.
10 Must Visit Monasteries In India
From serene mountaintop retreats to ancient monastic complexes steeped in history, India’s monasteries offer a perfect blend of spirituality, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Here are 10 must-visit monasteries in India that promise peace, reflection, and architectural splendour:
1. Hemis Monastery, Ladakh
Photo: Michael Douglas Bramwell / Wikimedia Commons
The Hemis monastery was founded during the reign of 1672 and is the largest and richest Buddhist monastery in the region of Ladakh. Annually, it enjoys a glorious Hemis Festival held sometime in June or July in honour of the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava through riotous and masked dances and rituals. Through Hamis, some ancient manuscripts, stupas, and thangkas are preserved, one of which is a 12-meter-long painting of Padmasambhava made on silk that would be displayed every 12 years. A sort of traditional Tibetan architecture can be found in the monastery’s structure, including exquisitely decorated prayer halls and courtyards, plus a colossal statue of a golden Buddha.
Location: Hemis, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India
Timings: 8 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 6 PM
2. Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh
Photo: Chandrasen31 / Wikimedia Commons
Tawang Monastery is the largest monastery in India. It is also the second-largest monastery in the world. This monastery is considered the main hub of Mahayana Buddhism. It was constructed in 1680 under the initiation of the 5th Dalai Lama. This monastery is home to over 400 monks, and its facilities are important for Buddhist teachings and practices. It has a wonderfully designed three-storied assembly hall, a very extensive library that houses some rare scripture, and an 8-meter-high gilded statue of Lord Buddha. Furthermore, the view of the Tawang Valley along with the snow-clad peaks of the Eastern Himalayas is just splendid.
Location: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
3. Key Monastery, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Prasad Gaude / Wikimedia Commons
Key Monastery, the largest and oldest monastery of the Spiti Valley, lies in Himachal Pradesh. Founded back in the 11th century, it belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Over time, the monastery has gone through periods of chaos, earthquakes, and fires, thus being rebuilt many times into the form of a fortress. The tiered construction of the monastery is a marvel in itself and appears like an elegant set of white buildings cascading down the hilltop, showcasing some breathtaking panoramic views of the Spiti River below. The monastery is an important centre for Buddhist learning, holding ancient murals, manuscripts, and thangkas; it also displays an unusual collection of weapons that defended the monastery against invaders.
Location: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
4. Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh
Photo: DarwIn / Wikimedia Commons
By far the most beautiful of all the monasteries in Ladakh, this 12-story structure on a hilltop really does look like a miniature version of the Potala Palace in Tibet. It was built in the 15th century by Sherab Zangpo of the Gelugpa sect, and it has long been the most important Buddhist centre for learning and meditation in the region. The monastery has a 15-meter-high Maitreya Buddha statue, the largest in all of Ladakh, ancient manuscripts, stupas, and wonderful murals seen in Buddhist teachings. Every morning, sacred prayers and rituals are performed by monks, which visiting tourists are invited to witness. The site also has a nunnery and a library with quite ancient texts.
Location: Thiksey, 19 km from Leh, Ladakh
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
5. Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
The largest and most important monastery of Sikkim, Rumtek Monastery is a center of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Originally built in the 16th century, it was reconstructed in the 1960s by the 16th Karmapa after his escape from Tibet. It serves as the headquarters of the Karma Kagyu and contains some very sacred relics, golden stupas, and rare Buddhist scriptures. The architecture contains lavish murals, prayer wheels, and a large courtyard used by monks for daily rituals and prayers. The monastery also has a Karma Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies, where monks engage in studies. The devotees and tourists are attracted to the annual Losar and Vajrakilaya dances.
Location: Rumtek, 23 km from Gangtok, Sikkim
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
6. Phugtal Monastery, Ladakh
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
The Phugtal Monastery, constructed into a cliffside cave overlooking the Lungnak River, is located in the most isolated and exotic reaches of Ladakh. It belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, dating back to the 12th century. It has about 70 monks who lead an extremely reclusive life of meditation and research. Of the very ancient frescoes, prayer halls, and stone-carved stupas lies a vast spiritual and historical legacy. Phugtal is unlike all other monasteries; it is only reachable by trekking from Padum in Zanskar and is a mini-adventure to be enjoyed by solitude-seekers and those in search of spirituality. Annually, the site holds religious festivals and a series of debates in honour of the visit, with some pilgrims venturing from across the region to attend.
Location: Lungnak Valley, Zanskar, Ladakh
7. Namdroling Monastery, Karnataka
Photo: Bikashrd / Wikimedia Commons
Namdroling Monastery also referred to as the Golden Temple, is the largest learning center of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in India. It was founded by Drubwang Padma Norbu Rinpoche in 1963 and is a refuge for thousands of monks and nuns. The monastery complex itself consists of a large prayer hall beautifully adorned with intricate murals, golden statues of the Buddha, and beautifully carved pillars. Its centrepiece includes the three 60-foot-tall gilded statues of Guru Padmasambhava, Buddha Shakyamuni, and Amitayus. It hosts very grand ceremonies on Tibetan New Year (Losar), which draw the patrons as wellas tourists. Here, visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, listen to monks debating, and walk about the Tibetan market nearby.
Location: Bylakuppe, Karnataka (near Coorg)
Entry Fee: Free (donations accepted)
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
8. Diskit Monastery, Ladakh
Photo: Deepank Ranka / Wikimedia Commons
Diskit Monastery founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, is the oldest and largest monastery of the Nubra Valley, Ladakh. The monastery belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is situated on the rocky hilltop, providing panoramic views of the valley below. Another major attraction is the 32-metre-high statue of Maitreya Buddha facing the Shyok River, a symbol of peace and protection. The monastery has ancient scriptures, murals, and a prayer hall where monks perform their rituals daily. Masked dances form an essential part of the annual celebration of the Dosmoche festival, where spirits are warded off.
Location: Diskit, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
Timings: 7 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 7 PM
9. Ghoom Monastery, West Bengal
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Ghoom Monastery, or rather a name lending greater authenticity to the term, Yiga Choeling Monastery, is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries of Darjeeling, West Bengal. Established in 1850 AD by Lama Sherab Gyatso himself, it is linked with the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Buddhism. The monastery is famous for its 15-foot Maitreya Buddha statue, symbolizing peace and enlightenment in the future, moulded in clay and embellished in gold paint. Visitors can find ancient Tibetan texts, prayer wheels, and thangkas with images of Buddhist teachings within the monastery. The peaceful environment of the monastery is made even more peaceful with misty hills as its backdrop. A whole new spiritual identity unfolds with morning prayers, where chants sung by the monks reverberate pleasantly.
Location: Ghoom, 8 km from Darjeeling, West Bengal
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
10. Tabo Monastery, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Gerd Eichmann / Wikimedia Commons
Tabo Monastery is one of India’s oldest Tibetan monasteries, the hugest continuous functioning layer on the land of India. In 996 AD, it was founded by the Tibetan king Yeshe-Ö in the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is located in a valley, which is the reason it has been called “Ajanta of the Himalayas” for its tantalizing murals, stucco sculptures, and ancient frescos, while most monasteries are hilltops. The monastery complex consists of nine temples, stupas, and an adjoining library that houses rare Buddhist scriptures. The mud-brick structure blends piercingly with the arid street scene, nourishing centuries-old Tibetan art and culture. The annual Kalachakra ceremony gives it even more spiritual significance, particularly because His Holiness the Dalai Lama used to confer the Kalachakra there.
Location: Tabo, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Entry Fee: Free (donations appreciated)
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
The journey through the monasteries of India is not mere travel; it is an initiation into the age-old traditions, awe-inspiring landscapes, and highly secretive wisdom, which waits to be studied. These monasteries provide things other than serenity, adventure, or cultural enhancement. From rugged cliffs perched high on the rooftops of Ladakh to forests bursting with life all over Sikkim, every monastery speaks to the rich histories of these lands. Just ready to start your own spiritual escape? Let TripXL craft the perfect itinerary to make your adventure a seamless and enriching travel experience.
Cover Photo: Nazmul Ahmed / Wikimedia Commons
