Sankar Gompa: A Window into Ladakh’s Past and Architectural Brilliance

Ladakh is indeed well-known for many things! But you can’t deny that the Sankar Gompas are among the best of them! Sankar Gompa is one of several enormous and historic monasteries. It’s a fascinating monastery with a flawless design. Even though not many people are aware of this attraction, you won’t regret coming here. It’s a wonderful Buddhist monastery that is supposedly a branch of Spituk Gompa. And that’s not all; Sankar Gompa is associated with many other tales and significant things. It is among the best sites in all of Ladakh, much like any other monastery. So, prepare to grab last minute flight deals to India from USA and come along with us to explore Sankar Gompa: A Window into Ladakh’s Past and Architectural Brilliance.

History of Sankar Gompa

Sankar Gompa’s history indicates that the monastery is a part of the Yellow Hat Sect. The approximately twenty-five monks from the Gelugpa sect who live here are not all long-term residents. Even though the gompa’s construction dates back roughly 90 years, the premises once housed a tiny temple that dates back approximately 500 years.

Sankar Gompa is a truly amazing place for people who appreciate the natural environment and history. This Gompa, which was formerly home to the Kushok Bakul, is a subordinate of Spituk Monastery, as we have already mentioned. This race or sect is the most elite in Ladakh.

Location of Sankar Gompa

You shouldn’t be alarmed by this monastery’s location because it’s not far from Leh City. The major bazaar of Leh is about three kilometers away from Sankar Gompa, another magnificent monastery. You can rent a car, hire or rent a bike, or look for shared taxis to get here. If you enjoy taking on new challenges, stroll over to the Gompa.

Furthermore, Sankar Gompa can be reached from several different places. It can be combined with nearby destinations and similar attractions. Sankar Gompa can also be added to your list of destinations after you’ve adjusted to the pressure, elevation, and oxygen variations in Leh. Furthermore, you can visit Flyopedia to book cheap flight tickets to India from USA.

The Architecture of Sankar Gompa

Every Gompa and monastery in Ladakh is an unrelenting work of architectural art. They are all so incredible that people love to see them all. Sankar Gompa is also one among them. The limits of this Gompa are surrounded by stone walls. It features an assembly hall in the center with a portrait of the head Lama, Kushok Bakul Rinpoche.

And that’s because of his ancestry and personal power. He passed away in 2004. Next, you’ll notice the stunning assembly hall decoration. The hall’s entrance is decorated with several murals depicting the guardians pointing in four different directions. Then, to your left, will be the Verandah entrance with the wheel of life in the center. The wheel is being held by the Lamas.

Then, countless murals of Buddha adorn the other walls of the Gompa. The middle of the hall is occupied by a throne. The image of the eleven-headed and thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara is shown on the right side of that seat.

Dukar Lhakang (Inner Sanctuary)

Dukar Lhakang, the home of the deity, is constructed upstairs. Avalokitesvara is depicted as a beautiful figure with a thousand heads and a thousand armed arms. Beautifully detailed mandalas, a Tibetan calendar, and rules for the lamas cover the walls of the room. Ascending the wooden staircase affords views of the guest rooms, library, and abbot’s quarters.

Every morning and evening, a lama from the Sankar monastery visits the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa at Namgyal Tsemo, a fort built by Tashi Namgyal. He is in charge of the proper maintenance of the temples and lights the butter lamps in the monastery.

Best Time to Visit Sankar Monastery

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Sankar Monastery, it is advised that you book your trip package between March and October. This is because, after November, all of the roadways that go to Ladakh remain closed due to heavy snowfall. If you plan to visit the Gompa, be sure to fully confirm your ticket for March through October so that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest. All the colors in the cosmos are used to beautify the mountain during this time. Also, don’t forget to check out Flyopedia.ca to grab the cheapest flights from Canada to India.

How to Reach Sankar Monastery

Sankar Gompa is not too distant from Leh, so you can get there on foot. It is important to turn left at the crossroads near Ali Shah’s postcard shop if you prefer strolling, and then turn right and follow the concrete path. You will see the Sankar Gompa after twenty minutes of strolling. You will find the monastery surrounded by a mud wall with sun-bleached chortens. If there are any elderly or disabled members of your group, you can book a personal taxi or cab. So visit the monastery and enjoy the view.

To Sum Up

A visit to a few well-known monasteries is a must-do on every Ladakh vacation. The Sankar Gompa in Ladakh welcomes a substantial influx of tourists every year. You can take in the far-reaching views of the Indus Valley and its surroundings. This untamed land has been home to the Ladakh people since prehistoric times. Thus, book your business class tickets to India from USA at affordable prices with Flyopedia and explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Sankar Gompa.

Also Read: Everything you need to know about the Leh Ladakh bike trip