Stakna Monastery, Buddhist monastery in Leh District, India.
Stakna Monastery is a Buddhist religious center located on a hilltop near Leh in Ladakh, built in the traditional architecture style of the region. The complex houses prayer halls, altars decorated with religious sculptures, and a large gilded silver chorten containing sacred Buddhist figures.
The monastery was founded in the 16th century by a Bhutanese scholar who brought Buddhist teachings to the Ladakh region. This religious center grew in importance and became a key location for spiritual practice in the area.
The monastery serves as a living center for Dugpa order practitioners who maintain daily rituals and welcome visitors with genuine hospitality. Inside, religious artworks and devotional objects reflect how the resident community understands and expresses their Buddhist faith.
The site is best visited between April and September when mountain roads are open and weather conditions remain stable. Wear warm layers and be prepared for steep pathways since the complex sits on an elevated terrain.
A marble statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was transported from distant Assam to this monastery, revealing the trade routes and religious connections of the region. This imported artwork demonstrates the far-reaching spiritual links between Buddhist centers across different areas.
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