A walk in the Lamayuru Monastery

Posted on by Parul Thakur

It is hard to miss the Yuru Gompa, popularly known as the Lamayuru Monastery. On the way to Leh, this monastery is the oldest and largest existing Gompa in the entire Ladakh Region.

Built in the 11th century, the landscape around this monastery is unique and stands out. Since photography isn’t allowed in the monastery, some pictures for you from around the gompa.

This structure is the first thing you notice when you get close to the Lamayuru Monastery.

And then what catches the attention, is the road you took from Fotu La to reach this gompa.

Many prayer wheels adorn the monastery and you must always rotate them clockwise to let the positive energy come in and the negative energy go out. The script on these wheels also bear the mantras.

The entrance to the main chamber was colorful and vibrant. As I removed my shoes and walked in, I wondered there are people for who this gompa must be an everyday affair.

A walk around the monastery shows exact opposite colors but intriguing architecture and doors. Some 150 monks live in this monastery and hence the many windows and doors explain what that could be.

The dome that rises up in the sky and along with prayer flags declares its presence.

This August, VT and I took a 12-day road trip to Ladakh. Check out this space for all photos and posts about our trip. 

39 thoughts on “A walk in the Lamayuru Monastery”

  1. There’s something peaceful about seeing and visiting such places. Thanks for sharing bits of your travel. I know I won’t ever make the trip to Ladakh ( I have problems with high altitudes) so I’m grateful that I can share yours.

    Like

    Reply

  3. Lovely pictures, Parul. The one I liked is featured image. The Buddhist prayer wheels. I wonder why all these monasteries were painted white? To stand out against the brown of barren mountains?

    Like

    Reply

  6. Quite the ancient and grand Lamayuru Monastery that you and VT saw. It still looks very much vibrant and standing tall today. It looks like quite a long and high road to reach it, and it must have been quite an exciting ride. Interesting to hear the significance behind the prayer wheels – the notion o circle and karma coming round is evident here 🙂 Looking forward to seeing the other parts of your trip. Take care 🙂

    Like

    Reply

  7. You have captured the essence of this place so beautifully Parul; I re-lived my trip there! Gorgeous pics – I am loving seeing and reading your Ladakh posts as my trip there is one of the closest to my heart!

    Like

    Reply

  8. I have this altitude issue and can’t travel to snowy regions as my nose starts to bleed. Otherwise Legally Ladakh was one dream trip that I had in my mind. Glad that you could make it. Loved this picture story around the monastery. I love those bells. Have a few of them at home from our trip to Dharamshala.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Oh no! Sorry to hear that Rekha. I am aware that the high altitude hits a lot of people. Thank you for stopping by. Such a long time and I am happy to see you around. I would love to visit Dharamshala once day 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  11. Lovely pictures Parul, hope to see this place, I am always fascinated by monasteries and the whole environment, it evokes a sense of sacred feeling:) thanks for sharing !!

    Like

    Reply
  19. Pingback: A 12 day road trip to Ladakh - happiness and food

  20. Almost 4 years later I have the good fortune of visiting this blessed haven. And I have returned armed with so many blessed memories. I did a 10 day road trip between Kashmir and Ladakh, through an Inter-faith Peace pilgrimage.

    Good to be back on your lovely blog, dear Parul. It’s been a while.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment