Namgyal Tsemo monastery

Namgyal Tsemo Monastery or Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is founded in 1430 by King Tashi Namgyal in Leh town, Ladakh, northern India., it has a three-story high gold statue of Maitreya Buddha and ancient manuscripts and frescoes. Situated on a mountain top behind the Leh palace, the monastery offers scenic views of the Leh town, the gently flowing Indus river and the snow capped peaks of Zanskar range. The king Tashi Namgyal built the monastery above his palace. Situated at the hilltop of Namgyal hill, its architecture is impressive. View of Leh from the Monastery is breathtaking as the view changes with light. The monastery is a best spot for photographey. The Namgyal Tsemo monastery has dukhang means “assembly hall” and temple with frescoes, paintings and statues of Buddhas. The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is also noted for one-storey high statues of Avalokitesvara and Manjushri. Down the hill side there is Shangkar gompa which is also associated with Namgyal Tsemo monastery. It is a daily ritual followed by monks from Shangkar gompa to worship Buddha and light butter lamps at Namgyal Tsemo. Visitors are allowed into the Monastery from morning to evening. The nine-storey high Leh palace is also one of the major attractions..