Spituk Monastery

Spituk Monastery, also known as Pethup Gompa, sits on a conical hill above the Indus River about 8 km from Leh near the airport. It belongs to the Gelugpa sect and is home to around 100 monks. The monastery complex includes several temples built at different levels of the hill, with the oldest structures dating to the 11th century. The main assembly hall contains a large masked image of Mahakala that is unveiled only during the annual Spituk Festival held in January. The views from the monastery over the confluence of the Indus River and the surrounding mountains are excellent. The annual Gustor festival held here draws large crowds of monks, pilgrims, and tourists.