Basgo Monastery, Buddhist monastery in Leh district, India

Basgo Monastery sits on a hilltop above the Indus River valley with several temples containing large Buddha statues and detailed wall paintings. The complex sits at about 3,300 meters elevation and offers views across the river valley and the ruins of an old settlement below.

Basgo is mentioned in the Ladakhi Chronicles as a political and cultural centre long before the monastery existed, and a palace was built there in the 15th century. The Namgyal rulers founded the monastery in 1680. King Senge Namgyal (r. 1616–1623) donated a two-storey-high gilded copper statue of Maitreya in memory of his father Jamyang Namgyal, and the Tibetan canon kept here is said to be his gift.

The temples here display traditional Buddhist art through wall paintings and sculptures crafted by local Ladakhi artists over generations. These works show how religious practice and local artistic skills have always been closely connected in this region.

The monastery is located around 40 kilometers from Leh along the main road toward Srinagar and can be visited throughout the year. Heavy snow can make access difficult during the harshest winter months, so it is wise to check conditions before traveling.

The monastery comprises three separate temples named Chamchung, Chamba Lakhang, and Serzang, each built at different times. These temples are positioned around the hilltop so that each offers a different view of the ancient ruins and the valley below.