The monasteries of the splendidly beautiful Jammu and Kashmir are prominent reasons behind the burgeoning tourism industry of the northern Indian state. These monasteries are standing embodiments of Tibetan Buddhism and its rich heritage and influence in the state.

Monasteries in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir
The monasteries in Jammu and Kashmir are scattered mostly across the picturesque region of Ladakh, comprising both Leh and Kargil districts.

Monasteries in Leh, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir
The highly sought tourist destination of Leh valley, along with the whole Leh district, traces establishment of the majority of monasteries in the entire state. They constitute the largest in the region Hemis Gompa, the most spectacular and striking Thikse Monastery and Diskit Monastery, the oldest in Nubra Valley. While Shey Monastery houses hundreds of stupas and the largest Buddha statue made of gilded copper covering three floors along with the largest collection of Thangkas in Ladakh, the Phyang Gompa has a 900-year-old museum with a vast collection of idols, firearms and weapons, old thangkas, wall paintings and murals of Mahakala. Other monasteries of Leh include Spituk Monastery, Alchi Monastery and Likir Gompa amongst multiple others.

Monasteries in Kargil, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir
Trekking in the Zanskar region in Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir can bring to sight a cluster of small huts, made of mud and wood in the shape of a honeycomb, the Phuktal Monastery. It is equipped with a library and several prayer rooms, home to around 70 monks. Buddhist art and culture vividly reflects from the wall and ceiling paintings and the vibrant frescos. Mulbekh Gompa is said to consist of 2 gompas - one Drukpa and one Gelugpa Buddhist monastery, situated in the Zanskar region in Ladakh. Shergol Cave Monastery is located in the picturesque Shergol village, about 40 kilometres from Kargil. Placed at the centre of the mountain, the monastery gives an impression of being hanging out of the mountain. Though small, it houses some interesting and appealing frescoes keeping visitors occupied during their visit. Sani Monastery is located next to the village of Sani where the Stod Valley broadens into the central plain of Zanskar. It belongs to the Drukpa Kargyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, the only one following the order in Zanskar which has nuns. It is considered the oldest religious site in the whole region of Ladakh and Zanskar. Other monasteries of Kargil are Stagrimo Monastery and Stongdey Monastery.