Heritage Without Borders: monasteries that are still alive

Across Ladakh and Spiti, monasteries are not museums. They are working communities where monks study, pray and run festivals, and they rely on respectful visitors rather than tickets alone.

Thiksey Monastery, a short drive from Leh, climbs a hillside in tiers and has a large Maitreya statue; Hemis, further south, is known for its summer festival, which in 2026 is expected on 24 and 25 June, according to news reports. In Spiti, Key Monastery sits above the river, and Tabo, in the lower valley, is among the oldest continuously active Buddhist centres in the Himalaya, known for its ancient murals.

A few rules help. Dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering prayer halls, walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels, and do not point your feet at altars or touch statues. Ask before photographing inside and respect any sign that forbids it. Keep your voice low, and if a ritual is under way, observe from the edge.

Many monasteries accept small donations and sell crafts, and some run schools or clinics for local communities. Giving is welcome, but it should be a choice, not a performance.