Lamayuru Monastery Tourism

Lamayuru Monastery, also known as Yuru Gompa, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in the Lamayuru region of Ladakh, India. Founded in the 11th century, it is one of the largest and oldest monasteries in Ladakh, perched on a hill, offering a stunning view of the moon-like landscapes for which the region of Lamayuru is famous. The monastery is home to approximately 150 permanent monks and holds many artifacts, wall paintings, thangkas, statues, and carpets. It features a rich collection of relics and a notable library with numerous volumes of Buddhist scriptures. The architecture is an impressive example of the Tibetan style, with white-washed buildings, red and gold decorations, and wooden-carved facades. Lamayuru plays host to two annual festivals, Yuru Kabgyat and Hemis Tsechu, which feature sacred masked dances and rituals. The monastery is also a starting point for treks and explorations in the region, including those along the ancient Silk Route. Lamayuru's landscape is characterized by its unique 'moonscape' terrain, with its bizarre landforms and color, resembling the surface of the moon.