Label : Day Trip
Timings : 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee : Free
Matho Monastery, located about 20 km southeast of Leh, is the only monastery in Ladakh belonging to the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded in the 16th century, it is famous for its annual Oracle Festival, during which monks believed to be possessed by deities make predictions for the year ahead.
When you visit Matho Monastery, you’ll notice right away that it feels different from the more well-known gompas around Leh. The monastery houses a collection of ancient thangkas, statues, and artifacts, some dating back centuries, making it a treasure for history lovers. One of the highlights here is the annual Matho Nagrang Festival, usually held in February or March, when masked dances are performed, and monks acting as oracles deliver fascinating prophecies. You’ll also enjoy stunning views of the Indus Valley from the monastery’s vantage point. Since it’s less crowded than Hemis or Thiksey, the atmosphere here is more peaceful, letting you connect deeply with Ladakh’s spiritual side