Stok Monastery, Buddhist monastery in Stok, India
Stok Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist complex situated in a valley south of Leh, distinguished by white-painted walls accented with red trim. The structure occupies a hillside location with panoramic mountain views and contains prayer halls decorated with intricate wall paintings inside.
The monastery was founded in the 14th century as an extension of another Buddhist monastery in the area. Its establishment occurred during a period when Tibetan Buddhism was establishing strongholds throughout Ladakh.
The monastery serves as a living center for Buddhist practice, where monks perform daily rituals and meditation in its halls. Visitors can enter these spaces and observe how spiritual life unfolds within the community.
The monastery sits on a hillside, so visitors should be prepared for a climb to reach the main structures. Clear weather makes the ascent easier and offers better views of the surrounding landscape during the visit.
A colossal Buddha statue stands beside the monastery and was consecrated by an important Buddhist leader from abroad. This monument is relatively recent and represents a significant moment for the local Buddhist community.
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