Thikse Monastery is a Tibetan Monastery in Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India. This belongs to Yellow Hat sect. Leh is located 19kms away from this monastery. In Central Ladakh, this is the largest Gompa. This gompa looks like Potala Palace. This gompa is famous for thangkas, statues, stupas of Buddhism. It is 12 storey complex.
What to see in Thikse Monastery:
Maitreya Buddha: Statue of Maitreya Buddha is 15meters height. This statue covers two storey building. Craftsman has taken 4 years to make this statue. It is in sitting posture.
Tara Temple: Goddess Tara is worshipped here. In Glass covered Wooden Shelves, visitors can see 21 images of Goddess. Image of Buddha and his two disciple images can be seen at Chi- Khang.
Assembly Hall: Entrance wall of this hall consists of murals of the Tibetan Calendar with Bhavacakra. Bhavacakra is the wheel of life. Main prayer hall consists of several painted and handwritten books. 11 headed Avalokitesvara with Padmasambava is another attraction of the Assembly hall. Other attraction of this place is 225 volumes of the text Tangyur.
Lamokhang Temple: This temple is located on the top floor of the monastery. It consists of scriptures of Stangyur and Kangyur. Only men’s are allowed into this floor. At the entry of this monastery one can see main walls and big statues.
Nunnery: Nunnery school is located inside this monastery. It is managed by Monastery Administration.
What to see around Thikse Monastery:
Leh Palace: 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.
Mangyu Monastery: Major attractions of this monastery are paintings of mandalas, and rare thangkas.
Rizong Monastery: It looks like fortress. This gompa belongs to Gelukpa order of Buddhism.
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.
Nubra Valley: It is high altitude desert which is well known for its beauty. This valley separates Karakoram and Ladakh.
Shanti Stupa: It has white domed monument with backdrop of brown mountains.
Stok: This is famous for its Buddhist Monastery. It also acts as gateway for several trekking activities. This is located 14kms away from Leh.
Rangdum Monastery: It lies between Kargil and padum. Main attraction of this monastery is assembly hall. This hall has beautiful status.
Sani Monastery: It is one of the 8 most sacred places for Buddhists. This place is most famous among Tibetan Buddhism. This monastery has ancient chortens. It is constructed by Emperor Kanishka. Attractions of this Gompa are idols, paintings and murals of Saint Padmasambhava.
Magnetic Hill: Due to magnetic force of the hill cars will be pulled upwards. It is 27kms away from Leh.
Getting to Thikse 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 this monastery. 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.
Getting around Thikse 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 Thikse Monastery: Best time to visit this monastery is between May to September.
Where to stay in Thikse Monastery: No accommodations in this monastery. Leh is the only option to stay near this monastery.
Where to eat in Thikse Monastery: No restaurants at this monastery. It is advisable to carry food.