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The northernmost state of India, Ladakh draws numerous tourists purely due to its geographical structure, breathtaking views and culture. The place becomes difficult to resist as many visitors come for the stunning landscapes of places like Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley and historical monasteries like Hemis and Thiksey. One such is Stakna Monastery in Ladakh, nestled between the great Himalayas and the Karakoram range, which provides trekking, river rafting, and biking among other adventure activities. Strengthening the tourist infrastructure, the capital Leh acts as a counter-magnet in visiting the Buddhist sites and the local markets of the region.
Quick Details
Stakna Monastery Address: 2M4P+236, Stakna, near Leh, Ladakh, India 194201
Notable Features: Tibetan Buddhist architecture, featuring vibrant murals, thangkas, and a unique stupa
Height: 11,800 ft (3,600 m)
Established In: 16th century
Established By: Bhutanese scholar and saint, Chosje Modzin
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Nearest Domestic Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (26 km)
About Stakna Monastery
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
The Stakna Monastery, within Ladakh’s capital city of Leh, spans almost twenty-five kilometres. It is perched on a ridge above the Indus River and offers magnificent views of the lush valley and mountains. Stakna translated into English means “tiger’s nose” and it is given that name because of the hill the monastery is built on. The monastery, situated on a hill with stunning Indus Valley views, is renowned for its Tibetan Buddhist architecture, featuring vibrant murals, thangkas, and a unique stupa. It is also located close to other famous monasteries such as Thiksey and Hemis, further enhancing its appeal among explorers.
How To Reach Stakna Monastery
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Steps to take in order to reach the Stakna Monastery, Ladakh are given below:
By Private Cab/Taxi: About 25 kilometres away from Leh, you can either hire a taxi, rent a bike, or simply drive along the Leh-Manali Highway (NH3) to the monastery. The expected travel time is between 30-40 minutes.
By Public Transport: There are local bus services and shared taxis from Leh to the neighbouring villages. However, there is no direct public transport to Stakna. You can board a bus going to Hemis or Thiksey and then take a local taxi for the rest of the distance.
Places To Explore Near Stakna Monastery
From serene rivers to other stunning monasteries, the monastery is situated in proximity to various attractions. Some of these are as follows:
1. Thiksey Monastery
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Thiksey Monastery is believed to be the largest and one of the most revered monasteries in Ladakh. It is situated on a hill thus commanding a beautiful view of the Indus Valley. This twelve story structure belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism and accommodates approximately one hundred monks. Furthermore, this monastery features a remarkable statue of Maitreya, who is regarded as the future Buddha, measuring 15-metre high occupying the two floors of the building. Another major attraction for tourists is the annual Thiksey Gustor Festival which exhibits traditional cham dances and many other events.
Distance: 9 km from the monastery
2. Hemis Monastery
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons
Hemis Monastery is a place of worship that holds the title of being the wealthiest as well as the largest monastery of Ladakh. It was established in the 17th century under the reign of Sengge Namgyal and is a monastery of the Drukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is famous for the festival known as the Hemis festival, which is held in the months of June or July and performs various ritualistic activities in Pandita Guru Padmasambhava imagery and Mask Dance. Additionally, Hemis contains a vast assortment of cultural and historical artefacts, such as an incredible gilded sculpture of Guru Padmasambhava, ancient thangkas, and old manuscripts.
Distance: 18 km from the monastery
3. Indus River
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
The Indus River, which is the second longest river in the world, begins at the Tibetan Plateau close to Lake Mansarovar, flows into northern India through a region known as Ladakh and then further into Pakistan. While in Ladakh, the river flows through remarkable terrains, through high peaks and empty geographies as it provides tourists with picturesque views and activities like river rafting. The river holds geological and historical significance to the region as it provided sustenance to most of the agricultural settlements in Ladakh.
Distance: Less than 2 km from the monastery
4. Shey Palace
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Shey Palace, which is located near the monastery and about 15 km from Leh, served as the one-time summer capital for the royal family of ladakh. The palace was constructed in the 17th century during the reign of king Deldan Namgyal on a hill AK. The palace is well known for the large copper and gold plated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, as found in many places in ladakh, measuring 12 metres high. The palace features ancient hallways and prayer rooms embellished by intricate murals and style sculptures. Also present is the Shey monastery and the Shey Chorten, which is a group of stoops and stone carvings.
Distance: 8 km from the monastery
5. Shanti Stupa
Photo: ClickAR89 / Wikimedia Commons
A magnificent white dome-shaped structure Shanti Stupa is situated on the top of a hill in Chanspa, around 5 kilometres away from the main town of Leh. It contains the relic of the Buddha and affords breathtaking views of the city of Leh, the snow-laden mountains which lie in the range, and also the valley of Indus, especially during the morning and late afternoons. Shanti Stupa can be reached by a curved road or steep steps, which is suitable for those who prefer a bit of a short trek. It’s a quiet place worth visiting for meditation, taking photos, or simply enjoying beautiful views.
Distance: 26 km from the monastery
Where To Stay
Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Stakna Monastery is situated relatively close to Leh, thus the visitors can find lodgings moderately easy both in Leh and its surrounding regions. In any case, there are many hotels, both cheap and not so cheap, guest houses and even homestays which are available in Leh where tourists can spend their night comfortably depending on individuals’ levels of comfort. These include the Grand Dragon Hotel, Gomang Boutique Hotel, Zostel Leh, etc.
Where To Eat
Photo: Alexandra Tran / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Eating places found around the monastery are mostly located in Leh. Restaurants like The Tibetan Kitchen, Bon appetit, Alchi Kitchen offer authentic Ladakhi food, as well as Indian, Tibetan and other kinds of cuisines. At the rear end of the monastery, local dhabas and guesthouses in places like Shey and Thiksey conveniently serve other local delicacies.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Oleksandr P / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Here are some factors to consider while planning your trip to the monastery:
Average Cost Of The Trip
- Transportation: The cost of taxi services to and from Stakana Monastery in Leh, usually would be on the higher side between Rs.800-1500.
- Accommodation: Most of the tourists prefer to stay in Leh and there are different levels of accommodation available from the basic lodges to the more comfortable grade of hotels. The cost usually is ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 per day.
- Food: The food available in restaurants located in Leh, which include famous places such as Tibetan Kitchen or other local dhabas is moderate and ranges between ₹200 to ₹800.
- Best time to visit: It is best visited during the summer months of May to September when accessible roads and favourable weather allow for a comfortable tour.
- Additional Tips: Travel light while trekking- carry sun protection, water, etc. and carry sufficient cash with you credit cards are not accepted at remote places.
- Photography: Taking Stakna Monastery photos may not be allowed inside the premises, so check for any guidelines before doing so.
The Stakna Monastery and its surrounding areas offer a treasure trove of experiences for every kind of traveller. From exploring the monastery and engaging in spiritual experiences to relaxing by scenic rivers, this destination has it all. As you plan your next trip to Ladakh, let TripXL shoulder the burden of bookings and best deals for your seamless travel experience.
Cover Photo: Deepank Ranka / Wikimedia Commons
