Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Gompa (Monastery) of Ladakh is situated at a distance of approximately 18 km from the town of Leh. The Gompa consists of several levels ascending a hillside, culminating in the head monk's private apartments at the summit. There are a number of other sacred shrines inside the monastery complex. The monastery also has a rich collection of numerous valuable artifacts and ancient relics.

Located directly above this temple is a small narrow room used as a schoolroom for the samaneras. Here the lamas instruct the children and some are later selected to become lamas. Traditionally, Ladakhi families donated one son to become a lama although I'm told this practice is gradually disappearing.






By the time I explored the place and descended down from the Gompa, it was dusk and getting dark, however, I managed to take a few more pictures through the fading light:


An informal chat with a military personnel on duty at the Monastery
To shoot this picture, I had to lie in wait for the little Samanera to fill up his water containers

View from Thiksey Monastery