Sankar Monastery, or Sankar Gompa, is another beautiful Ladakh monastery about 3 km from Leh. The Gompa belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism. It is the official residence of Kushok Bakul, the head of the Ladakh sect.
. It is a daughter-establishment of Spituk Monastery and the residence of the Abbot of Spituk vILLAGE, the prominent Kushok Bakula. Sankar Gompa is home to 25 monks of the Gelugpa sect, out of which only a few are permanent residents of this monastery. As per ancient records, the monastery was built 90 years ago but is perched at a place with a small temple built about 500 years ago.
Sankar Gompa houses murals and paintings of the guardian gods of the Four Quarters of Heaven, the wheel of life, the older man of Longevity, and the Sakyamuni Buddha.
The monastery is a must-see for your Ladakh tour, as it has an unmatched architectural design depicting the place’s history and art. The timing of this Gompa is the early Moring till Evning, as the few monks manage. You can see the monastery from March to October in the summer when the weather is favorable for traveling.
History of Sankar Gompa
Sankar Monastery belongs to the Gelukpa sect of Buddhism. The main group of Ladakh Kushok Bakul is a government official living in this Gompa. Kushok Bakula is the official resident of this monastery. Twenty-five monks from the Gelugpa sect reside in Sankar Gompa, and only a few are permanent residents. The Sankar Gompa is believed to have been built around 90 years ago, but it stands on the site of a small old temple that was built about 500 years ago.
Tourist attractions in Sankar Monastery
Sankar Gompa is only 3 km from Leh City. Tourists can visit the monastery from 7 AM to 10 AM in the early morning and 5 PM to 7 PM. You should visit this Place. It is the best creation of nature with the Himalayas surrounding the Gompa. Besides its beauty, several other attractions lie close to Sankar Gompa, including Spituk Monastery and Diskit Monastery. Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa, etc.
Structure of Sankar Gompa
Sankar Gompa is the subordinate monastery of the Spituk Monastery. A balcony in front of Gompa contains 108 volumes of Buddha’s teachings along with three Buddha images- the Sakyamuni, the present, and the future.
The entrance of the Gompa has Dukhang, or Assembly Hall, decorated with ancient sculptures, paintings, and Buddhist artefacts. A beautiful attraction is the statue made up of butter and barley. Another eye-catching sight inside the monastery is the statue of ‘Avalokitesvara’ with 11 heads and 1000 arms.
At the assembly hall of the Gompa, there is a painting of the head lama Kushok Bakul Rimpoche, who breathed his last in 2004. Travelers can also see a structure outside the monastery called the “Wheel of Life,” which God Yama holds.
A small temple, Dukar La Khang, is also dedicated to the deity Dukar. On the top floor of the monastery is the chamber for relaxation for the Head Lama and other Lamas. There is a library from where you can see views of Namgyal Tsemo Hill.
Accommodation at Sankar Gompa
Several accommodation options at Sankar Gompa are located nearly 1 km away. Depending on your choices and budget, you can stay in hotels, resorts, and guesthouses; some hotels are Royal Heritage Resort, Thongsal, Hotel Antelope, and Hotel Kanika Himalayan View.
How to reach Sankar Gompa
The most convenient way to reach Sankar Monastery is by flight to Leh, where you can book a taxi. The monastery has well-maintained roads that you can access by other means.
From Leh by flight: Book a flight from any city in India to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee airport in Leh. After landing, you can book a cab or a taxi to your hotel in Leh and then plan a day trip from Leh to Sanakr Gompa.
By road: You can also reach Leh via Srinagar -Leh highway. Local cabs and buses in Leh will take you to Sankar Monastery.
Best time to visit Sankar Monastery
May to October is the best time to visit Sankar Monastery. During this time, the warm and pleasant climate is a suite that makes it suitable for traveling. If you want to enjoy monastic festivals, the best time to visit Sankar Gompa is between July and August. Heavy snowfall makes the road to Ladakh via Srinagar and Manali inaccessible from November to April. So, traveling by flight is the only option to reach Ladakh in winter.
Nearby Places
Located about 3 km from Leh, Sankar Gompa is a beautiful destination worth exploring. On your day trip to Sankar Monastery, you can also visit some other nearby attractions, which are at this moment mentioned
Shanti Stupa: You can visit Shanti Stupa, a beautiful domed white structure built in 1991 by Gyomyo Nakamura as part of the Peace Pagoda Mission. It offers enchanting views of the Himalayan mountains and Leh Valley, as well as panoramic views of sunrise and sunset.
Leh Palace: Built in the 17th century, Leh Palace is the top attraction of Ladakh. The palace offers fantastic views of Stok Kangri, Leh City, and Ladakh mountain ranges. Leh Palace was built in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal with a Tibetan style of architecture.
Hall of Fame: This museum was built by the Indian army in memory of those soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Indo-Pak wars. Hall of Fame is situated just 4 km from Leh City and is another attraction that you can visit near Sankar Gompa.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any festivals celebrated at Sankar Gompa?
You can attend various festivals in Sankar Monastery, such as Losar in February or March. Other festivals celebrated here are Phyang, Saga Dawa, and Tsesdup.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is allowed inside the monastery,but without flash.
What are the opening hours?
The monastery is open on all days of the week between 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM.
Are there any entry fees for visiting Sankar Monastery?
Yes, there is an entry fee of Rs. 20 for exploring the monastery.