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Pilgrimage Guide › Sacred Sites 28–36 › Thiksey Monastery
Thiksey Monastery near Leh rises in tiers up a hill above the Indus Valley and is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Ladakh. It is famous for its 15-metre seated Maitreya Buddha and its early morning prayers.
Thiksey, about 19 km from Leh, Ladakh
Gelug school
15-metre seated Maitreya Buddha
About 3,600 m
June to September
1.5–3 hours
Thiksey Monastery belongs to the Gelug school and dates from the 15th century. Its white buildings climb a hill in many levels, which is why it is often compared with the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The complex includes temples, monks’ quarters, a nunnery and a school.
The best-known treasure is the Maitreya Temple, made to mark the visit of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in 1970. Its seated image of Maitreya, the future Buddha, is about 15 metres high and rises through two floors. Thiksey is also known for its morning prayers, when monks chant and play long horns and drums at sunrise.
The morning prayers at Thiksey are a gift for pilgrims. Sitting with the monks as the sun rises over the Indus Valley, listening to chanting, horns and drums, is one of the most peaceful moments of a Ladakh journey.
The great Maitreya image reminds pilgrims of the future Buddha and of hope for all beings.
Thiksey is about 19 km from Leh on the Leh–Manali highway, around 30 minutes by road. Leh Airport has flights from Delhi and other cities. Thiksey is easily combined with Shey Palace and Hemis Monastery on the same day.
June to September is the best season. Leave Leh early to reach Thiksey for the morning prayers, which visitors may join quietly. Rest for at least 24–48 hours in Leh before visiting, to adjust to the altitude. Many steps lead up the hill, so climb slowly.
Prime Value Tours can include this sacred place in a private tour for your group, with an English or Thai-speaking guide, comfortable air-conditioned transport, vegetarian meals and unhurried time for chanting and meditation at every stop. Tell us your group size and travel dates, and we will plan the best route and send your quotation within 24 hours.
Thiksey is famous for its hilltop setting, its 15-metre seated Maitreya Buddha and its early morning prayers.
Thiksey Monastery is about 19 km from Leh, around 30 minutes by road.
Yes. Visitors may sit quietly at the back during the morning prayers, which start around 6 AM.
The Maitreya Temple was made to mark the visit of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to Thiksey in 1970.
Yes. Thiksey lies on the road from Leh to Hemis, so both can be visited together.
Government-approved tour operator from Varanasi since 1999. Private Buddhist pilgrimage tours for Thai and Southeast Asian groups, with English or Thai-speaking guides.
