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Stok Monastery or Stok Gompa is a unique monastery worth witnessing in Ladakh, India. The monastery officially belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. This monastery has excellent architecture and awaits visitors from the border and beyond. Stok Monastery offers meaningful insights into the culture and heritage of Tibetan Buddhism. It reflects the deep connection that the resident monks and locals have towards the religion. The monastery offers lavishing views and stunning scenery of the surrounding landscape which include mountains and valleys. This place is set against the pretty backdrop of the Himalayas and hosts many festivals throughout the year.
Location
Photo: Shayamal narang / Wikimedia Commons
Stok Monastery’s address lies in Stok, a village in Leh District, Ladakh. The village lies 15 kilometres south of Leh. Established in the 14th century, Lama Lhawang Lotus was its founder. One of the noteworthy highlights of Stock Monastery is that it has a huge library with a noteworthy collection of all 108 volumes of the Kangyur with all the Buddhist sacred texts. A masked dance festival is celebrated at this place too.
How To Reach Stok Monastery
Photo: Deepank Ranka / Wikimedia Commons
Reaching Stok Monastery requires different modes of transportation. Visitors shall experience a blend of air and road transportation to reach. The journey to this place offers beautiful scenery.
By Air: Those travelling to the Stock Monastery via air shall land at Leh Airport. The airport is 15.6 kilometres away from Stock Monastery. After landing, visitors can hire a local bus or private taxi to reach the monastery.
By Train: Due to its high altitude, Leh does not have any railway stations. Travellers who are travelling the place via train shall get down at Jammu Tawi Railway Station (660 km), the nearest railway station and hire a taxi to reach.
By Road: The journey to the monastery from Leh and other regions promises beautiful scenery. It is recommended to check with local authorities regarding the snowfall. As the monastery is perched on a hill, it might include a small trek to the place as well.
Places To Visit Near Stok Monastery
Stock Monastery is very near to the city of Leh and is easily accessible. There are multiple visiting spots in Leh which reflect the culture of the region and promise a noteworthy trip.
1. Shanti Stupa
Photo: Sarabjit Singh / Wikimedia Commons
Shanti Stupa is a religious place in Leh. It is a white-domed stupa, perched on a hilltop in Chanspa. The stupa was built in 1991 by a Japanese Buddhist Gyomyo Nakamura. It is perched at an altitude of 4267 metres. This place provides breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountain peaks. The stupa showcases the relics of the Buddha. In addition to its religious significance, the stupa is now popular with tourists due to its expansive vistas. There is also a photograph of the Dalai Lama with some relics at the base.
Distance From Monastery: 18.1 km
Best Time To Visit: Daytime
2. Stok Palace
Photo: Medovar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Stok Palace is an enchanting place to witness near Stok Monastery. The palace is just two kilometres away from the monastery. A part of the palace has been restored as a heritage hotel. This palace was built in 1820 when the Dogra Dynasty Rulers invaded the region of Leh and Leh Palace. The king and his family shifted to Stok Palace. Visitors visiting Stok Palace near Chemrey Monastery not only admire the great architecture of the palace but praise the excellent views of the surrounding mountain peaks. During winter, the snow on the peaks adds beauty to the place.
Distance From Monastery: 2 km
Best Time To Visit: Daytime
3. Hemis Monastery
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikipedia
Hemis Monastery is a Himalayan Buddhist Gompa located in Hemis on the bank of the River Indus. Hemis Monastery belongs to the Drukpa Lineage and is one of the oldest monasteries in the Himalayan region. The site was re-established in 1672 by the Ladakhi King Sengge Namgyal. The annual festival of Hemis Monastery is in the early days of June. The site is a spiritual centre and a renowned place for its offering of excellent views of the surrounding peaks. It honours Padmasambhava who is the reincarnation of Lord Buddha. In the courtyard of the monastery, there is a gallery of eighty-four Mahasiddhas dating back to the 17th Century.
Distance From Monastery: 31 km
Best Time To Visit: Daytime
4. Gurudwara Pathhar Sahib
Photo: Lalitgupta isgec / Wikimedia Commons
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is a religious site near Stock Monastery. The temple dates back to the 15th Century and holds religious significance and it marks an important event in the history of Sikhism. It is built in the loving memory and honour of Guru Nanak Ji. The storied past says that Gurudwara Pathar Sahib was built at the exact place where Guru Nanak Ji rested, meditated and defeated a demon in the region. The place is considered one of the highest Sikh shrines as it is located amidst the beautiful Himalayan Peaks. It showcases surreal beauty and offers immense religious insights.
Distance From Monastery: 32 km
Best Time To Visit: Daytime
5. Sangam View Point
Photo: Jasmeet23289 / Wikimedia Commons
This place is a must-visit when in Leh. Sangam ViewPoint indeed offers surreal beauty. The Sangam Point lies at the Leh-Srinagar Highway. Sangam Point, also known as the Confluence Point, is the exact place where the confluence of two rivers, River Zanskar and River Indus can be witnessed. The site looks beautiful as visitors can effectively spot the difference in the colours of the water of both rivers. Zanskar is more brownish-green in colour and the Indus River has blue-coloured water. The confluence is indeed a treat for the eyes and is worth witnessing. Sangam View Point has been an exciting place to visit and is a popular place for photography and sightseeing.
Distance From Monastery: 39 km
Best Time To Visit: Daytime
Where To Stay
Photo: Federica Giusti / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses in Stok to accommodate tourists. The Stok Palace Heritage Hotel is well-known and highly preferred to stay in Stok. This hotel is a part of the Stok Palace and a must-visit site. Other options range from budget-friendly guest houses to exquisite hotels. Notable ones are Hotel Skittsal, Woodyvu Stok House, Guza Ethnic Resort, Zostel Homes Leh, Agling Resort, Zanu Residency and The Nature Residency- A riverside Resort.
Where To Eat
Photo: 森川 賢太郎 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are multiple dining options in Stok, Leh. Each restaurant has a multi-cuisine dining experience and caters to every individual’s taste preferences. Some of the restaurants are near Stok Monastery whereas others lie in the city of Leh. Notable places to have a satisfying dining experience are Willow Kitchen And Bar, Shangrila Cafe And Restro, Donkhang Restaurant, Cafe By The River, Hunger Eye Restaurant and The Tibetan Kitchen.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Reflectionsbyprajakta / Wikimedia Commons
The ideal time to visit Stok Monastery is during the summer months from May To October. The weather in Ladakh during these months is pleasant. There is no snow on the roads. It’s also perfect to explore the area in the summer. It is advised to visit outside of the winter months as significant snowfall can occasionally make access to this location challenging. Also, cold temperatures can limit activities too.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
The following should be taken into account before visiting Stok Monastery in Leh. These considerations apply not only to the monastery but also to travel around Leh and its environs.
Annual Festival: The annual festival celebrated in Stok Monastery is the Stok Guru Tsechu Festival. Those wanting to witness the charm of this festival and learn about its traditions shall plan their visit accordingly. The festival takes place in the ninth month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar.
Transportation: If visitors are travelling during the peak tourist season, they must book taxis and hire cabs on a prior note for a hassle-free experience in Leh.
Stok Monastery is a historically significant site. It attracts a decent crowd from borders and beyond. This location is one of the must-see places in Leh, Ladakh. It has become well-known for its 108-volume collection of Kangyur as well as the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding hilly landscapes. Book a trip to Leh with TripXL and witness this prestigious monastery which connects you to its charming aura.
Cover Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons
