NAMGYAL TSEMO GOMPA (Jampa Buddha)
The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, built in 1430, is located directly behind the palace. It is one of the royal monasteries built by the ruler. This monastery contains a masterpiece in the Lha-Khang, or room of God, here is the divine two storey high statue of Jampa in the sitting posture. The proportion of the different parts of the body and the symmetry and beauty of the features, particularly the ecstatic expression of the eyes, which is sheer perfection, overwhelms the visitor who is left breathless in wonderment. The Alchi Lamasery, near Bagso, also possesses a statue of Jampa, but, as is the rule, Nature saves perfection for one piece alone.
The monastery also houses some ancient manuscripts and frescoes. No longer inhabited, this gompa was built by King Tashi Namgyal. It forms a part of the Leh palace complex and is maintained by monks from the Shankar Gompa. The fort above this gompa is ruined, but the views of Leh from here are breathtakingly beautiful.
