Thiskey
Gompa, 17kms. south of Leh the most beautiful of all the Monasteries in Ladakh,
belongs to the Gelukspa order. The Gompa was first built at Stakmo by Sherab
Zangpo. Later the nephew of Sherab Zangpo, Paldan Sherab, founded the Thiskey
Gompa on a hilltop to the north of Indus River. The Thiskey festival (Thiskey
Gustor) is held in the month of October- November. Around 80 Monks resides here
at present. Dukhang Karmo is a huge long assembly hall, which consists of the
image of Shakyamuni and Maitriya Buddha statues. Chamkhang at the top near the
courtyard contains the three storey Maitriya Buddha's statue, constructed in
recent years. Dukhang at the top, consists of thousand armed Avaloketesvara,
Shakyamuni Buddha and Bodhisattavas, Gonkhang contains the statues of Vajra
Bhairava, Mahakala & Dharmakaya, the goddess Paldan Lhamo and Cham-sring
The Thiksey monastery located 17 Km from Leh is 12 storeys high and has many
statues of Buddha, a pillar inscribed with Buddhist teachings, a 15 m high seated
Maitreya Buddha in the main prayer hall, and a vast collection of Buddhist art.
Home to monks of the Gelukpa order the Thiksey monastery is known for its annual
festival held from the 17th to 19th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan Buddhist
calendar.
