Wanla Monastery

Wanla Monastery sits on a mountain ridge and features a three-story temple structure with detailed architectural elements and religious sculptures filling its rooms. The buildings display classic Ladakhi construction with thick stone walls and small windows.

The monastery was built in the 14th century on the foundations of a medieval fort constructed by King Lhachen Ngaglug. This origin shaped the development of Ladakhi architecture during that period.

The main temple displays an eleven-headed Avalokitesvara statue and numerous wall paintings showing Buddhist deities and religious scenes. The artwork spans different periods and reveals how artistic traditions evolved over generations.

The monastery is reachable by bus from Leh or by hiring a taxi, with the site keeping regular hours under the care of resident monks. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear as the path to the complex can be steep.

The monastery functions as a branch of Lamayuru Monastery and preserves one of the oldest surviving prayer chambers of the Drigung Kagyu school in the region. This chamber offers glimpses into ancient monastic practices rarely seen elsewhere.