Spituk Monastery, Leh

Spin a prayer wheel and enjoy fabulous panoramic views at Spituk Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery perched above the Indus Valley. This intensely colored complex cut into the slope of a hill was founded in the 11th century as a model for other monasteries in the area. Housing a number of ancient shrines, idols, frescoes, and scriptures, the monastery's most treasured relic is a "nose-bleed" belonging to the leader of the Yellow Hat sect, who spread Gelug Buddhism. Gain sweeping views of the arabesque-shaped green fields and mud-brick buildings, set against a backdrop of dark brown peaks across the valley. Home to around 100 monks, the temple gets very crowded during festival times. To visit Spituk Monastery and get the most from your holiday in Leh, create itinerary details personal to you using our Leh vacation maker site.