Stakna Monastery — Attraction in Zanskar Range

Stakna Gompa is a hidden gem in Ladakh, offering stunning views and a peaceful spiritual atmosphere. Located about 25 km from Leh, this monastery sits atop a rocky hill on the banks of the Indus River, providing a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding valley and mountains. Unlike the more crowded monasteries in the region, Stakna is relatively quiet, making it an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility and a deeper connection with Ladakh’s Buddhist heritage.

Founded in the 16th century, the monastery belongs to the Drukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The name "Stakna" means "Tiger’s Nose," referring to the hill’s shape. The monastery’s architecture is simple yet striking, with whitewashed walls and golden rooftops that contrast beautifully against the rugged landscape. Inside, you’ll find ancient murals, exquisite thangkas, and a stunning statue of Buddha. The prayer hall houses a large collection of scriptures and sacred artifacts, offering a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of Ladakh’s Buddhist culture.

One of the highlights of visiting Stakna Gompa is the peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. The monks are friendly and often share insights about their daily lives and Buddhist teachings. Unlike some of the larger monasteries, this one allows for a more intimate and personal experience.

The road to Stakna is smooth, making it easily accessible by car or bike. If you’re exploring the monasteries of Ladakh, don’t miss this serene and picturesque site. It’s a perfect place for meditation, photography, and experiencing the spiritual essence of Ladakh. Highly recommended for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a truly...

Stakna Gompa or Stakna monastery is a popular Buddhist monastery among the travelers across the globe. This place shares a distance of 25 km from the main city of Leh. The monastery was enshrined by a Bhutanese saint and scholar named Chose Jamyang. He constructed the monastery in the 16th century. This Stakna Gompa stands as a visual display of the cultural and religious heritage of Buddhism. One cannot deny the spectacular landscapes offered by Ladakh. The Stakna monastery is situated on a hilltop that resembles a nose of a tiger. At the Stakna monastery houses, 30 monks and the monastery belongs to the Dugpa order. There is an image of sacred Arya Avalokitesvara at the central position of the temple. This is one of the significant idols than the other idols in the monastery. The literary meaning of the word ‘Stakna’ is “the nose of a tiger”.

The officials of the Stakna monastery are the successive reincarnation of Stakna Tulku, the one who preserves the techniques of the Dugpa order. The big assembly hall of Stakna monastery features awonderful painting of Tsephakmad, Sakyamuni,and Amchi. There is a tall silver gilded chorten of a height of 7 feet towards the extreme right side of the courtyard. It features a figure of Lord Buddha. To get an amazing view of the Indus River you need to go on the top of...

The Stakna Monastery lics at a distance of some 25 kilometres from Leh on the opposite bank of the ingge Khababs River Indus). The monstery site formed part of one of the many religious estates offered to the great scholar saint of Bhutan called Chosje Jamyang Palkhar in about 1580 by the dharmaraja Jamyang Namgyal who had invited him to Ladakh. The king attended him as his foremost guru and this monastery was founded on the top of a hill shaped like a tiger jumping up to the sky. The monastery was built on ther tiger's nose and so its name was given as Stakna (Tiger's Nose). The most important image in the monastery is that of the sacred Arya Avalokitesvara from Kamrup Assam). There is no tradition of sacred dance in the monastery but there is a festival associated with the hurling of a votive offering. There are about thirty monks in residence. The successive reincarnation of the Stakna Tulku act as the incumbents of the monastery and they continue to fulfill the fine responsibility of upholding the teachings of the Dugpa Order. The branch monasteries attached to Stakna are those of Mud and Kharu and those of Stakrimo, Bardan and...