Spituk Monastery Tourism

Spituk Monastery, also known as Spituk Gompa, is a Buddhist monastery located near the town of Leh in Ladakh, India, situated atop a hill at an altitude of about 3,307 meters above sea level. Founded in the 11th century by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od, it was initially a Red Hat institution but was taken over by the Yellow Hat sect in the 15th century. The monastery houses a collection of Buddhist artifacts and ancient masks. Annually, the Spituk Festival, known as the Gustor Festival, attracts tourists and locals to witness the dramatic masked dances and religious rites. The monastery offers panoramic views of the Indus Valley below and the Himalayan ranges, making it a visual retreat. It’s a shining example of Ladakhi architecture and is home to 100 monks. The highlight of Spituk Monastery is the giant statue of Kali, which is unveiled during the annual festival.