10 Must Visit Buddhist Monasteries of Incredible India

There are 25 plus Buddhist monasteries in India, where one can learn the art of Buddhist culture and traditions. Here is the list of top 10 must visit Buddhist monasteries of India, located at different corners of the country.

Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang Monastery is the largest Buddhist monastery in India, situated near the top of a mountain in Tawang city. The monastery has a hut like structure and built like a large mansion having sacred texts in the library, Image of Buddha and giant statue of Lord Buddha.

Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim

Rumtek-Monestery-Sikkim

Rumtek Monastery near the capital Gangtok is the largest monastery in Sikkim and home to community of monks. The monastery also known as Dharma Chakra Centre.

Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh

Thiksey Monastery is the largest Buddhist monasteries in the central Ladakh, situated approximately 19 km from Leh. The monastery contains 49 ft high statue of Maitreya at an altitude of 3,600 metres.

Phuktal Monastery, Jammu and Kashmir

Phugtal-Monastery

Phuktal Monastery in Zanskar region of Ladakh can only be reached by foot through the frozen Zanskar river. The Phuktal Gompa also has Phuktal Monastic School and allows monks to interact with the villagers.

Key Monastery, Lahaul and Spiti

Key Monastery on top of a hill is located close to the Spiti river in Himachal Pradesh. The famous Tibetan Monastery in Spiti is located on picturesque hilltop at an altitude of 4,166 metres.

Mindrolling Monastery, Dehradun

Mindrolling Monastery in Dehradun is the best tourist attraction, located near Clement town. The monastery is re-established in Dehradun by Khochhen Rinpoche.

Hemis Monastery, Ladakh

Hemis-Festival

Hemis Monastery is situated 45 km from Leh and known for world famous Hemis Festival, dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava. The Mask Dances of Hemis Gompa in Ladakh is part of Tantric tradition,celebrated annually (23 June 2018) on the 10th day of the Tse Chu.

Ghum Monastery, Darjeeling

Ghum Monastery is one of the most famous tourist attraction in Darjeeling and home to a 15 feet high statue of the Maitreya Buddha. The small hilly town of Ghum is also home to the Batasia Loop, War Memorial and is the highest railway station in India.

Diskit Monastery, Ladakh

Diskit Monastery in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh is famous for Dosmoche festival during the winter season and home to 32 metre statue of Maitreya Buddha.