Ladakh is more than just barren beauty and high-altitude passes. Beyond the adventure, lies a deep spiritual essence wrapped in the folds of the Himalayas. Monasteries in this region don’t just offer prayers—they offer peace, purpose, and perspective. Among the many, Likir Monastery in Ladakh and Bardan Monastery in Ladakh stand out—not just for their history, but for their energy.
Whether you're planning a trip to Ladakh for photography, biking, trekking, or just soul-searching, adding these two monasteries to your itinerary will elevate the experience beyond landscapes—it'll become a journey inward.
🕉️ Likir Monastery in Ladakh: An Ancient Sanctuary of Peace
Tucked away around 52 km west of Leh, Likir Monastery (also called Likir Gompa) sits quietly on a hilltop, surrounded by the stark beauty of Ladakh's desert mountains. Founded in the 11th century, this monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is one of the oldest continuously operating gompas in the region.
✅ Why Visit Likir Monastery?
-
Massive Buddha Statue: The 75-feet tall gold-covered statue of Maitreya Buddha (Future Buddha) is awe-inspiring.
-
Frescoes & Murals: The walls of the monastery are painted with vivid Buddhist imagery, showing scenes from ancient texts and teachings.
-
Spiritual Silence: The calmness here is different—away from the buzz of Leh, you can hear the wind, the prayers, and your own thoughts.
-
Annual Festivals: Attend the Likir Dosmochey festival—a colourful celebration of mask dances and Buddhist rituals.
📍 How to Reach:
-
From Leh, hire a cab or take a local bus to Likir village. The monastery is a short walk uphill from the village center.
-
Roads are accessible even during winters, though snow may make it more picturesque.
🏠 Nearby Stays:
-
Homestays in Likir village offer local hospitality.
-
Leh city has many hotels and guest houses if you're making a day trip.
🧘♂️ Soak in the Spiritual Energy
In your trip to Ladakh, it’s easy to rush from one spot to another for photos. But Likir asks you to pause. Sit on the monastery terrace, breathe in the mountain air, and let your thoughts settle. This is Ladakh in its truest form—silent, sacred, and serene.
Bardan Monastery in Ladakh: The Hidden Jewel of Zanskar
Far from the crowds of Leh, in the secluded Zanskar Valley, lies Bardan Monastery in Ladakh—a true hidden gem for spiritual seekers and culture lovers. Perched dramatically on a cliff above the Tsarap River, this monastery offers an offbeat yet powerful experience.
📜 Brief History
Built in the 17th century, Bardan is associated with the Dukpa-Kargyud sect and houses around 40 resident monks. It is one of the earliest monasteries of this sect in Zanskar.
🔍 Highlights of Bardan Monastery
-
Cliffside Architecture: The white-washed structure seems to grow out of the mountain itself.
-
Main Assembly Hall: With ancient thangkas (Tibetan paintings), rare manuscripts, and butter lamps always glowing.
-
Panoramic Views: See the entire Tsarap Valley from here—untouched, raw, and wild.
-
Peaceful Atmosphere: Due to its remote location, it offers unfiltered access to Buddhist teachings and meditative silence.
🛣️ How to Reach Bardan Monastery:
-
First, reach Padum, the central town of Zanskar.
-
From Padum, it’s a 12 km drive or bike ride to Bardan. Roads are narrow but scenic.
-
Best time to visit: June to September, when Zanskar roads are accessible.
🏡 Where to Stay:
-
Stay in Padum town, which offers budget guesthouses.
-
Try local Zanskari homestays for authentic experience.
🧳 Planning Your Trip Smartly
When planning a monastery circuit in Ladakh, consider clubbing Likir with Alchi, Basgo, and Spituk Monasteries, which fall along the Leh-Srinagar route. For Bardan, plan a dedicated Zanskar valley trip, combining it with Phuktal Monastery, Karsha Monastery, and Zangla Fort.
🚘 Sample Itinerary for Monastery Lovers:
-
Day 1: Arrive in Leh, rest
-
Day 2: Visit Likir, Alchi, and Basgo
-
Day 3: Drive to Kargil, then Rangdum
-
Day 4: Enter Zanskar, reach Padum
-
Day 5: Visit Bardan, Karsha, and Phuktal Monasteries
-
Day 6: Return journey
💡 Pro Tips
-
Respect monastery rules: No loud noise, no short clothes, and no touching sacred objects.
-
Talk to the monks—they are happy to share stories and spiritual insights.
-
Carry cash, as remote places often lack ATMs or online payments.
-
Don’t forget to donate—it helps the monastery continue its rituals and upkeep.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Ladakh isn’t just about high passes and adventure—it’s about inner journeys too. Visiting places like Likir Monastery in Ladakh connects you to history, while a stop at Bardan Monastery in Ladakh brings you face-to-face with untouched spiritual energy.
As you take your trip to Ladakh, let these monasteries guide your soul. Because sometimes, the best part of travel isn’t what you see, but what you feel inside.
Comments
0 comment