Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery is one of Ladakh's most impressive and visited Buddhist gompas — a 12-storey whitewashed complex resembling the Potala Palace, perched above the Indus Valley 19 km from Leh. Home to over 120 monks and a magnificent 15-metre Maitreya Buddha statue, it hosts the spectacular Gustor festival each November. Morning prayers (6 AM) offer an authentic monastic experience. A top Leh-Ladakh tourist attraction on every Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh road trip.