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in Ladakh. It is also known as Yuma Changchub Ling. There are 40 monks in the monastery and it is referred to as the paradise for meditation. There is also a Jelichun Nunnery for the nuns to reside. Before 1831, this monastery was a hermitage to teach Buddhist religion to the monks. Lama Tsultim Nima made a plan to build this monastery in 1831. This monastery has three chambers, where two chambers have idols of Lord Buddha and one has a stupa. This monastery has many structures like the assembly hall, sacred chamber and others that are well maintained by the monks.
Rizong Monastery Location
Photo: SOURAV BHADRA / Unsplash
Rizong Monastery is located on the Rocky Side valley on the north side of the Indus, west of Alchi that is also on the way to Lamayuru.
How To Reach Rizong Monastery
Photo: chunleizhao / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
By Air: The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, which is 70 km away.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Udhampur Railway Station, which is nearly 653 km away.
By Road: There are many buses and jeeps that travel from various parts of Leh, Ladakh, to Rizong Monastery.
Places To Visit In And Around Rizong Monastery
Here are some places to visit in and around Rizong Monastery to explore the place and create amazing memories during the trip.
1. Assembly Hall
Photo: Anonymous / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
The assembly hall at the monastery has the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in the middle with other idols in the right. The main hall has many thangkas and wall paintings. There are also scriptures, printing blocks of biography that were made back in time and books housed in this place that are arranged on both sides. There is also a sacred chamber on the west of the statues of Mahakala, the statue of the founder, the statue of the second incarnate and the stupa. There are also writings in 30 volumes in this place. The mandala shrine roof over the assembly hall shows the four directions of the display of religious statues.
Location: Rizong Monastery, Rizong Gompa, Leh, 194106
Open From: June to September
2. Julichen Nunnery
Photo: Doctor 17 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Julichen Nunnery, which is 2 km away from the Rizong Monastery, is a part of the monastery that is for the 26 nuns who reside there. This is the place where they are taken care of by the governing body of the main monastery. The nuns participate in various economic activities and provide full support in working throughout the day. There are many educated and religious young nuns, along with old nuns, involved more in economic activities. The nuns here are trained in spinning and oil extraction from apricot nuts and milking cows.
Location: Rizong Monastery, Rizong Gompa, Leh, 194106
Timings: Open everyday from June to September
Distance From Rizong Monastery: 2 km
3. Basgo Monastery
Photo: Anilrini / Wikimedia Commons
Basgo monastery, also known as Basgo Gompa, located on the banks of the Indus River, Leh, was built for the Namgyal rulers in 1680. It was mentioned in the Ladakhi Chronicles when it was a political and cultural centre. A palace was built in Basgo in the 15th century. This monastery is located on the top of the hill, overlooking the ruins of the ancient town. It is noted for its Buddha statue and murals. This monastery also has temples like Chamchung, Chamba Lakhang and Serzang temples that are dedicated to Maitreya Buddha.
Location: Basgo gompa, Basgo, 194101
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Distance From Rizong Monastery: 27.5 km
4. Dras War Memorial
Photo: शंतनू / Wikimedia Commons
Dras War Memorial is a Kargil war memorial that was built by the Indian Army commemorating the 1999 Kargil war. This memorial is located on the Srinagar Leh National Highway. The entire memorial is built of a pink sandstone wall with a brass plate ingrade with the names of the soldiers who died during Operation Vijay. Various infrastructure improvements have been made and the huge national flag has been presented by the Flag Foundation of India to the memorial. This memorial is now a major tourist attraction in the western part of Ladakh.
Location: Kargil War Memorial, Drass, National Highway 1D, 194103
Timings: 10 AM – 12 PM, 2 PM – 5 PM
Distance From Rizong Monastery: 204 km
5. Khardung La Pass
Photo: John Hill / Wikimedia Commons
Khardung La Pass, located in Leh district, that is the gateway to Shyok and Nubra Valley, is the highest motorable pass with an elevation of 5359 metres. This is the favourite place for bike riders and adventure lovers because of its beautiful landscape with misty mountains on both sides. This pass is maintained by the Border Roads organisation and has a great importance to carry goods to the Siachen Glacier.
Location: Khardung La, 194101
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM from June to September
Distance From Rizong Monastery: 99.7 km
6. Diskit Gompa
Photo: KennyOMG / Wikimedia Commons
Diskit Gompa, also known as Diskit Monastery, is located in the Nubra Valley and is known for its amazing location and for the 106 feet Maitreya Buddha statue that is located below the monastery. This monastery is situated at an altitude of 10,308 feet. It stands on the top of a hill at the edge of the road. The interiors of the monastery are exceptionally beautiful as is the exterior. This monastery preserves many religious texts of Mongolian and Tibetan culture.
Location: Diskit Gompa, Diskit, Jammu and Kashmir 194401
Timings: 7 AM – 1 PM , 2 PM – 7 PM
Distance From Rizong Monastery: 176 km
Where To Stay
Photo: SMBhagwat / Wikimedia Commons
Since Rizong Monastery is located in a remote area, there are only a few places to stay that are nearby that are 20–25 km away from the monastery for the visitors. They provide all the basic amenities, modest rooms and meals with eco-friendly practices and amazing surrounding views. There are places like Ule Ethnic Resort, Alchi Resort, Rizong Guest House, Nimmu House and Chulichan Nunnery Guest House.
Where To Eat
Photo: Christopher John SSF / Wikimedia Commons
There are fewer food options available near the Rizong Monastery as it is located in secluded locations. But the visitors can try the simple and wholesome meals in the local cuisines that are delicious. There are monastery meals available for the visitors staying there. Also, there are many more restaurants in Leh if you prefer various other cuisines according to taste.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: victor Despons / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit Rizong Monastery is between the months of June to September, as it is the ideal time to explore the monastery and the nearby locations without various restrictions because of snowfall. This monastery is open every day from June to September.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Deepank Ranka / Wikimedia Commons
Here are some factors to consider while planning your trip to Rizong Monastery.
Average Cost Of The Trip
The average cost of the trip to Rizong Monastery is approximately 1000-2000 rupees considering the travel, accommodation and food. There is no entry fee to the monastery.
Tips For Travellers
- Packing warm clothes even during summer as the temperature is very low at night
- Make sure you follow all health precautions like drinking water and take all your medications as this monastery is located at a high altitude
- It is advised to follow monastic rules of dressing, maintaining silence and avoiding disturbing monks
- Photography is restricted in a few places and always ask for permission from monks and temple authorities
Rizong Monastery is one of the most famous tourist destinations for meditation and provides a beautiful view overlooking the Indus Valley. This monastery is valued by the Tibetans because Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the nearby caves. It is also one of the most sacred places that is also known as the Yellow Hat sector. This is an amazing place to visit to explore the beautiful surroundings and Buddhism. Plan a holiday to Ladakh with TripXL and create amazing memories.
Cover Photo: Deepank Ranka / Wikimedia Commons
