Lamayuru Monastery
One of Ladakh's oldest monasteries, surrounded by strange yellow eroded terrain known as Moonland.
Lamayuru Monastery lies about 125 km west of Leh, beside the Srinagar–Leh Highway. It belongs to the Drikung Kagyu school and its origins are traced back to the 11th century, making it one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. It is built on yellowish-brown lacustrine sediment, which wind and rain have eroded into dense gullies and earth pillars, a landscape known as Moonland. The light is most dramatic at dawn and dusk. Most visitors do a day trip from Leh, with stops along the way at Magnetic Hill, the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers, and Alchi Monastery, which holds 11th-century murals. Entry costs a few dozen rupees. No protected-area permit is required.
Opening hours
About 06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Alchi Monastery
- Likir Monastery
- Basgo Monastery
- Indus–Zanskar Confluence (Sangam)
- Magnetic Hill
- Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
- Phyang Monastery
- Hemis National Park