Thiksey Monastery Tourism: A Complete Guide

Best Time to Visit Thiksey Monastery

The best time to visit Thiksey Monastery is during the Gustor Festival in the month of October/November. During the festival, one can witness the traditional ChamDance.

How to Reach Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh

The best way to reach Thiksey Gompa is by hiring a car or renting a bike from Leh, which is around 19 km away.

Thiksey Monastery entry fee

The entry fee for Thiksey monastery is Rs 40 per person

Thiksey Monastery timings

7 am to 7 pm every day. At 4 pm, the monastery remains closed for some 15  minutes for a tea break.

What To See in Thiksey Monastery

Maitreya Buddha statue, morning prayers,  panoramic Indus Valley views, and the monastery’s museum with ancient artefacts.

History of Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery Travel Tips

1. Rest on your first day to adjust to the altitude.
2. If you plan to visit Thiksey Monastery for the early morning rituals, arrive as early as you can.
3. Wear modest clothing and use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
4. Bring your own water as you may get dehydrated at high altitudes.
5. Be aware of Acute Mountain Sickness symptoms, as the lack of oxygen can be risky.
6. Wear sunglasses in sunny weather.
7. Get an Airtel, BSNL, or Jio postpaid SIM card, as prepaid SIM cards from other states won’t work in Ladakh.
8. Bring warm clothes if you’re visiting from October to May.
9. Maintain silence and refrain from bringing pets inside the monastery.
10. Photography is allowed but make sure to turn off the flash.
11. Contact the monks for a detailed tour and explanations about the monastery.
12. Book your flight tickets early, especially during the peak season.

Suggested Read : 10 Must-Know Tips for Women Planning a Solo Trip to Ladak

Architectural Geometry of Thiksey Monastery

Highlights of Thiksey Monastery

• Maitreya Buddha
• Assembly Hall
• Tara temple
• Lamokhang temple and quarters
• Gustor Festival

Festivals in Thiksey Monastery

Food options at Thiksey Monastery

Itinerary for Thiksey Monastery

Places to visit near Thiksey Monastery

• Shey Palace and Monastery

Located 5 kilometres from Thiksey, Shey Palace was the former summer capital of Ladakh. It features a gold-gilded Buddha statue and offers stunning views of the landscape. This is one of the most famous nearby attractions of Thiksey Monastery where many Bollywood movies have been shot. 

• Hemis Monastery

Hemis Monastery, one of the most amazing places to visit in leh ladakh, a short drive away, is one of the largest and richest monasteries in Ladakh, known for its vibrant murals, thangkas, and the famous Hemis festival.

• Stok Palace

About 25 kilometres from Thiksey, Stok Palace is home to the Ladakhi royal family and houses a museum with royal artefacts, including traditional clothing and ancient weapons.

• River

The nearby Indus River offers serene spots for walks, photography, and seasonal river rafting, providing a peaceful natural escape. It’s one of the major top attractions in Thiksey Monastery.

• Shanti Stupa

In Leh, visit the Shanti Stupa, a symbol of peace, offering panoramic views of the town and mountains, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

Accommodation near Thiksey Monastery

Chamba Camp Thiksey (1 km) –A luxury tented camp located just 1 kilometre from Thiksey Monastery, offering a blend of comfort and cultural experiences with stunning views of the landscape. This is one of the best stays near Thiksey Monastery.

Thiksey Monastery Guesthouse (0 km) – Located within the monastery complex, this guesthouse provides simple, clean rooms and an immersive experience in the monastery’s serene environment.

Thiksey Village Homestays (0.5 – 1 km) – Located within Thiksey village, these homestays in ladakh offer authentic Ladakhi hospitality, with modest accommodations just a short walk from the monastery.

Stok Palace Heritage Hotel (25 km) – This unique hotel is located 25 kilometres from Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh, offering a historic stay in the wing of Stok Palace with traditional Ladakhi architecture and modern comforts.

The Grand Dragon Ladakh (20 km) – Situated in Leh, 20 kilometres from Thiksey, this luxury hotel offers modern amenities, including a spa, fine dining, and stunning views of the Stok Kangri range. This is one of the most unique accommodations at Thiksey Monastery.

Thongsal Heritage Resort (20 km) – Located in Leh, 20 kilometres from Thiksey, this resort features traditional Ladakhi architecture, spacious rooms, and a peaceful garden.

Hotel Ladakh Sarai (19 km) – Situated in a tranquil area of Leh, 19 kilometres from Thiksey, this eco-friendly boutique hotel offers cosy cottages and a beautiful garden setting.

Gomang Boutique Hotel (19 km) – Located in Leh, 19 kilometres from Thiksey, this boutique hotel offers elegant rooms with traditional decor, modern amenities, and a peaceful atmosphere.