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Spituk Monastery is also known as Spituk Gompa or Pethup Gompa regionally. The place is a Buddhist monastery that has a storied past which resembles the culture of the region. It is believed that the place was blessed by Arhat Nyimagung, who gained insights into the nature of existence and achieved Nirvana. This monastery is home to a hundred monks and celebrates its annual festival, Gustor, every year in the eleventh month of the Tibetan Calendar which attracts tourists and devotees from borders and beyond. The monastery also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes promising an enriching experience.
How To Reach
Photo: Mrinmay1019 / Wikimedia Commons
Spituk is accessible from Leh and other places in Ladakh territory. To reach the monastery, you can opt for any of the options.
By Air: Leh Airport is 4.6 kilometres away from the monastery. After landing, visitors can hire a local bus or private taxi to reach the monastery.
By Rail: There are no trains or railway stations in Leh and the region around it because of its high altitude. Travellers who are travelling via train shall get down at Chandigarh Railway Station and hire a taxi to the monastery.
By Road: Local taxis are available to a certain point. As the monastery is perched on a hill, it might include a small trek to the place.
Places To Visit Near Spituk Monastery
The monastery is close to many notable destinations in Leh. Each place promises a unique experience and reflects the culture.
1. Leh Palace
Photo: Drmaliktariq / Wikimedia Commons
Previously known as Lachen Palkar Palace, Leh Palace is perched on a hill and overlooks the city of Leh. It previously belonged to the royal family of the city which later shifted to Stok Palace due to invasions of the Dogra Dynasty. The palace has nine storeys where 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: 8.4 km
Best Time To Visit: 7 AM – 4 PM
2. Tibetan Main Market
Photo: McKay Savage / Wikimedia Commons
The Tibetan Main Market has a beautiful collection of souvenirs. There are stalls put up at the market and multiple shops lined up together. The market offers beautiful views of the landscape with a good collection of handicrafts, antique bowls and trinkets. The market also has a rich collection of Pashmina Shawls, 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: 7.9 km
3. Hall Of Fame Museum
Photo: Deepa 07 / Wikimedia Commons
The Hall Of Fame Museum is a war memorial in Leh. The museum is built and managed by the Indian Army. It is built in memory of those brave soldiers who lost their lives while protecting the region, especially during the Indo-Pak War. Located on Leh-Kargil Road, the museum stands as a reminder of the strong soldiers. The two-storeyed museum’s upper floor showcases multiple weapons, arms and ammunition used during the Kargil War and the ground floor bears the photos of the martyred soldiers. There is a projection room too where a documentary on ‘Operation Vijay’ is also shown.
Distance From The Monastery: 2.4 km
4. Shanti Stupa
Photo: Yann Forget / Wikimedia Commons
Shanti Stupa is another important monastery located in Leh. The place is basically a white-coloured domed stupa, perched on a hilltop in Chanspa at an altitude of 4267 metres. The stupa was built in 1991 by a Japanese Buddhist Gyomyo Nakamura. There are relics of Buddha at the base of Shanti Stupa which is enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama. The stupa has become a tourist spot not only because of the religious importance it holds but also because of the panoramic views it offers. It can be reached via road or by climbing an elevation of 500 steps.
Distance From The Monastery: 9.3 km
Best Time To Visit: 8 AM – 8 PM
5. Magnetic Hill
Photo: Vikrantdhiman189381 / Wikimedia Commons
Magnetic Hill is a gravity hill which creates an optical illusion. This scientific phenomenon can be witnessed while travelling to this hill. The optical illusion makes objects and cars look as if they are rolling upwards the hill when they are actually rolling downwards. To witness this, it is recommended to travel either during the morning to afternoon during the daylight. Magnetic Hill remains a mystery to date. Locals believe that this road is a staircase to heaven.
Distance From The Monastery: 21.1 km
Where To Stay
Photo: Kgbo / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are multiple hotels, resorts and guest houses in Leh which range from exquisite ones to budget-friendly ones. Some of the notable options include Ladakh Residency, The Silk Route Ladakh, The Bodhi Tree Hotel, Grand Himalaya-Luxury Hotel and Hotel Nalanda Ladakh. The options for guesthouses include De Katong, Gonbo Guest House, The Morning Sky and Niri La Ladakh Guest House.
Where To Eat
Photo: Yuhanlikefilm / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Leh has multiple dining spots. These restaurants serve from routine Ladakhi Cuisine to diverse International Cuisines. A few of the notable options to dine in near Spituk Monastery Leh are The Tibetan Kitchen, Willow Kitchen And Bar, Tsas By Dholkar, Gesmo Restaurant, Lamayuru Restaurant, Hunger Eye Restaurant, Bon Appetit and The Curry Leaf.
Best Time To Visit Spituk Monastery
Photo: Adipalande / Wikimedia Commons
The ideal time to visit the monastery is during the summer months of June to October when the weather is pleasant and mild. During winter, snow may cover the roads and the climate might be extreme. The scenic views are admired by visitors during summer too, when the region is dry and arid.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Peng Lim / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are multiple factors to consider when visiting the monastery. Keeping these factors in mind ensures an enjoyable and responsible trip to this spiritual place.
- To witness the annual festival of the monastery, ensure to travel during the eleventh month according to the Tibetan Calendar.
- The monastery is perched at an altitude of 4267 metres above sea level. To avoid health constraints, spend a few days in Leh and then visit the monastery.
- There might be a limited number of taxis and local transportation which travel to this place because of its high altitude. Book in advance to avoid any travel constraints.
- The visitors can click Spituk Monastery photos but photography of the airfields is not permitted.
The monastery’s excellent architecture, spiritual vibe, historical significance and location make it a must-visit destination in Ladakh. Visitors can get immense insights about the culture and tradition of Tibetan Buddhism along with the captivating beauty of the surrounding Himalayas. Book a trip to Leh, Ladakh with TripXL and visit Spituk Monastery for a memorable experience. This serene place offers scenic views and the utmost peace.
Cover Photo: Redtigerxyz / Wikimedia Commons
