At a distance of 50 km from Leh and ten km from the Chemera monastery lies the Takthok monastery. The monastery is the only one of its kind in the Ladakh region given the fact that it belongs to the Nying-ma-pa sect of Buddhism, also known as the "Old Order". No other monastery in Ladakh is associated with this order. The name of the monastry Tak Thok in the local language means "Rock Roof" and indicates to the presence of a cave chapel found in this monastery.


Inside
The first thing that catches the attention of the visitors after entering the main courtyard is the rock outcroppings around the gompa. On the left side is the cave chapel infront of which are statues of Padma Sambhava and Avalokitesvara. At the back of the images is a door that opens into the cave. This cave is believed to be the one where Padmasambhava stayed and meditated. Visitors are not allowed inside this cave.

A flight of steps from the courtyard leads upto a temple, Kandshur Lhakhang. This temple preserves the 108 volumes of Buddha's teachings along with two statue of Shakyamuni. Images of the two follower of Shakyamuni stand on both sides. On the walls are painted murals of guardian divinites. On the opposite side of this temple, there is a small chapel with religious books and four Buddha statues.


On the right side of the main courtyard is Du-khang with a verandah entrance. This verandah has wonderful murals of guardian divinities, however, they are kept under cover throughout and uncovered only during the annual festival of the monastery. Visitors can lift the cloth and have a glimpse of the excellent skill that the workmen have presented through these murals.

Within the Du-khang, apart from the low row of seats for lama and a throne meant specially for the Dalai Lama, there are a wall painting of Padmasambhava, Shakyamuni and of guardian divinities; three huge statues of Maitreya (the Future Buddha), Padmasambhava and Dorje Takposal (a manifestation of Padme Sambhava) and glass fronted cases displaying small but attractive sculptures made of a mixture of butter and barley flour.


Festival
The monastery celebrates two festival every year, the Tak Thok Tse Chu between the 9-11 day of the sixth Tibetan month and Thak Thok Manchog between 20-29 day of the ninth Tibetan month. In 2007, the Tak Thok Tse Chu will be celebrated on July 24 and 25.


Leh
Leh is the capital of the high altitude desert of Ladakh which is cradled by Karakoram and the great Himalayan ranges. With attractions like the Bazaar, Old Town, the Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Shanti Stupa, Ecology Centre, Sankar Gompa, Leh is a delight for tourists, specially those interested in Buddhist tourism. Infact, Ladakh happens to be one of the last place where Mahayana Buddhism is still practised. The best time to visit Leh is between June to September.


Other Attractions

• Chemrey Monastery : Around 40 km from Leh a pretty valley Chemrey, that leads to Changla, is home to the Chemrey Monastery. The monastery was founded a little before the mid 17th century (1645) by a Tibetan Lama, Stagtshang Raspa. The highlight of the monastery is a commendable collection of scriptures with the title pages in sterling silver and the text in gold letters. The 120 lamas who reside in the monastery belong to the Red Hat sect.
  
  
• Hemis Monastery : Perhaps the most famous of all monasteries in Ladakh, Hemis too, was founded by Stagtshang Raspa in the 17th century. The highlight of the monastery is the giant 12 m long thanka, copper gilt statue of the lord Buddha and various stupas made of gold and silver. Though Hemis celebrates festival throughout the year, the annual festival celebrated on the 9th to 11th day of the 5th Tibetan month is a major drawer of tourists. Infact, during the celebration of the two day festival, public holiday is declared in Ladakh. Hemis is 45 km south of Leh.
  
  
• Matho Monastery : Matho monastery, standing on the opposite bank of the Indus river, around 20 km south of Leh, is the only one in Ladakh that belongs to the Saskya order of the Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery was founded by Tungpa Dorje after his return from Tibet. Matho Nagrang, the annual festival is celebrated on the 14th and 15th days of the 1st Tibetan month.