Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Historically important and significant, Namgyal Tsemo Monastery is located in the colourful town of Leh, Ladakh. Built in the year 1400, this monastery was established by the King Tashi Namgyal, the place houses a high three storied sculpture of Maitreya Buddha and marvellous paintings depicting Buddhist mythology. Standing above the city of Leh, it provides an enchanting view of the surroundings; thus it is an important vantage point of spiritualism, history, and breathtaking beauty for travellers.
Namgyal Tsemo Monastery Location
Photo: ArtHouse Studio / Pexel
The monastery is located in Leh, which is the capital of the Union Territory of Ladakh within the northern part of India. It lies enthroned on the hill that rises behind the Leh Palace and affords a splendid view of the town and of the distant mountains with their perennial caps of snow.
How To Reach Namgyal Tsemo Monastery, Ladakh
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
By Road: Cars and bikes are available to travel across Leh and it’s easy to get to the monastery by car or bike. The monastery is located about 15 minutes’ drive from Leh Market and is equally accessible on foot whereby one has to trek through a steep incline from Leh Palace.
By Rail: However, the nearest railway station is at Jammu which is about seven hundred kilometres from Leh. After reaching Jammu, one can either hire a bus or taxi to Leh .
By Air: The major airport, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, is located at Leh, 4-kilometres away from the city. When you get to the airport, you can also arrange for a taxi, which will take you to the monastery.
10 Places To Visit Near Namgyal Tsemo Monastery
There are a number of places you can visit near the Namgyal Tsemo Monastery from palaces to stupas and monasteries.
1. Leh Palace
Photo: RPSkokie / Wikimedia Commons
Established in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal, this is a nine storey structure located just 1 km away from Namgyal Tsemo Monastery. It looks like Lhasa’s Potala Palace, and opens up with vistas of the town and mountain ranges. The palace also has an art gallery and a museum where items of art and memorials, paintings included are placed. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Leh and the surrounding mountains from its terraces. The best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is pleasant.
Location: Namgyal Hill, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir, 194101
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Entry Fee: ₹15
2. Shanti Stupa
Photo: Yann Forget / Wikimedia Commons
Located about 3 km from the monastery, Shanti Stupa was built by Japanese Buddhists to promote world peace. The white-domed structure sits atop a hill, offering spectacular views of Leh, particularly at sunset and sunrise. The stupa is accessible by a steep staircase or a winding road. It is best visited during the evening when the stupa is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.Visitors can reach the stupa via a steep staircase or a winding road, making it a popular hiking destination. Inside, you’ll find beautiful murals and a serene atmosphere ideal for reflection.
Location: Shanti Stupa Rd, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir 194101
Entry Fee: Free
3. Sankar Monastery
Photo: Goutam1962 / Wikimedia Commons
Just 2 km from Namgyal Tsemo, Sankar Monastery is a serene place known for its vibrant frescoes and spiritual ambiance. It is the official residence of the head of the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism in Ladakh. The monastery is best visited in the morning or evening when it is less crowded, and you can enjoy the tranquillity of the prayer sessions.Visitors can observe monks engaging in prayer sessions, providing an authentic cultural experience. Evening visits are recommended for a quiet atmosphere and beautiful lighting for photography.
Location: Sankar Gompa, Leh, 194101
Best Time To Visit: Morning or evening for prayer sessions
Entry Fee: Free
4.Thiksey Monastery
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
About 19 km from Leh, Thiksey Monastery is one of Ladakh’s largest and most beautiful monasteries. It is often compared to the Potala Palace in Lhasa for its architectural grandeur. The monastery houses a 15-metre-high statue of Maitreya Buddha and offers stunning views of the Indus Valley. The monastery complex is home to several temples and shrines, each adorned with intricate murals and statues. Early morning visits are particularly rewarding, as visitors can witness mesmerising morning prayers.
Location: Thiksey, Ladakh 194201
Best Time To Visit: Early morning for the prayer ceremony
Entry Fee: ₹30
5. Shey Palace And Monastery
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Located 15 km from Leh, Shey Palace was once the summer capital of Ladakh. It is known for its huge copper-gilt Buddha statue, one of the largest in Ladakh. The palace offers a glimpse into the royal heritage and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The palace complex features a monastery with ancient thangkas and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The best time to visit is during the summer months from May to September when the weather is favourable for sightseeing. The tranquil atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for those seeking a spiritual experience.
Location: Leh Manali Highway, near Shey Palace, Shey, Ladakh 194201
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Entry Fee: ₹30
6. Stok Palace Museum
Photo: Deepank Ranka / Wikimedia Commons
Situated 14 km from Leh, Stok Palace is the current residence of the royal family of Ladakh. The museum within the palace displays a fascinating collection of royal artefacts, including traditional costumes, jewellery, and thangkas. It also houses a library with ancient manuscripts. Visitors can also explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the palace. The best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is pleasant. The museum provides insight into the region’s royal heritage, making it a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts.
Location: Stok, Leh, Ladakh 194101
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Entry Fee: ₹50
7. Spituk Monastery
Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons
Located 8 km from Leh, is known for its annual Gustor Festival and its striking views of the Indus Valley. The monastery is home to a collection of ancient masks, icons, and thangkas. Visitors can witness monks engaged in traditional rituals, adding to the spiritual ambiance. It is best visited early in the morning when the atmosphere is peaceful, allowing for quiet contemplation. The impressive architecture and historical significance make Spituk a worthwhile destination for those exploring Ladakh.
Location: Leh district, Ladakh
Entry Fee: ₹20
8. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
Photo: Lalitgupta isgec / Wikimedia Commons
Located 25 km from Leh, this sacred Sikh shrine commemorates Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s visit to the region. The gurdwara is revered for its spiritual significance and the rock with an imprint believed to be of Guru Nanak’s back. The gurdwara serves free meals to all visitors, embodying the Sikh tradition of langar (community kitchen). It’s open year-round, making it accessible at any time, and provides a serene environment for reflection and prayer.
Location: NH 1, Phey, 194101
Entry Fee: Free
9. Magnetic Hill
Photo: Debashritaiitmandi / Wikimedia Commons
About 30 km from Leh, Magnetic Hill is famous for its optical illusion that makes vehicles appear to move uphill against gravity. The scenic drive to Magnetic Hill adds to the experience, with picturesque landscapes along the way. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is pleasant, making it suitable for exploration. It’s an ideal stop for families and travellers looking for a fun and intriguing experience in Ladakh.
Location: Leh district, Ladakh
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Entry Fee: Free
10. Hall Of Fame
Photo: ickey Chauhan / Wikimedia Commons
Just 4 km from Leh, the Hall of Fame is a museum dedicated to the Indian Army. It showcases the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers in the region. Exhibits include weapons, uniforms, and memorabilia from the Indo-Pak wars. It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers to protect the nation. Visitors can explore various galleries and learn about the history of the armed forces in Ladakh. The museum is best visited during the day for a thorough experience.
Location: Leh, Ladakh 194101
Entry Fee: ₹25
Where To Stay Near Namgyal Tsemo Monastery
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Leh has many accommodation centres ranging from cheap guest houses to great hotels. The Grand Dragon Ladakh is a luxurious hotel that provides all the comforts and facilities expected of a high end property and spectacular views of the mountains. Owing to its mid range accommodation, Hotel Ladakh Residency offers quality rooms and amiable services. For backpacker cheap hotels, Zostel Leh or Mentokling Guest House can provide a cheap and comfortable, home-like feel room and lobby. All the above options are easily accessible, especially from the monastery within a short range to the other places of interest.
Where To Eat Near Namgyal Tsemo Monastery
Photo: Natalie Bond / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The eating out scene in Leh can be described as diverse to cater for different palates of the tourists and travellers. To taste pure Tibetan and Ladakhi dishes it is recommended to go to The Tibetan Kitchen which serves really good momos and thukpa. With the best breakfasts and fresh bakery meals, Gesmo Restaurant is an ideal place to start your day. It is specially known for its rooftop dining and sells continental recipes due to its calm environment. For Indian food lovers, Lamayuru Restaurant is a place that has a large selection of dishes where the emphasis is on delicious curry and naan.
Best Time To Visit Namgyal Tsemo Monastery
Photo: Joshi Milestoner / Unsplash
The best time to visit is May-September since the weather is good and road networks are good. The suggested time of visit is early morning or late afternoon so that the sun may rise or set during the time of visit.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Goutam1962 / Wikimedia Commons
Namgyal Tsemo Monastery is open from 7 AM to 8 PM in particular for the weekdays. On entry one has to pay ₹30 which goes into the maintenance of the monastery. Consumers are encouraged to take a walk around the area in the morning or in the evening in order to have a view of the serene environment.
Tips For Travellers
- Acclimatise Properly: Leh is at a high altitude, so spend a day or two acclimatising to avoid altitude sickness.
- Dress Modestly: Respect the local culture and dress appropriately, especially when visiting monasteries.
- Carry Cash: While Leh has ATMs, it’s advisable to carry cash for remote areas.
- Stay Hydrated: The dry climate can lead to dehydration, so drink plenty of water.
- Check Road Conditions: Before planning your trip, check the condition of the roads, especially if you’re travelling by road.
Namgyal Tsemo Monastery is a jewel in the heart of Ladakh, offering visitors a unique blend of history, spirituality, and breathtaking views. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or an adventure lover, a visit to this serene hilltop monastery is sure to be a memorable experience. Book your holiday with TripXL and immerse yourself in the spirit of Ladakh.
Cover Photo: Kmohankar / Wikimedia Commons
