Chemrey Wangchok

Chemrey monastery is one of the oldest spiritual establishments in Ladakh. In 1664 Lama Tagsang Ragspa, the pontiff of the great king Sengge Namgyal, founded Chemrey monastery in the king's memory. It was patronised by the king Deldan Namgyal and Queen Mother Skalzang Dolma, son and wife of Sengge Namgyal. The monastery features a two-storied Guru Padmasambhava statue. Dedicated to the Drukpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, the monastery celebrates its festival known as Chemrey Wangchok on the 28th and 29th of the ninth month of the Tibetan calendar. Alike other monasteries, mask dance and spiritual music invoke spirituality and devotion in the audience. Fun fact, the huge structure, perched on an imposing hill in the middle of Chemrey village was a royal fortress before it was converted into a monastery. When you visit the monastery, don't forget to inquire about its secular past as well. It might reveal some interesting wars stories, an indulgence we reserve for another time.