Stakna

Stakna Monastery, also called Stakna Gompa, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery perched on a hill above the Indus River about 4 km from Leh, in Ladakh, India. The site overlooks the town and provides panoramic views of the surrounding valley. It is among the region's historically significant gompas and draws both pilgrims and visitors.

Local tradition places its founding in the 16th or 17th century by a Tibetan Buddhist monk who settled at the summit and established a small monastic community. Over time, the gompa grew into a larger religious complex serving monks and lay followers in the Indus valley. Its affiliation is within Tibetan Buddhism, and it is part of the broader network of Ladakh monasteries.

The monastery compound consists of a main temple, prayer halls, and living quarters for resident monks. The interiors typically include traditional Buddhist iconography, statues, thangkas, and wall paintings characteristic of Himalayan Buddhist art. The hilltop location and the steep approach give the gompa a striking presence in the landscape.

Stakna Monastery is a destination for both spiritual practice and tourism. Visitors can participate in or observe temple rituals when available, and they should dress modestly and remove shoes where required. The site is usually open to visitors during daylight hours, though access may be affected by weather or religious schedules.

See also: Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, Leh.