Rizong Monastery is located in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Other name is Yuma Changchubling. Lama Tsultim Nima founded this monastery in 1831. This monastery belongs to Yellow Hat Buddhist Monastery.
What to see at Rizong Monastery: This monastery is famous for rules and standards. Other name of this monastery is the Paradise for Meditation. This is the home to nearly 40 monks. Around this monastery several caves were located. People believed that at these caves Padmasambhava meditated here before the construction of this monastery.
From this monastery at a distance of 2kms a nunnery is situated. Name of this nunnery is Jelichun Nunnery. Other name is Chulichan. In this nunnery nearly 20 nuns resides. Lama Tsultim Nima started hermitage before the construction of this monastery. This was started to teach Buddhism to the monks. Vinaya Rules has to be followed by the monks who come here to learn Buddhism.
This monastery consists of 3 chambers. One chamber consists of stupas and other 2 chambers consist of statues of Buddha. Assembly Hall consists of several statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and other Buddhist deities. Along with these statues and stupas, several other shrines can also be seen in this monastery. Other attractions of this place are Thangkas, Murals and Paintings.
What to see around Rizong Monastery:
Stok: This is famous for its Buddhist Monastery. It also acts as gateway for several trekking activities. This is located 14kms away from Leh.
Matho Monastery: It is located at the mouth of gorge in the Zanskar Range. Worth seeing in this gompa are art works, stupas, murals, festivals. In 16th century this was constructed.
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib: This was built in 15717AD. It is believed that a Demon was defeated by Guru Nanak at this place. Later he became the disciple of Guru Nanak.
Leh Palace: This is the major attraction of this place. In 17th century this was acted as royal residence. Victory on the top of the Namgyal hill is another attraction. This tower was built as a mark of victory over Ballti Kashmir armies.
Alchi Gompa: It is one of the largest gompa in Leh which is situated on the banks of river Indus. Best collection of paintings can be seen here.
Shanti Stupa: It has white domed monument with backdrop of brown mountains.
Zorawar Fort: It is above the Leh Palace and the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa stands the imposing Zorawar Fort overlooking the valley of Leh. Other name of this fort is Riasi Fort.
War Museum: Other name is wall of fame. This museum showcases the war effort and Sacrifice of the Indian Army in its war against Pakistan.
Sankar Gompa: This place is famous for the statue of Avalokiteshwara Padmahari or Chenresig. This statue has thousands of heads and arms.
Chamba Temple: Maitreya is worshipped here. Statue of Maitreya is 14meters height.
Getting to Rizong Monastery: Only way to reach this place is through road way. Before reaching this place one has to reach Leh. This place can be reached either from Srinagar or from Manali. Both routes are mountain routes. Sometimes these routes will be blocked due to landslides. From Leh, Jeeps and Taxis are available to reach Rizong. Bus services to this gompa are very limited. Nearest railway station is located at Kalka. Taxis and Buses are available to reach Manali. Then taxis and buses are available to reach Leh from Manali. Nearest airport is located at Leh which is 70kms away from the monastery.
Getting around Rizong Monastery: This gompa can be explored on foot. From Leh, visitors can see the surrounding places of this gompa via buses and taxis.
Best time to visit Rizong Monastery: Best time to visit this place is between June and September.
Where to stay in Rizong Monastery: Accommodations are not available at this place. Sometimes monks allow to stay at this monastery. Staying in Leh is the best option.
Where to eat in Rizong Monastery: Eateries are not available at this place. Monks provide food to the visitors of this place.