About Spituk Monastery of Ladakh

An 11th century monastery, Spituk Gompa or Pethup Gompa is known for its giant Kali statue that is revealed on the annual festival of Gustor. Spituk is at a short distance away from Leh and is one of the top places to see.

The monastery now comes under the Tsongkhapa order (Gelug or Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism and is home to 100 monks. On Spituk’s premises, there’s also a museum that has a wide collection of ancient masks, antique arms, other icons and numerous thangkas (Buddhist paintings) making it an important attraction here.

History of Spituk Monastery

The history of Spituk Monastery dates it back to the 11th century when it was founded by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od when he came to Maryul. It is said when Lotsewa Rinchen Zangpo (Translator) visited the place, he predicted that an ‘exemplary’ religious community would arise there and so the monastery was called spituk (exemplary). Founded as a Red Hat institution, Spituk Gompa was taken over by the Yellow Hat sect (Gelug/Tsongkhapa) in the 15th century.

Structure of the monastery

There are three chapels in the gompa with numerous statues of Buddha and several thankas as well. The Dukhang Hall is the highlight and the two rows of seats running to a throne at the end are also something unique found here. Visitors will come across the beautiful sculptors and chortens.

Location

The monastery is perched on a thrilling hill top near Indus and about 8 kms away from Leh on Srinagar road. It is at an elevation of 3307 meters.

Timings

It is open on all days from 08:00 am to 01:00 pm.

Entry fee

INR 30 per person

Tourist Attractions at Spituk Monastery

If you are at Spituk the whole monastery is a wonderful attraction for the tourists across the globe. Inside the monastery, travelers experience the huge throne of Dalai Lama. Else you will also come to see an old chapel featuring images of Buddha, TsongKha pa along with his two disciples behind the throne. The Spituk monastery is a home of 100 monks. This sacred monastery is considered as a must visit monastery for the Buddha devotees and history buffs. If you step inside the monastery you will encounter plenty of statues and images of Lord Buddha. There is also a holy idol of Amitayus. The assembly of the monastery features ample collections of thangkas which is nothing but a painting on silk or cotton depicting Lord Buddha. Else antique arms and masks are also can be seen.

You must not forget visiting the assembly hall of this monastery as it is the largest area of the temple featuring two rows of seats that ends up to the throne at the far end of the hall. Miniature and sculpture chortens are displayed for the tourists.

Best Time to Visit Spituk Monastery

The best time to visit Spituk Monastery is during the annual festival of Gustor. During the festival, one can witness the annual display of the statue of Kali and the traditional Cham Dance as well.

How to Reach Spituk Monastery

Spituk monastery is in Spituk village which shares a distance of 3.4 km from the airport. If you are traveling by car then you are required to head towards the war memorial/ the hall of fame for 2.8 km on NH1D and you will reach Spituk monastery. The Spituk village shares a distance of 8 km from the main city of Leh. From Leh there are a number of local transports are available. You can hire apersonal cab as well as local buses from Leh. Else for the travelers who tend to visit Spituk by air can board aflight from Delhi to Leh. The Leh airport is the nearest airport to Spituk monastery.