Thiksey Monastery
About 20 kms from Leh, the 500 year old Thiksey is an imposing monastery and one of the finest examples of Ladakhi architecture. This Gompa is situated on the top of the hill and part of Gelukpa order, the disciple of Jangon Tsongkhapa, Sherab Zangpo of stod, first built the temple of Stagmo Lakchung at the top of Stagmo Lakchung at the top of the Thiksey valley. Then Paldan Sherab nephew of Sherb Zangpo, founded Thiksey monastery.
The 12 storey monastery complex contains numerous stupas, statues, thankas, wall paintings, swords and a large pillar engraved with the Buddha's teachings, there are sacred shrines and a many precious objects to be seen. The monastery mountain is best ascended on foot although there is also a new 1½ km road up to the monastery.
The successive reincarnation of the Skyabje Khampo Ringpoche act as in charge of the monastery. Currently there are about100 yellow cap monks. The Thiksey gustor (festival) is held from 17th to 19th day of the 12th month. The main prayer hall has a 15 mt high seated Buddha figure, there are chance to see prayer in the early morning (6:30 a.m.).
The temple of Zan-La is beside the car parking area on this road. On the walls of the gompa courtyard are some interesting Tibetan calendars. In the chapel is a picture, near the central Chamba statue, of Tsung-Khapas, the founder of the Tugend (Gelugpa) sect. Some steps run up to a roof balcony from which there is access to the rooms of the head lama.
