Religious site
Namgyal Tsemo Monastery
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Namgyal Tsemo Monastery, founded in the 15th century by King Tashi Namgyal, crowns a hill above Leh and is one of the oldest Buddhist sites in Ladakh. The monastery houses a large golden statue of Maitreya Buddha, along with ancient murals and scriptures. Visitors can explore the prayer hall filled with thangkas and ritual objects, while the rooftop offers a close-up view of Leh Palace. The climb up the hill is rewarded with a sense of history and spiritual calm, away from the town's bustle.
Don't miss
- The three-story golden statue of Maitreya Buddha inside the main temple
- Ancient murals and Tibetan scriptures preserved in the monastery
- Rooftop views overlooking Leh Palace and the Indus Valley
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Namgyal Tsemo Monastery
You can visit Namgyal Tsemo Monastery on your own. A guide is worth it for the history and detail that is easy to walk past, and a tour can combine it with nearby sights.
Cheapest way inPrivate Heritage Monasteries Tour + Local Lunch + Private Guide5★ · 10 travelers6-8 hoursFrom$159 per personSee dates →
Best full dayLeh Ladakh Motorcycle Tour - 7 Days Of Ultimate Thrill5★ · 32 travelers~168 hoursFrom$478 per personSee dates →More attractions in Leh