Ladakh’s Stakna Gompa as seen from the banks of the Indus River

This is a 16th century Buddhist monastery of the Drugpa sect in Ladakh. It is located about 25 kilometers from Leh on the banks of the Indus river. I am talking about the Stakna Gompa that is located at an altitude of 11,800 feet above MSL and that offers a fantastic view of the Hemis monastery and its nearby surroundings. The name ‘Stakna’, literally means ‘Tiger’s Nose’, because the monastery is situated on a hilltop and appears to be in the shape of a tiger’s nose. You can get a great view of this palace from the banks of the Indus river that runs parallel to the Thiksey – Shey – Leh highway.



Do not miss to see this palace from the riverside when you visit the Thiksey monastery, Shey Palace, Chemrey monastery and/or the Changa la pass. The Stok palace is also located close by and you can easily couple both these attractions along with the other nearby palaces and monasteries for a fantastic day trip from Leh.