Quick Answer
Spituk Monastery, 8 km from Leh beside the airport: an 11th-century Gelugpa gompa with Indus valley views, the Kali temple, and the Spituk Gustor festival in January.
Spituk Monastery stands on a hill beside the Indus, just past the end of the Leh airport runway and about 8 km from town. Its origins go back to the 11th century, and today it belongs to the Gelugpa school. Because it is close, low-effort and has wide views, it is one of the best gentle outings for your first or second day in Leh, while you acclimatise.
Quick answer
Spituk is about 8 km from Leh, 15 to 20 minutes by car, at roughly 3,300 m. Allow an hour. The upper temple holds images of the protector deity Palden Lhamo (often called Kali), shown to the public only at certain times. Spituk Gustor is held in January.
What to see
- The main assembly hall and temples, with statues and painted walls.
- The upper protector temple near the top of the hill, with views over the runway and the Indus.
- The view back to Leh, Stok Kangri and the valley.
Spituk Gustor
Spituk Gustor, a two-day festival of masked dances, is held in the eleventh Tibetan month, usually January. It is one of the few festivals that draws visitors in deep winter, when Leh is very cold and reached only by air.
Combine it with
The Hall of Fame museum (about 4 km from Leh), Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and Magnetic Hill lie further along the same road west, making an easy half day.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Spituk Monastery from Leh?
About 8 km, beside the airport, a 15 to 20 minute drive.
When is Spituk Gustor?
In the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar, usually January.
Is Spituk a good first-day visit in Leh?
Yes. It is close, needs only a short climb, and is a gentle outing while you acclimatise.
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.