Looking for a monastery that’s offbeat, peaceful, and comes with serious “do not disturb” energy on your Ladakh trip? Let us introduce you to Rizong Monastery, also known as Yuma Changchubling, tucked away on a rocky hill north of the Indus River in Ladakh.
Located west of Alchi and on the way to Lamayuru, Rizong Monastery is known as the “paradise for meditation” and is famous for its strict discipline. No frills, just focus. Around 40 monks live here, dedicated to serious spiritual practice. And if that weren’t serene enough, there’s also a nunnery called Chulichan about 2 km away, home to 20 equally devoted nuns.
Whether you're on a spiritual break or a biking trip to Ladakh, Rizong Monastery is a peaceful stop where you can slow down, take in the views, and just breathe.
The history of Rizong Monastery traces back to the 18th century, long before the grand structure we see today was built in 1831. It all began as a secluded hermitage founded by Lama Tsultim Nima near the rDzong-lung mountains—a peaceful retreat where monks could meditate and dive deep into the teachings of Buddha.
But this wasn’t your typical monastery life. Lama Tsultim Nima introduced a strict code of discipline known as the “Vinaya Rules.” Monks here lived with almost no comforts, no personal belongings, no leaving the premises (except when sick), and absolutely no interaction with women. Even lighting a fire in their rooms was off-limits.
Over time, this humble hermitage earned a reputation as a “paradise for meditation.” As the word spread, support poured in from local rulers and devotees. Eventually, it grew into the serene, spiritually intense monastery that continues to inspire visitors even today.
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