BASGO MONASTERY

Situated in the rugged and hilly terrain of Ladakh, the Basgo Monastery is testament of the Buddhist culture of Ladakh. Standing atop a hill, this monastery will seem as if it is an ancient one, yet it was constructed only in the 15th century. You’ll find ruins of the complex, with empty rooms, walls and narrow alleys. There are three temples in this complex - Serzang Temple, Chamba Temple, and Maitreya Temple and all of them have a grandeur of their own. 

The Chamba Lhakhang is the largest of them all, and houses a two-floor Maitreya statue that is so exquisite and adds to the beauty and serenity of the shrine. The other temples also consist of statues, murals, artworks, etc. Explore this ancient site as part of your Ladakh travel packages for an enriching cultural experience.

The Basgo Monastery also has ruins of the fort, which it previously served as during the 15th century when Ladakh was being threatened by the invaders from Central Asia. One of the most beautiful features about this temple complex is the incredible setting it is located in, amidst the majestic mountains and topography of Ladakh. 

Highlights

• Set out on an expedition to explore the Basgo Monastery, one of the most significant religious, historical and political centres in Ladakh. 
• Explore the three main temples in its complex - the Serzang Temple, Chamba Lhakhan and Chamchong Temple. 
• Take delight in admiring the beautiful statues, deities, murals, carvings and other handicraft items that are unique to this place. 
• If you are a history buff, you’ll be enchanted knowing about the historical background of this temple.
• Go to a suitable viewpoint and enjoy the dreamy and panoramic Ladahki views that surround this monastery.

How To Reach

1. By Bus: There are no direct buses going towards the Monastery. However, you can take a bus from Friendship Gate or a bus towards Ney which will pass through this attraction.

2. By Cab/Bike: Bike trips are common towards the Monastery. Leh is only 40 km away from the destination, and can easily be reached by cabs or taxi.

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Best Time To Visit

1. April to June: The best time to visit Basgo Monastery is from April to June. The climate is pleasant and appropriate for travelling. The roads will be clear and the temperature would be bearable for exploring the monastery. Visitors usually prefer to stop by the monastery around 9 am to 11 am.

2. July to September: During these months, you will come across crystal clear water and exotic picturesque. Also, you can visit the monasteries and celebrate the local festivals like Dakthok, Korzok, Sachukul, and much more.

3. October to March: As October approaches, you can observe snow settling on the enormous mountains. The temperature drops by -15 degrees Celsius and it’s absolutely freezing. But the real beauty of this place lit up during this time. Visitors usually head trekking and visit the frozen Zanskar River.

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Other Essential Information

History of Basgo Monastery

Basgo Monastery traces its history back to 1680. The edifice was built under the reign of Namgyal rulers to protect the premises of Basgo from the invaders. It was an important political and cultural part of ancient Ladakh. The political significance of Basgo raised to the occasion in the 15th century. The ancient culture of Basgo Monastery resides in the libraries, mural paintings, etc. Also, its significance of sandstone rocks and dark red base of the spur dates back to the reign of Namgyal rulers.

The history of Basgo was deep-rooted in the Maitreya temples with mesmerizing paintings, animal stables, uniquely built chortens or stupas, etc. The largest temple, Chamba Lhakhang, is situated at the highest point. The restoration work was done in the early 1980s by removing the ancillary chambers and roof. Whereas the Cham Chung temple has a conical roof and the Chamba Serzang temple was restricted for the royal family exclusively.

The development of art has also taken place magnificently. In 1979, it adapted the Central Tibetan style of painting for the first time. The painting in the Cham Chung and the Serzang temples followed the same elements and style. Although, religious developments majorly preferred tantric Buddhist tradition.

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Tips to Visit Basgo Monastery

1. One of the most important things to keep in mind is to maintain the decorum and sanctity of the place as the Buddhisht places of worship are marked by silence and contemplation. 

2. Ensure that you dress conservatively and in accordance with the general practice in places of worship. 

3. The Monastery is situated at a considerable elevation and as such, you may have to be preventive and cautious of the resulting health implications. 

4. Although photography is allowed, it is recommended to avoid causing any nuisance sounds or using flash. 

5. Since the monastery is located in isolation in the Ladakh hills, there will hardly be any restaurants, hotels or eateries. As such, ensure that you carry your own food items. 

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