Thiksey Monastery

    Lies on the way to Karzok, situated on a hilltop which oversees the breathtaking views of the Indus Valley and the Stok range. It was founded in 1433 AD by two people: Spon Palden Sherab and his master Jangsem Sherab Zang. It is the largest Gompa in central Ladakh. The monastery also has a 15 meter Maitreya Buddha, which is the tallest statue in all of Ladakh, covering a height of 2 stories of the building.

Visitors can participate in daily prayers and rituals conducted by the resident monks, as well as explore the monastery's museum, which showcases a fascinating collection of ancient artefacts, thangkas (religious paintings), and religious scriptures.

The best time to visit is around October/ November, when the famous Gustor festival takes place. There are luxurious hotels at the base of the hill with modern facilities. The monastery serves vegetarian food. Hotels at the base provide Indian and Tibetan food.

The monastery offers a clear view of the Indus Valley, and some monasteries like Shey, Stok, and Matho can also be seen from here.