Quick Answer
Lamayuru, about 125 km from Leh on the Srinagar highway: one of Ladakh's oldest monasteries, the eroded "Moonland" hills, the Yuru Kabgyat festival and where to stay.
Lamayuru sits on a crag above the Srinagar-Leh highway about 125 km west of Leh, between Khalatse and Fotu La. It is among the oldest monasteries in Ladakh, with roots in the 11th century, and belongs to the Drikung Kagyu school. Around it, soft yellow-grey hills worn into strange shapes have earned the area its nickname, Moonland.
Quick answer
Lamayuru is about 125 km from Leh (3.5 hours) at roughly 3,500 m, on the road to Kargil and Srinagar. Stop there when driving between Srinagar and Leh, or visit as a long day trip with Alchi and Likir. The Moonland view is best in late afternoon light.
What to see
- The monastery: prayer halls, old murals and a meditation cave linked to the scholar Naropa.
- Moonland: the eroded lake-bed hills below the monastery, seen best from the highway viewpoints just east of the village.
- The village: whitewashed houses stacked below the gompa, with homestays and small cafes.
Distance and how to fit it in
| From | Distance | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Leh | About 125 km | 3.5 hours |
| Alchi | About 60 km | 1.5 hours |
| Kargil | About 105 km | 3 hours |
| Srinagar | About 300 km | 9 to 10 hours |
On the Srinagar to Leh road trip, Lamayuru is the natural stop on the second day after a night in Kargil. From Leh, a long day trip covers Likir, Alchi and Lamayuru; staying a night in Lamayuru or Alchi makes it far more relaxed.
Yuru Kabgyat festival
Lamayuru holds its Yuru Kabgyat festival in summer, usually June or July by the Tibetan calendar, with two days of masked cham dances. Check exact dates in our festivals calendar.
How to visit a Ladakhi monastery respectfully
- Walk clockwise around stupas, prayer wheels and the inside of the prayer hall, as the monks do.
- Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered. Remove shoes and hats before entering a prayer hall.
- Ask before photographing monks, and do not use flash inside. Some halls do not allow photos at all; follow the signs.
- Do not touch statues, murals or offerings, and never point your feet at an altar when sitting.
- A small entry fee is charged at most monasteries and supports their upkeep. Carry cash; card machines are rare.
- Morning prayers are open to quiet visitors at many gompas. Sit at the back and stay until the end if you go in.
Where to stay near Lamayuru
Lamayuru village has a few guesthouses and homestays, and there are more options in Alchi and Uleytokpo along the Indus, 60 to 70 km towards Leh. Staying here breaks the Srinagar-Leh drive and lets you see Moonland at sunset and sunrise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Lamayuru from Leh?
About 125 km west on the Srinagar-Leh highway, around 3.5 hours by car.
What is Moonland in Ladakh?
The eroded, pale hills around Lamayuru, formed from an ancient lake bed, whose surface looks like the moon.
How old is Lamayuru Monastery?
It is among the oldest monasteries in Ladakh, with origins traced to the 11th century.
Can I visit Lamayuru on the Srinagar to Leh drive?
Yes. It sits right on the highway and is the usual stop on day two, after a night in Kargil.
Do I need a permit for Lamayuru?
No protected-area permit is needed for Lamayuru, which is on the main highway.
When is the Lamayuru festival?
Yuru Kabgyat is held in summer, usually June or July, on dates set by the Tibetan calendar.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.