The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa was built in 1430 by King Tashi Namgyal. contains a three-story high Buddha image and ancient manuscripts and frescoes. The fort above this gompa is ruined, but the views of Leh from here are breathtakingly beautiful.

Once one is acclimatized to the altitude, the stiff early morning hike up to Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, the monastery perched precariously on the shaly crag behind Leh palace, is a great way to start the day.

Two trails lead up to "the Peak of Victory", whose twin peaks are connected by giant strings of multicoloured prayer flags; the first and most popular path zigzags across it south side from the palace road, while a second scales the more gentle northern slope via the village of Chubi, which is also the route followed by the Lama from Sankar Gompa who tends to the shrine each morning and evening. Alternatively, one can drive there along the dirt track that turns left off the main Khardung-la highway, 2-km north of the bus stand.

Maitreya Temple
Approaching the Gompa from the south, the first building one comes to is the red-painted Maitreya temple. Thought to date from the 14th century, the shrine houses a giant Buddha statue flanked by Bodhisattvas. However, its wall paintings are modern and of less interest than those in the "Gon Khang", or the temple of protector deities, up the hill.

Most famous of these, on the left of the door as one enters, is the honorary portrait of Tashi Namgyal, the temple's founder and prolific builder. In the gloomy interior, one can just make out murals of "Shakyamuni" (the historical Buddha) and Tsongkha-pa, founder of the Gelug-pa sect. The veiled central deity itself sports a shiny phallus, believed to cure infertility in women.

LADAKH MONASTERIES TOUR:-

Day 01: ARRIVE LEH
On arrival at Leh airport, you will be met by the representative at the airport and transfer you to Hotel which is just 10 minutes drive from the airport. Complete day for the acclimatization. In the evening short walk around Leh bazar. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02: LEH – HEMIS MONASTERY
After early breakfast One and half hours drive (45 Kms) will take you to the famous monastery Hemis which is one of the most famous monastery of the Ladakh region. Hemis is one of the most famous and largest of all monasteries in Ladakh founded in 17th century belongs to the Drukpa order. The monastery was founded by Stagsang Raschegn who was invited to Ladakh by king Singee Namgyal. The king offered him religious estates and attended him as his principal guru. Hemis Tsche ( festival) assemble annually from 9th to 11th day of the 5th Tibetan month. Its resident Lamas perform sacred masked dances leading to the destruction of the sacrificial offerings. Masks worn by the Lamas represent various guardian divinities of the Drugpa order, of which Hemis is the leading establishment in region. The gompa has well preserved Thankas and copper gild statue of the Lord Buddha, various stupas made of gold and silver and many auspicious objects. Complete day to enjoy the festival. In the evening return back to hotel. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Day 03: LEH – SHEY- THIKSEY
After breakfast leave for Thiksey which is about 20 Kms drive (half an hour). This gompa is situated on the top of the hill and part of Gelukpa order the disciple of Jangson Tsongkhapa, Sherab Zangpo of stod, first built the temple of Stagmo Lakchung at the top of Stagmo Lakchung at the top of Thiksey. There are sacred shrines and many precious objects to be seen. The successive reincarnation of the skyabje Khamp Ringpoche act as incharge of the monastery. On the way back visit to Shey Palace which was constructed by the first king of Ladakh, Lhachen Palgyigon and of successive kings. Around 12 feet Shakyamuni Buddha’s statue made by cooper guilt is the largest in the region, but by Deldan Namgyal in 1633 is a funerary memorial to this father, king Singee Namgyal. On the 30th day of the 1st Tibetan month celebrates Shey rul-lo and on the 10th day of the 7th Tibetan month of the festival of Shey Surblo is held. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Day 04: LEH – SABOO- LEH
Day to visit Saboo which is the famous for the Oracles. In the evening return back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Day 05: LEH – SPITUK – PHYANG
Leave after breakfast and proceed directly to Phyang which is just 22 Kms from Leh ( forty minutes drive). The monastery is remarkably built on the hilltop, similar to the Lekir monastery. This monastery belongs to the Degungpa order. On the way back visit to Spituk monastery which was founded by Od Lde, in the 11th century AD. In those days the gompa belonged to the Kadampa school but Gelukpa order was introduced during the region of King Dragspa Bum ilde, when Lama Lhawang Lotus restored the monastery. Return to the hotel for hot lunch. Afternoon visit to Tsemo gompa (Namgyal Tsemo) victory peak was built by King Tashi Namgyal after the reunification of upper and lower Ladakh and victory over Hor and their bodies are places under an image of Mahakala, the guardian deities to stop further invasion of Hor. On the way back visit Leh Bazaar enjoying walking through the decorated narrow streets of the market. In the evening return back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Day 06: LEH
Day at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Day 07: LEH – DAH HANU - ULETOKPO
Leave early in the morning and three hours drive will take you to Khaltsi. The area along the Indus between Khaltse and the Shayok Indus confluence, live people known as Drokhpa belongs to the purest of Pure from Aryan race. They are tall, handsome and hospitable. Drokhpas are believed to have migrated to this area via Gilgit around 1000 year ago from central Asia. They are different with large, beautiful eyes, sharp aquiline noses. They are culturally distinct from the rest of the Ladakhis. The greatest attraction in this area are the villages of Biama and Dah. The route follows the Indus down from Khaltsi which is just 66 Kms passing the village of Domkhar, Skurbuchan and Achinathang, along a fairly good road. Overnight in Camp.

Day 08:ULETOKPO – LAMAYURU – ULETOKPO
Leave after breakfast and two hours drive will take you to the Lamayuru. The view on the way to Lamayuru is the most spectacular view known as Moon Land. The history of the monastery begins with the visit of Arahat Nimagung to this place, when there was merely lake here. It is said that Arahat made a prophecy that the monastery will come up at this spot and he made offerings (Prayer with grains of corn) to the Nagaserpent spirits. The corns mixed with the earth and formed in the shape of Swastika (Yungdrung) later it came to be known as Yungdrung monastery. The great translator Rinchen Zangpo constructed a temple here in eleventh century. Visit the monastery and enjoy the festival, which is celebrated for two days but the first day is the most interesting and enjoyable. In the evening return back to the Uletokpo. Overnight at Camping.

Day 09: ULETOKPO – ALCHI – LIKIR - LEH
Leave after breakfast and short drive will take you to Alchi monastery, which is the only monastery in the Ladakh on flat ground. Largest and most famous of all of them temple and built by the particularly Kashmir influences. The monastery comprises of Dukhang (Assembly Hall) visit the Alchi monastery and its surrounding areas. Continue drive to Likir monastery belongs to the Gelukspa Order. The Alchi monastery is also a branch of Likir. This monastery was founded in 1065 AD by Lama Duwangs Chosje during the reign of king Lhachen Gylapo, which was named Klu Khil Ga Ldan Dar Rgyas Ling and a monastic community was introduced. Another 53 Kms drive will take you to Leh, which will take nearly 2 hours, drive from Likir. By the lunchtime you will reach Leh. Afternoon free for personal activities. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Day 10: LEH
After early breakfast, transfer in time to the airport to connect onwards destination flight. Tour ends here.