Discover the Charm of Matho Monastery in Ladakh

Ever heard of a place whose name literally means 'Many Happiness'? Matho Monastery, also known as Matho Gonpa or Mangtro Monastery, is one of those quiet gems near Leh you might overlook if you're only chasing the usual tourist spots on your Ladakh trip.

Located about 26 km southeast of Leh, right across from Thiksey Monastery, Matho sits by the Indus River at the mouth of a deep gorge from the Zanskar Range. It’s one of the only two monasteries in Ladakh that belong to the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Inside, you’ll find ancient Buddhist Thangkas—some over 600 years old.

Matho is also known for its unique Matho Nagrang Festival, where masked oracles perform rituals believed by locals to be guided by spirits. If you're looking to explore something offbeat yet culturally rich, Matho Monastery is definitely worth a stop on your Leh Ladakh bike trip.

History of Matho Monastery

Founded in 1410 by Lama Dugpa Dorje, Matho Monastery belongs to the Sakya sect and is the only one of its kind in Ladakh. It’s known for its 600-year-old thangkas and the vibrant Matho Nagrang Festival. Interestingly, it's one of the few monasteries in the region where the number of monks is growing, not declining.