Set atop a high hillock Basgo Monastery known as Basgo Gompa, a desolate mountains and beautiful terrain is located in Leh. This monastery was built in 1680 and has been a centre of Ladakh’s culture. During its glorious days, it was the administrative seat of an influential Namgyal family that ruled the region. Basgo monastery is located at Basgo village on the Leh-Srinagar highway, about 40km from Leh, just ahead of Nimmoo (Nimo) village.
This magnificent place has also been a major attraction for shooting. The famous song ‘Satrangi Re’from Shahrukh Khan and Manisha Koirala starrer Dil Se (1998), was filmed at this site.
The monastery is situated on top of the hill towering over the ruins of the ancient town and is noted for its Buddha statue and murals. The complex comprises the Chamchung, Chamba Lakhang, and Serzang temples, dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha.
Amongst these three temples the biggest temple is the Chamba Lhakhang which is also located at the highest point of the citadel. It houses a massive idol of Maitreya Buddha. Chamba Serzang, the second temple, is situated slightly lower, near the royal palace and is even connected to the latter by a narrow passage. Its construction and access indicate that this temple was solely reserved for the royal family’s prayers. Its deity is the Golden Maitreya, a Buddhist icon of Ladakh. The third temple, Cham Chung, is the smallest of the three, and is located at the foot of the hill. It houses a seated statue of the future Buddha Maitreya which is also much smaller in comparison to the other two.
Many tourists visit this amazing place and click lots of pictures. The amazing complex of Basgo monastery is visible from the Leh-Srinagar highway. For experiencing the real ambience of the place, tourists generally climb up to the main monastery from where entire valley is visible.
