Everybody knows about the various Buddhist temples in Ladakh but fewer people know that there are multiple Hindu temples too. The Tibetan influence in the cuisines, cultures, festivals, and worship places is quite dominant here. But on the other hand, being a part of India, Ladakh is home to multiple Hindu temples too.
If you want to visit one such place on your trip to this wonderful place, then we have formed a list of temples that can be visited. They are intuitive, accessible, and offer a lot of peace to the visitors. So, put these amazing Hindu and Buddhist temples in Leh Ladakh in your itinerary.
Visit these enchanting temples in Ladakh
1. Alchi Chos Khor Temple
- This is not a single monument but a group of temples covering a complete complex.
- It is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Leh Ladakh and was founded by Rinchen Sangpo.
- The temple is located in the Alchi region of Leh Ladakh.
- While you visit this temple, you can see the images of Bodhisattva, Gandharva, Buddha, and Apsara.
- This temple also houses the Buddhism art elements that date back to the 10th century. And this is the only place to do that throughout the country.
- The temple also houses paintings that were completed by Buddhist craftsmen.
- There are six temples in the complex that can be visited and their names are Lotsawa Lhakhang, Lhakhang Soma, Sumstek, Vairocana temple, Manjushree Lhakhang, and Kangyur temple.
2. Paldan Lumo Temple
- Paldan Lumo Temple is located near the Indus river on a hilltop.
- It is also one of the temples situated at a high altitude offering a breathtaking view of the surroundings.
- The temple is constructed inside the complex of Spituk Monastery.
- It is located approximately 7 km from the city of Leh.
- This is an important temple in Ladakh and is devoted to Vajrabhairava.
- Every January, there is a festival that is celebrated at the temple and that’s the time when the monks unveil the face of the lord.
- There are multiple things that are kept in the temple including strange-looking images, Tantrik worship, arms, and antiques.
- There is also a shield kept in the temple that is forged out of a cane.
3. Red Maitreya Temple
- The Red Maitreya Temple is situated in Leh city.
- It is one of the most famous temples of Leh Ladakh and sees a lot of visitors every year.
- The temple’s main attraction is the huge Maitreya Buddha statue and people love exploring the divider paintings on the premises.
- The temple was built by Tragspa Bumde and is one of the best places if you want to revisit the religious past of Ladakh.
- The temple was harmed during the Dogra invasion but reconstructed in the 1950s by Anca Nicolaescu.
4. Lamokhang Temple
- Listed amongst the best monasteries in Leh, Lamokhang Temple is an important attraction of Leh Ladakh.
- It is situated in the Thiksey region of Ladakh on the Leh Manali Highway.
- This temple is located on the top floor of the well-known Thiksey Monastery.
- Lamokhang Temple is also home to Tengyur and Kangyur scriptures.
- Only men are allowed to enter this temple whereas females can offer their prayers from a distance.
- The other interesting things to witness here are the big stupas, Mani Walls, and temple pillars having the imprint of Buddha’s teachings.
5. Tara Temple
- This is another popular temple of Leh Ladakh and is named Tara Temple.
- The temple is also located in the Thiksey monastery which is dedicated to Goddess Tara.
- There are 21 images of the goddess that are placed in the temple.
- The courtyard of the temple is dictated to other divine entities.
- The wall painting of the temple depicts Tsong Khapa, Buddha, Mahakal, Padmasambhāva, and Palden Lhamo.
6. Vajra Bhairav Shrine
- The Vajra Bhairav Shrine is located in the Spituk region of Leh Ladakh in the Indus river valley.
- The temple is amongst the most important Hindu temples in Leh Ladakh.
- Vajra Bhairav Shrine has located approximately 10 km from Leh city.
- This shrine is from the Gelugpa sect and is one of the most visited Shiv Mandirs of Ladakh.
- Although the deity is kept in a chamber and is believed to have supernatural powers. But it is unveiled to the local public once a year.
- The temple is adorned with 600 years old paints that mesmerize the visitors a lot.
7. Matho Temple
- The Matho temple is located in the Matho Monastery itself and is an interesting place to visit.
- Matho monastery itself is an important Budha temple in Ladakh and that increases the importance of the Matho Temple.
- This temple is approximately 26 km from Leh city and is known to be home to the monastery founded by Lama Dugpa Dorje.
- The temple is believed to be as old as 500 years but it has been constantly repaired over the years.
- There is an annual festival that is celebrated here every 14th and 15th day of the first month according to the Tibetan Calendar.
8. Serzang Temple
- The Serzang Temple is located in the Basgo village near the Royal Quarters in Leh.
- Serzang Temple is considered to be the top temple of Leh Ladakh and a must-visit place too.
- The temple is located approximately 40 km away from Leh airport.
- The temple is built with Gold and Copper and that can be seen in the structure.
- Serzang Temple also flaunts a 30 ft high Maitreya Buddha statue that is also made out of copper gilt.
- One can explore the temple premises to see the amazing mural paintings, Buddha figures, and manuscripts.
9. Sun Temple
- Sun Temple is located on the Surya Mandir Road in Anantnag.
- The temple is dedicated to the Sun God and the only one dedicated to him that increases its importance.
- There are an astonishing 84 columns that were used to build the building.
Conclusion
People visit Ladakh for the adventure it has on offer, to ride their bikes on the high-altitude and daunting passes. But if you want to enjoy the union territory in its entirety then do not miss out on the temple in Ladakh. We have listed the best temples that you should not miss out on.
