LAMAYURU GOMPA

The Yung Drung Tharpa Ling, now soberly called Lamayuru Gompa, is one of the most spectacular monasteries in Ladakh. Balanced on gigantic rocks, it seems to defy gravity. From the top of this one, the sight on the valley is absolutely imposing. Dating from the ^11th century, it is the oldest gompa in the region. It shelters a community of approximately 200 monks of the Drigung-pa current. The monastery was once known as Tharpa Ling ("place of freedom") because, long ago, bandits were given sanctuary here. At the entrance to the monastery are large chörtens, dating from the same period as Alchi, and prayer wheels. The Dukhang, a more recent structure, was built around the cave where Naropa, a great Tibetan master, meditated in the ^11th century. The cave, only visible through a cavity in the rock, contains statues of Naropa, Marpa and Milarepa. The monastery has gradually expanded over time and new structures have been built around the central courtyard. Inside the compound one can admire collections of carpets and thangkas, as well as numerous murals. Attending one of the daily puja is an incredible experience.

You can see the ruins of the old monks' dwellings under the monastery. If you want to approach, be careful where you put your feet, the ground is fragile. The current monks' houses are located before the entrance of the gompa and form a kind of small village.