Timings- 07:00 AM - 06.30 PM
Overlooking the Indus Valley, Spituk Monastery was founded in the 14th century as See-Thub Monastery with a number of mud and brick structures on a vertical hillock towards Village Spituk. It was founded by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub. This triple-storyed monastery houses the region’s guardian deities and offers stunning views from the top. It is one of the most popular monasteries of Leh. It was originally small in size but was later expanded.
Do not miss visiting the Skudung Lhakhang, a wonderful structure in the monastery complex. In the colorful Tibetan prayer hall spot the statue of the preacher of Gelukpa Buddhism Tsongkhapa, wearing a yellow-colored hat. Another highlight here is the statue of Buddha. On the northern wall of this hall, is a painting depicting all the Dalai Lamas. The huge statue of Goddess Kali here is made public at the time of the annual Spituk Festival.
The Spituk Monastry complex also has a small canteen. The Gompa is around 5 km from the central part of Leh. Today, the monastery is home to as many as 100 monks. It originally belonged to the Red Hat Sect but later came in the hands of Yellow Hat Sect in the 15th century.
Every year, the Spituk Monastry complex becomes the venue of the very popular Gustor Festival, during the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar. The monastery is also known as Pethup Gompa.
