Ladakh`s most architecturally wondrous place is at Tikse, 19 km in the Southeast of Leh. It was established in the fifteenth century, its whitewashed chortens and cubic monk`s quarters rise in ranks up the sides of a stony trick crowned by an imposing ochre- and red-painted temple complex whose gleaming golden finials are visible from miles in every direction. Tikse`s re-embodiment has contributed in large to attract tourist attention and has given mixed outlook because the tourist turn the peaceful and trim place into a major grimy place and the environment becomes inappropriate for meditating and worshipping. But the positive result is that the income generated enables the monks to invest the money in renovation works.

Maitreya temple above the main courtyard was inaugurated in 1980 by Dalai Lama, the shrine is built around a enormous fourteen-metre gold-faced Buddha, seated not on a throne as is normally in every case, but in a lotus position. The bright wall paintings on the wall behind, painted by monks from Lingshet gompa in Zanskar, depict scenes from Maitreya`s life.

Accommodation in Tikse
A metalled road cuts up the empty west side of the hill from the main highway to the monastery`s small car park. Buses arrive after every hour from the town bus stand. If you arrive by minibus from Leh choose your way across the waste ground below the gompa and follow the footpath up through its lower buildings to the main entrance, where monks issue tickets for a price of Rs20. The last bus back to Leh leaves at 6pm. The village`s Chamba Hotel is managed by the monastery. They offer accommodation at reasonable rates, with a good garden restaurant serving a varied menu including from Tibetan food to pancakes.