Chemrey Monastery

Chemrey is a Buddhist monastery situated on a mountainside east of Leh, comprising multiple structures including assembly halls, a main temple, and subsidiary shrines. The buildings are arranged along the slope to form a compact religious complex with each section serving distinct spiritual functions.

The monastery was founded in 1664 under the Drugpa school, a significant branch of Tibetan Buddhism with its own spiritual traditions. Its establishment honored a local ruler and reflected the religious connections of Ladakh during that period.

This monastery serves as a living center of Buddhist practice where monks maintain daily rituals that shape the spiritual rhythm of the region. Seasonal festivals featuring traditional sacred dances bring together locals and visitors who come to witness these ceremonies.

The site can be reached by road in roughly an hour from Leh, with the most favorable visiting season spanning from June through October when weather conditions are stable. The approach on foot involves steep sections, so comfortable footwear and extra time are recommended.

The monastery houses a collection of ancient religious manuscripts, some featuring silver title pages with text inscribed in gold. These treasured documents demonstrate the extraordinary craftsmanship and reverence for sacred texts that have been maintained within these walls for centuries.