Basgo Monastery Ladakh – A Quick Yet Epic Stop on the Way

If you’re on a Ladakh trip and think you’ve seen it all—monasteries, mountains, and magnetic hills—hold that thought. Just about 40 km from Leh, Basgo Monastery isn’t just another ancient beauty; it’s a place that once echoed with royal footsteps and political drama.

Built in 1680 for the mighty Namgyal rulers, Basgo had already been making headlines in the Ladakhi Chronicles long before that, as a major cultural and political hub. Add in a 15th-century palace, crumbling fort walls, and views that look straight out of a painting, and you’ve got yourself a stop worth every photo and pause.

So, ready to time-travel? Whether you're on a chill getaway or an epic Leh Ladakh bike trip, pack your curiosity, charge your camera, and let Basgo do the storytelling.

History of Basgo Monastery

Basgo used to be a pretty powerful town back in the day—like, major political and cultural hub during the reign of the Namgyal rulers in the 15th and 16th centuries. The monastery itself was built around that time, mainly in the 17th century, under the rule of King Sengge Namgyal. And trust me, it still holds that ancient, slightly dramatic charm.

What makes Basgo really stand out is its location—perched on a hill, overlooking the remnants of the old town. The history of Basgo Monastery comes alive as you see the ruins scattered below while the monastery still stands tall, as if guarding the past.