Mulbekh Monastery

Mulbekh Monastery

Situated approximately 45kilometress from Kargil and around 260 kilometres from Leh, Mulbekh Monastery is a notable spiritual site in the Ladakh region. The monastery is most famous for its impressive 30-foot-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, intricately carved into a massive limestone rock. The complex houses two distinct gompas: the Serdung Gompa, belonging to the Drukpa sect, and the Rgaldanse Gompa, associated with the Gelugpa school of Buddhism. The monastery is believed to be nearly 800 years old.

Perched atop a ridge roughly 650 feet above the roadway, Mulbekh Monastery is accessible via a steep footpath. It sits at an elevation of about 11,495 feet, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Leh-Kargil Highway below.

The statue of the Buddha of the Future showcases a unique fusion of Buddhist and Shaivite artistic influences. Nearby, visitors can find ancient inscriptions carved into the rock. Additionally, the gompa complex features historic edicts engraved on the mountain in the ancient Kharosthi script, reflecting its rich cultural heritage.

Mulbekh Monastery Highlights

  • Visit the impressive Mulbekh Monastery, home to a remarkable 9-meter-high statue of Maitreya Buddha, carved directly from a majestic limestone rock, also known as the Buddha of the Future.

  • Discover the ancient history of the monastery and the statue, which dates back to the 8th century.

  • Explore the monastery’s collection of valuable paintings and historic relics preserved within its walls.

  • Make sure to explore the two beautiful gompas within the complex, representing the Drukpa and Gelugpa Buddhist sects.

  • Enjoy a hike along the steep footpath behind the monastery, which can take you up to the historic palace of Rajah Kalon of Mulbekh.

How to Reach Mulbekh Monastery
The most convenient way to get to Mulbekh Monastery from Leh is by hiring a rental car or jeep, or by driving your vehicle. The monastery is situated about 216 kilometres from Leh along the Srinagar-Leh Highway, and the journey typically takes around 4.5 to 5 hours by road.

Alternatively, you can opt for state-run buses that operate between Leh and Mulbekh, providing an affordable travel option to reach the monastery.

Best Time to Visit Mulbekh Monastery
The ideal time to visit Mulbekh Monastery is during the early morning hours, from around 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., when the weather is cool and comfortable. During this time, you may also have the opportunity to observe the monks performing their morning prayers inside the monastery.

Additionally, the months from May to October are great for visiting Mulbekh. Although there might be occasional rainfall, this period brings more fabulous summer and autumn temperatures, lush greenery, flowing rivers and streams, and generally pleasant weather conditions.