India's majestic high Himalayas are home to some spectacular Buddhist monasteries, each prettier than the next. Mayur Sanap/Rediff.com chooses his favourites.
Founded in the 14th century by Buddhist monk Changzen Tserab Zangpo, Diskit Monastery is the largest and oldest of its kind in the Ladakh region. It houses a 106-foot tall 2006-built statue of Maitreya Buddha overlooking the Shyok river.
Located in the scenic hilltown of Darjeeling, Ghoom -- also known as Samten Choling Monastery -- is well-known for its 15-ft Maitreya Buddha (future Buddha). The monastery is believed to be built by Tibetan religious teacher Lama Sherab Gyatso in the mid-19th century.
Nestled in the gorgeous Tawang Chu valley, near to the Chinese-Bhutanese border in Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is one of the largest in India. This religious Buddhist site was established in the 17th century by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso, who was a disciple of the fifth Dalai Lama.
Perched atop a hill in Kaza at a height of about 13,500 ft, overlooking the beautiful Spiti River, Key, also called Kye and Ki, is the largest in the Himachal Pradesh's barren Spiti Valley. Considered one of the most gorgeous in the world, it symbolises the spiritual identity of Spiti.
Located in a hamlet in Spiti Valley, this ancient shrine houses the well-preserved mummified remnants of a Buddhist monk named Sangha Tenzin, which is believed to be around 585 years old! This historical significance draws visitors from around the world.
Founded in 1999, also called Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery is located in Ranka near Gangtok and it is one of major tourist attractions in Sikkim. Visitors flock here to admire architectural beauty and soak in its peaceful aura.
Tibetan Temple is a Buddhist religious site located at Sarnath outside Varanasi. The scenic garden surrounding the temple, statues, murals, prayer flags attracts pilgrims and tourists alike.
An awesome earthen Buddhist monastery in the depths of the Himalayas in Spiti Valley! Founded in 996 CE, this ancient marvel is also revered as the Ajanta of the Himalayas. Additional attractions: murals, manuscripts, stupas, statues, paintings, library, guest house for visitors.
A vintage Buddhist monastery in Kalpa in Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh, it boasts some exquisite traditional wooden architecture against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas.
One of the major tourist attractions of Dehradun, the monastery is a lovely site to visit for its tastefully-designed university complex, pretty gardens, massive statue of Lord Buddha and the 185-feet tall The Great Peace Stupa, which is one of the tallest ones in Asia!
A palace before it became a monastery, it was built in the 17th century in memory of King Sengge Namgyal on the Indus river in Leh district. Packed with frescoes and paintings, the monastery has a small museum attached and a striking Padmasambhava statue.
Clinging to a craggy cliff, like a beehive, high above the Zanskar valley near the entrance of a cave, there is huge stark beauty in the isolation and remoteness of this monastery. It dates from the 15th century and houses excellentl murals.