Sankar Gompa

It's a small unknown monastery just at the foothills of Shanti stupa. Do visit for the peace and quiet it offers. Beautiful temple and statues. Great corridors and well kept.

The Sankar Monastery belongs to the Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the residence of 25 monks of the Gelugpa sect out of which only a few are permanent residents of the monastery. Although the ancient Sankar monastery is believed to have been built 90 years ago, it stands on the location of a small temple constructed around 500 years back.

Sankar Gompa in Leh is truly a hidden gem. From the moment I set foot in this sacred place, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of peace and serenity. The stunning backdrop of the Himalayas adds to the charm of this ancient monastery. The intricate artwork and colorful murals inside are a testament to the rich Buddhist culture.

The warm and welcoming monks here offer a glimpse into their way of life, and their chants and rituals are a mesmerizing experience. The panoramic views from the gompa are simply breathtaking, especially during sunrise or sunset. It's a place where you can find solace and connect with your inner self.

Very peaceful and beautiful place to visit

Sankar Gompa is considered as one of the must-visit places in the Northern part of India. If you are a traveler and a lover of nature then you must not ignore this heavenly place. Sankar Gompa or Sankar Monastery is said to be a subsidiary of Spituk Monastery that has the same Lama. Sankar Monastery shares little distance (near about 2 km) from Leh that tourists can visit the Gompa easily on foot. The Sankar Monastery belongs to the Gelukpa sect of Buddhism. The head sect of Ladakh Kushok Bakul is the official resident of this Gompa. There are 25 lamas belong to the yellow-hat sect are attached to the Gompa but among them, only a few are the permanent residents. Sankar Monastery has constructed 90 (approx.) years ago but is sharing the premises of a 500 years old temple.

Sankar Monastery, or Sankar Gompa is a Buddhist monastery within an easy half-hour walk from Leh in Ladakh, northern India. It is a daughter-establishment of Spituk Monastery and the residence of the Abbot of Spituk, the Venerable Kushok Bakula, who is the senior incarnate lama of Ladakh due to his ancient lineage and personal authority.
It is a relatively modern, attractive cluster of buildings set amongst trees above the town, in the lee of Khardung La,[2] a 5,359 m (17,582 ft) pass behind Leh leading to the Shyok and Nubra Valleys.

Only 20 monks at most live here, and only a few permanently, so visiting hours are limited to early morning and evening. The place is well lit, so an evening visit is worthwhile. Climbing the steps one reaches the double doors leading into the dukang (du khang) or assembly hall. Three green drums are on the right of the door under which is the place of the Gyeskos. The wall and entry door are richly painted. Upstairs is the Dukar Lhakang ("residence of the deity") or inner sanctuary. There is an impressive figure here of Avalokiteśvara (Tibetan: Chenrezig) with 1,000 arms (all holding weapons) and 1,000 heads. The walls are painted with a Tibetan calendar, mandalas and rules for the monks. Above the wooden stairs can be seen the rooms of the Abbot, guest rooms and the library.

A lama from Sankar Monastery visits the mid-sixteenth century fort built by Tashi Namgyal at Namgyal Tsemo, the peak above Leh every morning and evening to maintain the temples associated with the fort and light the butter-lamps.

Very good and peaceful place. This monastery has some wonderful wall paintings and also has wonderful view. Must visit when in leh.

The best view in leh! The hike is also very steep and enjoyable. It is worth all the effort reaching the top!

Nice holly place
Must visit

Very peaceful place

A place to get back to your inner serene nature.

Excellent quiet monastery... Peaceful

Resident of Bakula Rimpochay. One of the main monastery of Gelug pa

One of the oldest monestry in Leh town

A monastery away from Leh town,cool place with bit of greenery

One of the least visited and quietest Gompa in Leh. Must visit.

a peaceful and historical place in leh..

I feel very peaceful when I enter that monestry...

Good ambience 👍

Nice 🙂 place