THIKSEY MONASTERY

Built in the ^16th century, the Thiksey monastery marks the spirits by its remarkable architecture. Behind the entrance gate, there is a restaurant, a guesthouse and a souvenir store (on the left). Then, you will go up, by foot or by car, to the school and the various temples. The monastery shelters a community of a small hundred monks.

Chanpakhang Temple is open from 8am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6:30pm. One can admire a superb statue of Buddha Maitreya (future Buddha) in sitting position. Blessed by the Dalai Lama in 1980, it is more than 12 m high. Its construction involved 30 people working continuously for 3 years. The statue is only 30 years old, but the murals are much older.

Gompa. At the top of the Gompa, you can visit a very old library filled with Buddhist manuscripts. In the courtyard, take time to observe the colorful murals depicting the deities.

Themuseum is open from 8am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6:30pm, entrance fee: 30 Rs. It presents beautiful tantric objects.

And don't forget the Kutong Lhakang, which contains two silver stupas and sacred relics, the Dolma Lhakang, then the Dukhang Lhakang (or Assembly Hall) and finally, the Gonkhang (temple of the protectors). In the morning, the ceremony is open to the public wishing to meditate. In high season, tourists flock.

The festival of Gustor takes place every year in March. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Magnificent point of view to admire the valley of Indus.