Stakna Monastery stands on a hill above the left bank of the Indus, 25 kilometres from Leh, founded in the late sixteenth century by the Bhutanese scholar Chosje Modzin. Stakna means tiger's nose, after the shape of the hill it occupies. It is small, quiet and rarely crowded, which is its whole appeal next to the bigger Indus valley gompas.
Duke Kashmir Travels, registered with the J&K Department of Tourism as JKTA00003978 since 2011, plans Ladakh days that include the smaller monasteries as well as the famous ones. Packages start near ₹6,350 per person, twin sharing.
By Duke Kashmir Travels Team · Reviewed by Rayies Ahmad Zargar, Founder · Published · Updated
Key takeaways
- Twenty-five kilometres from Leh market, on the left bank of the Indus.
- Founded in the late sixteenth century by the Bhutanese scholar and saint Chosje Modzin.
- The name means tiger's nose, from the shape of the hill.
- Home to roughly thirty monks.
- Tibetan in architecture, with assembly hall and chapels above the village.
- Best from May to September, like the rest of the Indus valley circuit.
What is at Stakna?
A compact hilltop gompa with an assembly hall, chapels and a courtyard, and a long view up and down the Indus.
Because the community is small, a visit is quieter and more personal than at the larger monasteries. Ask before photographing monks or the interior of a chapel.
When should you visit?
May to September, when the Ladakh roads are open and the weather is settled.
It fits into the same day as Thiksey, Shey and Matho, all within a few kilometres on this stretch of the river.
How do you get there?
Twenty-five kilometres from Leh by road, crossing to the left bank of the Indus, then a short climb to the gompa.
Acclimatise in Leh before doing a full day of monasteries: the valley floor is already above 3,000 metres. See tour ideas for Ladakh itineraries.
Booking this with us
Duke Kashmir Travels works out of Nowhatta Chowk in Srinagar, registered as JKTA00003978 since 2011, IATO allied member since 2016 and a TAAK member. See About Us for the rest.
Share your travel dates and group size and we will price the trip around this stop. Phone +91 9018 44 0000, write to info@dukekashmirtravels.com, or open the contact page.
About the founder
Founder Rayies Ahmad Zargar opened Duke Kashmir Travels in Srinagar in 2011, sits in TAAK, co-founded the JK Tourism Council, and signs off the guides on this site. Find him on LinkedIn.