A Quick Travel Guide To Lamayuru Monastery, Leh!

One of the most preferred places to visit in Ladakh, India is Lamayuru a place of huge religious significance. It’s located amidst a beautiful valley that is surrounded by several mountains making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers.

Lamayuru’s major attraction is its Buddhist monastery the Lamayuru Monastery. The monastery sees a large number of people throughout the year due to its popularity and significance. The monastery is home to around 150 monks and its landscape is sophisticated the reason behind this is the eroded hills and rock formations which were shaped and influenced by wind and water over several centuries.

Location

The name Lamayuru is borrowed from the name of the village its located in. The monastery is located at an altitude ranging from 3510 meters above sea level and 125 kilometers away from the capital of the state. 

Climatic Conditions

Ladakh and its village as well as the monastery encounter extreme weather conditions throughout the year. The seasons vary from summer and winter in which the summer ranges from June to August and is so called the best time to visit a place with pleasant temperatures that hits a peak at 25°C and a low of 15°C.

The summer season comes around November to February and is extremely cold with temperatures differing from -20°C to 10°C. The months of July to September face monsoon season and might be prone to landslides, roadblocks, and other difficulties. Due to this, it is advisable not to visit.

History Of Lamayuru Monastery

Dating back to ancient history the Lamayuru Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh and was founded back in the 11^th century by the great Scholar Naropa who was believed to meditate in a cave near this area.

It was later expanded by Mahasiddha Naropa’s follower Rinchen Zangpo who afterward built several new temples and Stupas within the Monastery infrastructure. The new buildings added to their unique lunar landscapes and architecture which resulted in erosion and weathering.

Lamayuru Monastery Festivals

For celebrations, the monastery is still famous for its festivals such as Yuru kabgyat and Hemis Tsechu which is celebrated in the 5^th month of the Tibetan calendar. Celebrated over two successive days it entertains people with dances performed by the monks.

Hemis Tsechu is another festival celebrated the very next month from Yuru Kabgyat and also features a dance performance with masks and hosts a fair that can be attended by visitors outside.

Best Time To Visit Lamayuru Monastery

It is ideal to visit the Monastery during the months of June to August which the Lamayuru village would be through the summer season. At this time the roads are clear and the area is accessible. 

The winter months are also favorable according to some visitors the months from November to February are the typical winter months. The village is covered with snow which adds to the beauty of the place with snow-covered mountains as it is preferred by many visitors.

How To Reach Lamayuru Monastery?

From Leh, Kargil and the capital of Jammu-Kashmir Srinagar connects their road to Ladakh and the Lamayuru village. A few numbers of Buses and taxis are available to reach. It’s recommended to go by bus since it offers a scenic view of the surroundings.

Kushok Bakula Rimpochee is technically the closest airport situated in Leh, the flight connects several major cities in India, and from there you can fly off the country. Long-distance service might not be available when required due to the harsh climate conditions.

Food And Accommodation

Lamayuru and its Monastery have a few restaurants and cafes. They’re known to serve local Ladakhi cuisine and Tibetan food when it comes to eateries.

Around the monastery, there are selected hotels and guesthouses that offer comfortable accommodations and some along with the option of meals throughout the day

Things To Remember While Visiting Lamayuru Monastery

With that being said here are some things to remember or rules to follow dos and don’ts before you visit the place.

• As it is a holy and religious center it is mandatory to dress modestly and respect the religious customs and traditions. Dress modestly and respect the religious customs and traditions of the monastery.
• One of the most important things to know is to carry warm clothes in case you’re visiting in winter if not it’s still relevant because Ladakh is conventionally a cold place. It is also recommended to meditate as you’re in the monastery or take part in those activities. 
• You should carry liquid money or have enough money to change or you could be in trouble. ATM facilities or services are mostly out of order and not present in that type of region.
• Maintain cleanliness and avoid littering the place as it damages its healthy ecosystem. 
• Photography is not allowed at all places, especially when taking pictures of monks as do not do it without their approval.

Overall Lamayuru is a village of great cultural value and huge religious significance when it comes to its temples, religious centers, and Monasteries. The place also offers scenic views of its beautiful surroundings.

Apart from Lamayuru, the state of Ladakh itself is a popular tourist destination and has several enjoyable places to visit. The rarity it has with other states makes it the only destination in India for its visitors.

The village offers fun activities like trekking, camping, and sightseeing also in some places you can set up a campfire to light up your mood or relax. Lamayuru is one of the few destinations that offer this versatility in India 

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