Angels in the Hills: India’s Must Visit Monasteries

Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery, KarnatakaLocated in the Tibetan settlement town Bylakuppe, just west of Mysore, this monastery is home to over five thousand lamas (monks and nuns). Following the exit from Tibet in 1959, the monastery was established by throne-holder Kyabje Penor Rinpoche in 1963 and it is the largest teaching centre of Nyingmapa (lineage of Tibetan Buddhism) in the world. It is situated on the state highway 88 and is well connected to most of the major cities in South India.

Hemis Monastery, LadakhSituated in the foothills of Indus, about 45 km from Leh, Hemis Monastery is the largest and the wealthiest monastery in the Ladakh region. Established in the 11th century, the monastery houses some of the most astounding murals and Buddha statues. It is situated on the Leh-Manali highway and has budget to luxury range of hotels. Monastery also provides overnight stay to tourists and locals also offer homestay facilities. Best time to visit Hemis for tour and trek is between May and September as most routes for trek are closed after November due to heavy snowfall.

Lamayuru Monastery, Ladakh15 km east of Fotu-La, a mountain pass between Leh and Kargil, on the Srinagar–Kargil–Leh highway, at a height of 3,510 mtrs Lamayuru or Yuru is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. It is one of the oldest and largest gompas (monasteries) in ladakh with around 150 permanent monks resident. The annual festival YuruKabgyat is the major attraction of the monastery, where mask dance of the monks is the highlight of the festival. It is situated 127 km from Leh and basic accommodation is provided in the monastery.

Thiksey Monastery, LadakhLocated at an altitude of 3,600 m in the Indus valley, Thiksey Monastery is a 12 storey complex and also houses a nunnery in the complex. One of the main interest points is the 15 mtrsstatue of Maitreya (future Buddha) Temple which was installed to commemorate the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama to this monastery in 1970 and took four years to complete. It is about 20 km southeast of Leh, just off the Leh-Manalihighway.

Phugtal Monastery, ZanskarLove trekking? Visit the 12th century Phuktal or Phugtal Monastery situated on the tributary of Lungnak River in Ladakh. Uniquely constructed like a honeycomb on a cliff on the mouth of a cave (phuk means cave) the structure is stunning. Visitors must cross a suspension bridge over the river to reach the monastery. Located in the Zanskar region of Jammu and Kashmir,Padum, the administrative town is the closest town. From there it takes a two/three day trek to reach the monastery.

Mindrolling Monastery, DehradunMindrolling (pronounced as MINH-droh-lyng) Monastery in India was founded in 1965 and is located near Clement Town in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It is one of the major monasteries of the Nyingma school in Tibet and is home to The Great Stupa. Standing tall at 185 feet and 100 square feet wide, it is one of the largest Stupas in the world. A day visit to take in the tranquility of beautiful gardens surrounding the monastery can be carried out by the visitors. For overnight or extended stay, advance booking is advisable.

Rumtek Monastery, SikkimRumtek Monastery, also called Dharmachakra Centre, is one of the 200 odd monasteries in Sikkim. Originally built in 16th century by the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje, this Tibetan Buddhist Monastery served as the main seat of Karma Kagyu lineage in Sikkim for some time but it was reestablished in early 1960s. Located 24 km from Gangtok, capital city of Sikkim, a steep 15 minute walk is required to reach the monastery. Foreigners must carry their passports and Sikkim permits.

Tsuglagkhang Complex, DharamshalaThe Tsuglagkhang Complex located in Dharamsala, which contains the official residence of the Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama, is the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet. It has a large meditation hall that contains some of the most beautiful statues and thangkas as well as a Kalachakra temple which has some of the most beautiful murals. Follow the Buddhist pilgrims and take a ritual walk around the complex or spend some time browsing through the books at the bookshop. Every year in February/March, the Dalai Lama holds public lectures for 10 days or so, but do check out His Holiness’s itinerary if you wish to see him or meet him.

Ghum Monastery, West BengalLocated at Ghum, at an elevation of 8,000 feet, 8 km from Darjeeling in West Bengal, this monastery was built in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyatso and is the largest of the three monasteries in Ghum. There is a 15 feet high statue of Maitreya Buddha (future Buddha) in the monastery. Listen to the chants in background while overlooking the Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.

Tawang Monastery, Arunachal PradeshTawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh, founded in 1680-81, is the largest monastery in India and one of the largest monasteries of Mahayana sect in Asia. It is very close to the Tibetan border in the valley of Tawang-chu which flows from Tibet. Located 10,00 feet above sea level, near the border of Bhutan, the monastery appears like a fort, it can be reached via Guwahati inAssam and Bhalukpongin Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh, being a restricted area, prior permits must be obtained.

Photographic Attribution• Thank you all for your contributions!

• Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery, Karnataka: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rahulr/4025443147

• Hemis Monastery, Ladakh: http://www.flickr.com/photos/madpai/249373614

• Lamayuru Monastery, Ladakh: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lfphotos/10000126963

• Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bjgraf/8976676520/

• Phugtal Monastery, Zanskar: http://www.flickr.com/photos/txpz/2530900284

• Mindrolling Monastery, Dehradun: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shayargautam/341189163

• Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ramkrsna/7983231100

• Tsuglagkhang Complex, Dharamshala: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brad-darren/5200994653

• Ghum Monastery, West Bengal: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shankaronline/735387377

• Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh: http://www.flickr.com/photos/appaji/285878126