Lamayuru Monastery

Lamayuru Monastery, also known as Yuru Gompa or "Eternal Monastery," is one of the oldest and largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh, India. Perched dramatically atop a rocky spur at an elevation of 3,510 meters (11,520 feet), it overlooks a surreal, eroded landscape often called "Moonland" due to its crater-like rock formations resembling the lunar surface. Located in the Leh district along the Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH1D), it's about 127 km west of Leh town and serves as a profound spiritual and cultural landmark.

Diskit Monastery

Diskit Monastery, also known as Diskit Gompa, is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh, northern India. Founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong Khapa (the founder of the Gelugpa or "Yellow Hat" sect of Tibetan Buddhism), it stands as a spiritual and cultural landmark in this remote, high-altitude desert region. The monastery serves as a hub for about 100 resident monks and plays a key role in preserving Ladakhi Buddhist heritage, including traditional education for local children through its monastic school.

Hemis Monastery

Hemis Monastery, also known as Hemis Gompa, is one of the most renowned and largest Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh, India. Affiliated with the Drukpa Kagyu (Red Hat Sect) lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, it serves as a spiritual and cultural hub, housing over 1,000 monks across its main complex and 200 subsidiary outposts. Situated at an elevation of about 3,600 meters (12,000 feet) in a dramatic Himalayan gorge, it exemplifies Ladakh's blend of ancient faith, stunning architecture, and natural beauty.