By Nandani Sharma
In the folds of Himalayas, where prayer flags flutter against cobalt skies and chants echo across the valleys, lie some of India’s most spiritually profound destinations – the Buddhist Monasteries. These are not just places to visit, these are places to feel. Whether you’re a seeker of inner peace, a lover of mountain landscapes, or someone chasing meaning beyond selfies, this is your sign to go.
Why These Monasteries Are Special;
- They’re living centuries – many still active with monks in prayer and daily ritual.
- They’re perched on cliffs, tucked into valleys, or nestled beside rivers – always scenic.
- They carry centuries of Tibetan Buddhist heritage, art, and architecture.
You’ll find yourself walking barefoot on stone cold floors, hearing nothing but the deep hum of a prayer wheel and the wind.
Ladakh: A Moonland of Monastic Majesty
Some must visit monasteries include;
- Hemis Monastery – the largest in Ladakh; known for the vibrant Hemis Festival
- Thiksey Monastery – A striking 12-storey complex that resembles the Potala Palace
- Diskit Monastery – Overlooking the Nubra Valley, home to a towering statue of Maitreya Buddha
- Alchi Monastery – Renowned for 11th – century murals and wooden architecture
Best time to visit – June to September, when the roads are clear and the festivals are in full swing.
Northeast India: Untouched, Underrated, Unforgettable
If Ladakh is bold and rugged, the Northeast is hushed, mist kissed, and mystical. Home to lush forests, rolling hills and cloud draped monasteries, this region is where Tibetan Buddhism meets the raw beauty of nature, that feels less discovered and more sacred.
Here are a few monasteries you shouldn’t miss;
- Tawang Monastery (Arunachal Pradesh) – India’s largest and Asia’s second largest Buddhist Monastery. Housing over 400 monks and priceless manuscripts.
- Sunrise from here? Surreal.
- Pro tip – visit around the Tawang Festival in October/November.
- Rumtek Monastery (Sikkim) – Located near Gangtok, it is a spiritual powerhouse, stunning golden stupa, intricate thangka paintings, and meditative silence awaits you.
- Ghoom Monastery (Darjeeling) – one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries in the region.
- Famous for it’s 15 foot statue of Maitreya Buddha and ancient Tibetan texts.
- Enchey Monastery (Gangtok) – its name means “Solitary Monastery”, fitting for it’s peaceful, small and sacred vibe. Don’t miss the Chaam Dance Festival, held annually from October to early December.
Travel Made Peaceful with Aryavrit Travels
These monasteries are often located in remote, hilly terrain – but we’ll get you there in comfort and ease. Our curated experience includes;
- Reliable car hire with skilled drivers who know the hilly terrain
- Monastery view stays in Gangtok, Tawang, or Darjeeling
- Arrival and departure assistance at regional airports of Bagdogra, Tezpur, Guwahati, etc.
- Guided heritage walks in monastic towns
- Optional extensions – visit to Dzongu, the Sikkim sacred valley, Tea estates stays, or eco-village immersion
Let Aryavrit Travels help you escape the chaos of the modern life and step into timeless serenity, where time slows down and the soul finds space.
