Mulbekh Monastery, also known as Mulbekh Gompa, is a famous Buddhist monastery in northern India's Kargil district of Ladakh. It is around 3,800 meters above sea level and about 45 kilometres from Kargil.
The monastery is famous for its impressive 9-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha statue, carved out of a single rock. This statue is considered one of the monastery's highlights and is a popular tourist attraction. The figure is believed to have been carved in the 8th century, during the reign of the Kushan dynasty.
Mulbekh Monastery is also home to several other impressive statues, frescoes, and murals depicting various aspects of Buddhist mythology and history. The monastery has two main prayer halls adorned with colourful prayer flags, prayer wheels, and other religious artefacts.
Mulbekh Monastery is also known for its scenic location, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The monastery is at the foot of a cliff, and the surrounding mountains and valleys are breathtakingly beautiful.
Mulbekh Monastery can also explore the nearby Mulbekh Chamba, an ancient rock carving depicting a figure of the Maitreya Buddha and other Buddhist deities. The rock carving dates back to the 7th or 8th century and is considered one of Ladakh's oldest surviving Buddhist artefacts.
About 65 kilometres from Mulbekh, Lamayuru Monastery is one of Ladakh's oldest and most important monasteries. It is known for its beautiful frescoes and murals and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
About 90 kilometres from Mulbekh, Alchi Monastery is another ancient Buddhist monastery famous for its exquisite murals and sculptures. It is considered one of Ladakh's most important cultural sites.
The Zanskar Valley is a remote and beautiful Ladakh region famous for its dramatic landscapes and adventure activities such as trekking and rafting. It is located about 100 kilometres from Mulbekh.
The town of Leh is the main hub for tourism in Ladakh, and it is located about 150 kilometres from Mulbekh. It offers a variety of attractions, including historic forts and palaces, colourful bazaars, and stunning natural scenery.
The Nubra Valley is a high-altitude desert region famous for its dunes, hot springs, and picturesque villages. It is located about 200 kilometres from Mulbekh and is accessible via the Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world.