Monasteries are one of Ladakh’s most popular attractions. Thousands of tourists, scholars, and anyone interested in Buddhist or Tibetan culture visit the area with best travel agents in Mumbai. Stakna Monastery is home to some of the world’s oldest and most magnificent monasteries. The monasteries in Ladakh are a celebration of colour and life, despite the desolate brown terrain. They are famed for their teachings, rituals, festivals, and even architecture, and some date back to the 7th century.
Even in terms of location, these monasteries provide breath-taking views that are difficult to come by elsewhere in Ladakh. As a result, even if they are not religious, people come to see it for a new flavour of culture and to take in the breath-taking views.
Because of its position, the monastery was given the name “Stakna,” which literally means “tiger nose.” It was built on the left bank of the Indus River on a little tiger-nosed hill about 15 miles from the town of Leh on the Manali Leh Highway. Chosje Jamyang Palkar, a Bhutanese scholar and saint, discovered it in the late 16th century, and it today houses roughly 30 unusual monks.
The monastery’s interior is brightly coloured, with complex paintings by numerous Buddhist masters such as Bodhisattva, Tshong-san-Gompa, and Padmasambhava adorning the pillars and walls.
In the main prayer hall, there are also some wonderful paintings by Sakyamuni, Tsephakmad, and Amchi, as well as other antiques, idols, and bells made of bronze and silver. The drumming and the murmur of the chanting monks will be the only sounds you hear. The monastery has a really serene environment, and you will want to sit and spend as much time as possible here.
How to get to Stakna Monastery in Leh Ladakh
Visiting Stakna Monastery is simple after you arrive in Leh City. On the way from Manali to Leh during Ladakh Tour Package from Manali, the village and monastery are about 25 kilometres from Leh, towards Karu. Turn right after Thiksey on your way from Leh to Karu, cross the bridge, and you’ll arrive in the village of Stakna, where this monastery is located.
The road conditions are decent, and it will take you no more than 30 to 40 minutes to go to the monastery in your own vehicle. A return trip from Leh will take roughly 2-3 hours in total. You can, in fact, drive your car to the monastery. The Indus River bridge is a suspension bridge; however, it is motorised and capable of carrying one car at a time.
Visit Stakna Monastery in Leh Ladakh
Let us now turn our attention to the most essential question of all. How do you intend to spend your time here? This can be accomplished in a variety of ways.
- Return to Leh for the night after visiting the monastery in the evening after sunset.
- Plan a monastery trip, which is also the most popular option.
- Take a rest here on your way from manali to Leh or Leh to Manali.
- While driving from Leh to Pangong Tso or Pangong to Leh, stop here for a short rest.
Where to stay while visit Stakna Monastery
It is not possible to spend the night at the monastery, as many visitors have planned. Staying in Leh and taking a day excursion to Stakna is the best option. Start early in Leh to see the Thiksey, Shey and Stakna Monasteries, as well as the Rancho school. However, if you prefer to stay closer to home, Karu and Upshi are both viable options.
Alao visit: Diksit Monastery Leh Ladakh
Where to eat while visit Stakna Monastery
The monastery also lacks a dining arrangement. Bring some snacks, such as cookies or chips, as well as a bottle of water. On the Manali Leh road, there are various dhabas and small restaurants where you can eat.
Also visit: Dhanskar Monastery Himachal
Best time to visit Stakna Monastery
The best time to visit the monastery is during your tour to Ladakh. Between May and September is the best time to visit. The weather is pleasant during these months, the roads are open, and lodging is plentiful. If you’re visiting during the winter, you’ll need to fly to Leh and then travel to Stakna Monastery from there.
