Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Gelugpa order located on a hilltop in Thiksey village, about 19 kilometres southeast of Leh in Ladakh, India. Built in the mid-15th century, the 12-storey complex resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa and houses ten temples, stupas, thangkas and a 15-metre Maitreya Buddha statue. It is the largest monastery in central Ladakh and remains an active centre for Buddhist learning and rituals.

Visitors can expect a 12-storey hilltop monastery complex with whitewashed buildings ascending the hillside, offering panoramic views of the Indus Valley and surrounding mountains. Inside, visitors can explore temples, assembly halls, stupas, wall paintings, thangkas and the large Maitreya Buddha statue in the Maitreya Temple. The monastery is active with resident monks, morning prayer ceremonies, a small museum and souvenir shop. Access involves climbing steps and narrow staircases between levels.

Founded in the mid-15th century by Palden Zangpo, a disciple of Sherab Zangpo. Originally established at Stakmo and later relocated to the present hilltop at Thiksey. Affiliated with the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) order of Tibetan Buddhism. The complex was built over several centuries and is noted for its Potala Palace-like architecture and historical role as a major centre of Buddhist learning in central Ladakh.

One of the largest and most important Gelugpa monasteries in Ladakh, serving as an active centre for Buddhist study, rituals and festivals. Houses significant religious art including thangkas, wall paintings, stupas and the revered Maitreya Buddha statue. Hosts annual religious festivals including Gustor and daily prayer ceremonies that reflect Tibetan Buddhist traditions.