Major Attractions of Lamayuru Monastery
Experience the magic and the soul-soothing silence of Mother Nature in the wondrous destinations of Ladakh.
Legend of Lamayuru
There are many legends & lore attached to the monastery. The place was believed to be a big lake in ancient times. A legend goes that it was dried up by an enlightened monk, Arahat Madhyantika, by cracking his walking stick in the ground that created a hole to drain out the lake water. Later in the 11th century, a Buddhist scholar, named Naropa visited the area and mediated in one of the caves of Lamayuru. That is believed to be the beginning of the Lamayuru Monastery.
The Monastery
Lamayuru Monastery was commissioned by the King of Ladakh in the 11th century and once consisted of five buildings with around 400 inmates. However, now only the main structure stands amid ruins and houses around 150 monks. It's crumbling yet elegant façade makes a stunning picture at the hilltop. The path up the Gompa is lined with beautiful prayer wheels and stacks of colorful Mani (prayer stones). The main assembly hall is adorned with colorful Thangkas. The tiny cave-niche, where the 11th-century sage Naropa meditated, is preserved behind glass in the main prayer hall. The monastery houses a rich collection of artifacts including Thangkas, statues, carpets, and a remarkable 11 headed & 1000 eyed image of a deity.
Festival at Lamayuru Monastery
Yuru Kabgayt is the annual monastic festival celebrated at Lamayuru, usually in June or July, depending on the Tibetan lunar calendar. A huge Thangka is unfurled, and the festival is celebrated by monks from near & far with ritualistic masked dance performances and sacred ceremonies to gratify the gods and to keep evil spirits away.
Moonscape on Lamayuru
The village of Lamayuru is much known for its incredible yet odd geographical feature with moon-like craters & formations carved in the Himalayas, blessing it with the sobriquet of the moon land of India.
Best Time to Visit Lamayuru
June to September, when the road is clear and devoid of snow, is the best time to visit Lamayuru.
How to Reach
By Air- Leh Airport, around 114kms from Lamayuru, is the closest airport.
By Rail- The closest railhead, Jammu Tawi, is over 800kms from Lamayuru.
By Road- Lamayuru Monastery lies on the Srinagar-Leh highway and is best accessible by road.
Come along on a trip to this surreal moon land of Ladakh, where panoramic landscapes blend with Buddhist spirituality to create a perfect ambiance. Please fill the form to receive free personalized tour packages & quotes for a perfect Leh-Ladakh Tour.
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