Lamayuru

The Earliest Surviving Monastery of Ladakh.

The largest and the oldest gompa in Ladakh, Lamayuru lies on a spectacularly beautiful road, about 125 km west of Leh. Founded by Mahasiddhacharya Naropa, this monastery belongs to the Red-Hat Sect of Buddhism. The monastery is completely a sand stone architecture of the 11th century. Popular for a number of shrines, thangkas and several marvellous wall paintings, Lamayuru gompa serves as the residence of approximately 150 monks. Apart from a rich history and unique architecture, the place is known for wonderful surroundings and interesting topography.

Lamayuru monastery, popularly known as 'Yangdrung Gomp', is a gateway to zanskar and a landmark on the old silk route.

Monastery Attractions

The monastery has an antique collection of the murals, column paintings and frescoes representing the Kashmiri style of Buddhist iconography.

Tourists and Buddhist Monks visit the monastery in the 2nd and 5th month of the Tibetan Lunar calendar for the annual masked dance festivals.

The monastery has been a prime attraction since the ancient times.