Spituk Monastery, also known as Pethup Gompa, was founded in the 11th century by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub. The monastery is home to 100 monks and a giant statue of the goddess Kali, shown to the public during the annual Spituk festival.
It is Ladakh’s oldest religious place, established 500 years ago. Earlier, Spituk monastery belonged to the Kadampa school of Tibetan Buddhism but later it was taken over by the Gelugpa order in the 15th century under the patronage of Grags-pa-bum.
The name of the monastery ‘Spituk’ means ‘Exemplary’ translated by Rinchen Zangpo who visited the place and declared it as the template for all future monasteries in Ladakh.
The architecture of Spituk Monastery comprises the main Dukhang or assembly hall, a smaller temple Dolma Lakhang, and the Chokhang Shrine. On the premises of Spituk, there is a museum also that has a rich collection of ancient masks, ancient arms, icons, and various thangkas (Buddhist paintings) making it a place worth visiting.
One of the significant features of Spituk monastery is the Spituk Gustor festival which is celebrated annually in the 11th month of the Tibetan calendar. At the festival, you will witness dances, performances, displays of colorful Ladaki rituals, etc.
History of Spituk Monastery Ladakh
The history of Monastery goes back to the 11th century when it was founded by Od-de, who was the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od when he came to Maryul. As per legends, when Rinchen Zangpo visited the place, he predicted an exemplary religious community would arise and so the monastery was named Spituk which translates to ‘Exemplary’. Although founded in the form of a Red Hat institution, Spituk Gompa was later taken over by the Yellow Hat sect (Gelugpa/Tsongkhapa) in the 15th century.
a hub of a rich collection of historical scriptures and relics. Among these, a popular one is a statue of Kali Mata which is unveiled during the Spituk Gustor festival.
Things to do at Spituk Monastery
Perched in the heart of the Himalayas, the monastery offers a unique trip that makes you immersed in the Ladaki culture and traditions. Below are some things to do at Spituk Monastery that will make your visit unforgettable.
Witness Spituk Gustor Festival
The Spituk festival is one of the most significant events that you should not miss when going to Monastery. The festival is celebrated every year on the 28th and 29th of the 11th month of the Tibetan calendar. In this festival, visitors can see vibrant masked dances and music which offers a glimpse of Ladakh’s rich culture and traditions.
Sightseeing of beautiful views
offers stunning views of snow-clad Himalayan mountain ranges and the Indus Valley. You can enjoy a peaceful walk around the monastery to explore the mesmerizing views of the surrounding landscapes.
Interaction with monks
monastery houses about 100 monks who are the protector’s of the monastery’s tradition and legacy. You can interact with these monks and learn about their way of spirituality, life, and history.
Explore ancient Thangkas and Artefacts
comprises a rich collection of Buddhist paintings and artifacts. You can witness here exquisite thangkas, Buddhist scriptures that depict the stories of Buddhist history and philosophy.
How to reach Spituk Monastery
is located 8 km away from Leh. You can reach here via a flight, road or train.
By Flight: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the nearest airport to reach Spituk Monastery. You can book your flight from any city of India to Leh airport. After reaching Leh, you can book a cab, or taxi or rent a bike to visit
By road: Road trips are the best and most thrilling way to explore Ladakh. If you are an adventure lover, then you can book a cab or rent a bike via the Leh- Manali or Leh- Srinagar highway. From Leh, you can visit Spituk which is at a distance of 8 kilometers.
By train: Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway station to reach Leh. After reaching the station, visitors can book a cab or bus to reach Leh.
Best time to visit Spituk Monastery
Although you can visit Spituk Monastery throughout the year, the best time to visit is during the summer season which is ideal for travelling.
Summer: From May to September, the weather in Ladakh is favorable for traveling and exploring various attractions. The temperature during the summer season ranges between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius with clear skies and lush greenery all around.
Winter: For those who want to enjoy the annual Spituk Gustor festival, you should visit Leh in January. Chham dance and rhythmic music are the two main highlights of this event.
Festival in Spituk Monastery
Spituk Gustor Festival is one of the main events held annually at Spituk monastery. It is celebrated on the 28th and 29th of the 11th month of the Tibetan calendar and during January as per the Gregorian calendar. The main highlights of this festival are music and masked chham dances by monks which display the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Ladakh.
Nearby places to visit at Spituk Monastery
Following are some nearby attractions that are worth visiting during your trip to Spituk Monastery.
Hemis Monastery
Hemis monastery is a well-known and largest monastery in Ladakh where the Hemis festival is celebrated every year in honor of Guru Padmasambhava. Tourists can witness here masked dances which are performed by monks and the unfurling of Thangka (Buddhist painting).
Pangong Lake
you can also visit Pangong Lake which is a high altitude deep blue water lake surrounded by towering mountains, and vast landscapes.
Changla Pass
Changla pass is a famous travel attraction of Ladakh which is surrounded by majestic hills and verdant green valleys. It is about 35 km from Leh and is the third-highest motorable pass in the world.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the visiting hours of Spituk Monastery?
The monastery remains open for visitors from 6 AM to 1 PM and from 1.30 PM to 6 PM.
Where is Spituk Gompa located in Ladakh?
The Monastery is situated on a hilltop near the Indus river which is about 8 km from Leh.
Which sect of Buddhism does monastery belong to?
It belongs to Gelugpa or yellow hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
How much time does it take to explore Spituk?
Visitors can explore the entire monastery in 2 to 3 hours.
Are there any festivals celebrated in Spituk monastery?
monastery hosts annually a festival called Spituk gustor in which there are masked dances and music by monks.