Lamayuru is home to one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh, dating back to the 10th century. Local legend has it that the place was once a lake that dried up. This place is 125 km from Leh on the Leh–Srinagar Highway. Any vehicle going from Leh to Kargil, or on to Srinagar, will invariably pass through Lamayuru. State transport buses ply from Leh bus stand to Lamayuru at 08:00 and 14:00; however, it's wiser to visit the bus stand a day before to confirm the timings.
Lamayuru is popular for its ‘lunar’ landscape and monastery. Interestingly, this quaint little village is promoted as ‘moonscape’ for tourists; reason being its incredible yet odd geographical formations.This enchanting place is a Buddhist village with around 242 houses. The houses here are generally made of mud and have prayer flags around in the compound and terraces. The significance of the prayer flags is to show one’s belief in Buddhism and its teachings. The village has a certain charm about being one of the oldest settlements in Ladakh.
The most famous attraction in Lamayuru is the monastery which was founded in the 11th century by Naropa. Other than the monastery one can explore the village and the places around it on foot. The Lamayuru or Yuru monastery as it is often called is also one of the oldest and largest monasteries in the whole of Ladakh. The word Lamayuru means eternal in the Tibetian language and hence the monastery is known as the eternal one. Every year during the second and fifth month of the lunar Buddhist calendar the monks perform an annual mask festival. The monks perform dances with colorful robes, masks and musical instrument that depict ancient Buddhist history and mythology.
This year, the Yuru Kabgyat Festival was celebrated from 29th June to 30th June and we were fortunate to experience this splendid festival of Lamayuru Monastery on 29th June. Celebrated for two days, Yuru Kabgyat Festival in Ladakh is an essential event for the followers of Buddhism. The festival is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm at the ancient monastery of Lamayuru. The fiesta enjoys such popularity that Buddhist from worldwide and Lamas from Tibet, Japan, Korea and China head towards Leh-Ladakh to attend the festival. Natives and tourists could be seen marveling at the masked dance performances lasting for several hours.
The Yuru Kabgyat Festival is somehow dedicated to the Yama and Padmasambhava who are the meticulously delineated in the dance drama. Yama is considered to be the Lord of Death and Padmasambhava as the Second Buddha. He is also revered as the protector of the creatures and stallions and is also regarded as the Lord of Wealth.
Lamas from various countries come here specifically for the event and dress up accordingly to raise the fun quotient. The breathtaking festival is incomplete without the ‘Chams’. In Cham masked dance, monks dance in circular motions, adorned with huge masks. The dance movements compliment the sounds of cymbals, drums and long pipes. At the end of the festival, sacrificial offerings are made, and some sacred rituals are performed.
Lamayuru is a must visit if you are planning your trip to Ladakh. The enchanting sight of the monastery surrounded by the small village consists of few small houses made out by mud made us fall in love with the place instantly.
Being a part of this enchanting festival in Lamayuru monastery would be one of the most beautiful experience in my life. I would suggest everyone to include this festival in your itinerary if you are planning to visit Ladakh during June.
You can experience the video footage of Yuru Kabgyat festival here.
Thanks for the kind words Sudhanshu. Stay with us and I can assure you that your bucket list will grow longer ☺️
Amazed!! A vivid description with lots of beautiful photos and videos captured makes me fall in love with the place.
Added to my bucket list :)