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One of the major attractions of Ladakh region is the monasteries. These monasteries are the place for Buddhist monks and nuns to stay, gain knowledge and offer prayers. These monasteries are located mostly on hill tops and hill sides or even on plains, but no matter what their location is, they never fail to impress visitors. Some of the monasteries are described below: Hemis - Hemis is perhaps the most popular of all monasteries. The monastery belongs to the Drukpa order and was built by Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso in 1630. The monastery is situated around 45 kms from the town of Leh and holds an annual festival that is hugely attractive for visitors. Masked dance that depict victory of good over evil are the themes of such dance. The festival celebrates the death of Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. Thiksey - This one leaves its mark on your mind because of its impressive structure as compared to the other monasteries of the are. The monastery was built by Paldan Sherab nephew of Sherb Zangpo and is a storehouse of stupas, statues, thankas, wall paintings, swords and a large pillar inscripted with the Buddha's teachings. The highlight of the monastery is the big image of seated Buddha in the prayer hall. Shey Gompa - This monastery once served as the residence to the royal family of the King of Ladakh. Dominating here is a copper statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and another statue that rises upto the height of three storey. Stakna - A monastery that came up in the late 16th century, Stakna Monastery has its branches in Zanskar. A statue of Arya Avaloketesvara is revered greatly here. Matho - Built few decades below the Stakna Monastery, Matho preserves beautiful and invaluable thangkas. This is the only monastery of the region that adheres to the Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism. The annual festival celebrated here is known as Matho Narang. Spituk - Spituk means exemplary and it was so named by the great translator, Rinchen Zangpo. Located around 18 kms away from Leh, this monastery's special attraction is the chapel of Tara with 21 of her brilliantly sculpted images. Apart from this a commendable collection of ancient masks, antique arms, icons and numerous Thankas also make Spituk worth visiting. Lamayuru - The significance of this monastery is due to the fact that it is amongst the earliest existing monasteries of Ladakh. Though, it is not in a good condition today, yet a visit to it is worthwhile owing to its significance. The monastery is located some 120 km east of Leh. Rizong - As far as construction time goes, Rizong lies on the other side of Lamayuru. It was built very recently in the 19th century by Lama Tsultim Nima and still retains that stunning look. Infact, its appearance as fort is quiet remarkable. Other than this, it is the only monastery in entire ladakh that also has a nunnery. Alchi - This one again is counted amongst the oldest monasteries of Ladakh. Alchi Monastery or Alchi Choskhor as it is also known as has another significance - it is the only monastery that stands on flat ground. There are number of other monasteries in the region and you must explore them the moment you get an opportunity. For more information visit Ladakh Tourism
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