Sankar Monastery

Sankar Monastery, also known as Sankar Gompa, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Sankar village about 3 km north of Leh in Ladakh. A subsidiary of Spituk Monastery, it belongs to the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Known for its traditional Ladakhi architecture, wall paintings, and statue of Avalokiteshvara with 1000 arms and heads, it serves as the residence of the Bakula Rinpoche.

Visitors can expect a small, relatively less crowded monastery set amidst trees and traditional Ladakhi houses north of Leh. The complex includes a Dukhang (assembly hall), shrine rooms with thangkas, murals, and statues including the prominent Avalokiteshvara figure. The site offers views of Leh valley, quiet courtyards, prayer wheels, and butter lamps. Access involves a short climb and steps within the monastery.

Sankar Monastery is a relatively recent monastery established as a daughter establishment of Spituk Monastery. It was founded by the first incarnation of Bakula Rinpoche and serves as his official residence. It represents the continued expansion of the Gelugpa order in Ladakh and maintains close religious and administrative ties with Spituk Monastery.

The monastery belongs to the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism and is an important centre for Buddhist practice in Leh. It houses sacred images, thangkas, and murals depicting Buddhist deities and teachings, including the revered Avalokiteshvara statue. It plays a role in local religious life and festivals and reflects traditional Ladakhi monastic architecture and art.