Sitting atop a ridge on the other bank of Indus river, right across Thiksey, is Matho Monastery. It is around 20 km south of Leh and was established in the first half of the sixteenth century by Tungpa Dorje post his journey to Tibet. The significance of this monastery lies in it being the only one that belongs to the Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism in Ladakh. Also, the monastery is centred on the Saskya monastery of Tibet. Presently, the gompa houses nearly 60 lamas and 30 novices from the larger gompas in Ladakh.


Inside
The interiors and exteriors of the Lhakhang Soma or New Temple have beautiful murals paintings of Guardians of the Four Directions, lamas of the Sakya sect, different manifestations of Sakyamuni, Tilopa, Naropa, Marpa and Mila Ras-pa. There is also an image of Sakyamuni surrounded by a number of Buddha statue at the back of a throne. The throne belongs to the head lama of Sakya sect who is currently staying in Dehradun and is placed infront of the Lhakhang.

The du khang or the main assembly hall too has its verandah and interiors adorned with a throne, mural paintings and statues. Apart from the throne there are two rows of seats meant for the use of lamas of the monastery. Right at the back of throne are four statues - one each of Avalokitesvara, Maitreya, Sakyamuni and a blessing Buddha. Murals of du khang depict images of different Sakya lamas, the four headed Sarvavid, the four-armed manifestation of Avalokitesvara, a blue Sakyamuni and the Mahakala.

The Gonkhang of the monastery does not allow women to enter inside. Infact, even photography is not allowed within the room. To be seen in the room are the oracle's special clothing, old weapons, thankas, masks and statues

The museum opposite the Gonkhang exhibits numerous items like thankas, stuffed yak and snow leopard, masks, stucco statuettes, phurbas (ceremonial daggers) and other ritual objects.

A shrine dedicated to the Lamdre lineage of lamas is also a part of the monastery complex. This room houses a number of statues of various Sakya lamas, old thankas, small Buddha and Mahakala.

Apart from the above structures, other highlights of the monastery includes portrait of Matho's founder along with an idealised portrait of the current head lama of the Sakya sect. There are also portraits of white Mahakala (the fearsome protecting deity) and four headed Sarvavid (guardian aspect of Vairocana or the Teaching Buddha). All these can be seen the moment you enter the central courtyard.

Festivals
The annual festival of the monastery is known by the name of Matho Narang and is held in the 1st month of the Tibetan calendar (March). Prior to the two day festival, two monks of the monastery are chosen to act as oracles. For full one month, these two oracles meditate in complete seclusion and ready themselves to enter into a state of trance and call upon the spirits of deities.

On the day of festival, in their full spiritual trance, they perform awe inspiring acrobatic feats - running on high rise ramparts and jumping between balconies - with their eyes covered. It is these performances along with a desire to know their own future from the oracles that attract tourists from far and wide to this monastic festival.

Matho Narang will next be celebrated on March 3rd and 4th 2007.


Leh
Ensconced comfortably between the magnificent Himalayas, the Karakorams and the Ladakh and Zanskar range, Leh is a major attraction for tourists all over the world. Its impressive natural and cultural beauty makes for an interesting trip. However, it takes quiet some time to get used to the climate of Leh because of its high altitudinal location, around 11,000 feet above sea level.


Other Attractions

• Stok Gompa and Palace : In the year 1825 when Zorawar Singh captured Ladakh, King Tsespal Tondup Namgyal constructed the Stok palace & Museum. This place, 14 km south east of Leh, is still the residence of the royal family. The museum of the palace displays royal dresses, old Thankas as well as king's crown. A little away is the Gurphuk Gompa quiet well known for the celebration of its festival "Guru Tsechu". The festival takes place on the 9th and 10th of the 1st month of Tibetan Calendar.
  
  
• Stakna Monastery: Clinging to a hill that is shaped like a tiger's nose is the Stakna (Tiger's nose) monastery. Approximately 25 km south of Leh, this monastery dates back to the 16th century when it was founded by saint Chosje Jamyang Palkhar. The highlight of the monastery is the statue of Arya Avaloketesvara.
  
  
• Thiksey Monastery : The most beautiful monastery of Ladakh, Thiksey is associated with the Gelukpa order. Initially, the gompa was established at Stakmo, however, the following period saw the foundation of the gompa atop a hill to the north of Indus River. The 12 storeys high monastery is in possession of numerous statues of Buddha, a pillar inscribed with Buddhist teachings, a 15 m high seated Maitreya Buddha in the main prayer hall, and a vast collection of Buddhist art. The annual festival of the monastery held around October- November is a huge attractions for visitors and locals alike.