Stakna Monastery

Stakna Monastery, a unique gem located about 25km south of the central city of Leh, is also known as “Tiger’s Nose Monastery.” The rock on which the monastery is perched resembles a tiger leaping up to the sky, a sight that will pique your interest. This monastery is a cultural treasure that beautifully showcases the heritage of Buddhism. With almost 30 monks from the Dugpa order, a visit to Stakna Monastery is an opportunity to delve into the rich cultural heritage of Buddhism and savor the breathtaking panoramic views from the monastery.

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History/ Legend

Stakna Monastery was built by the Bhutanese saint and scholar Chosje Jamyang Palkar in the 16th century. The monastery’s central feature is the marvelous marble statue of Avalokitesvara, believed to have been brought over from Assam.

What to see

There are several attractions inside the monastery. As a tourist, you will have numerous opportunities for exploration. Inside the monastery is a vast assembly hall called Dukhang, decorated with incredible paintings of Sakyamuni, Tsephakmad, and Amchi. The Stakna Monastery also houses several idols which are as elegant as they are enchanting. Head to the extreme right-hand side of the courtyard, though, and you will come across a 7-foot-tall silver gilded chorten consisting of a figure from Lord Buddha with some notes. Parallel to the hall are paintings of various Buddhist gurus, including Bodhisattva, Tshong-san-Gompa, and Padma Sambhava. On the top of the monastery, you will come across gorgeous views of the Indus River.

Nearby attractions

Other attractions lie close to Stakna Monastery, each with its own unique charm and grandeur. Here are some famous tourist attractions that you should definitely check out.

Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery is almost 8km from Stakna Monastery and is one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh. It consists of 12 stories, 10 shrines, and an assembly hall. Thiksey Monastery is called “mini-Potala” because it resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.

Hemis Monastery

Hemis Monastery is almost 17km from Stakna Monastery. It is one of the most iconic monasteries in Ladakh and is famous for hosting the annual Hemis Festival. The unique attractions inside the monastery are the copper-gilded statue of Lord Buddha and an enormous statue of Guru Rimpoche.

Shey Monastery

Shey Monastery is almost 11km from Stakna Monastery and is one of the most popular monasteries in Ladakh. The monastery is situated inside Shey Palace, which was once the summer retreat of the royal family of Ladakh.

Druk White Lotus School (Rancho School)

Druk White Lotus School, famously known as Rancho School, gained popularity after being featured in Aamir Khan’s movie 3 Idiots. Upon arriving at the school, you will be given a tour of the campus with a guide. You will visit the different parts of the school which were shown in the movie. Interestingly, this school has been designed to withstand seismic disturbances.

The best time to visit Stakna Monastery

The best time to visit the Stakna Monastery is from July to September. During these months, the weather is pleasant with clear skies, making it ideal for exploring the monastery without any difficulties.