45 kms from Leh on the west bank of the Indus the monastery belongs to Drugpa Order built on a green hillside surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. It is the biggest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh and is a must for visitor. The monastery was founded by the 1st incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso in 1630 AD, who was invited to Ladakh by the king Singay Namgyal and was offered a religious estate throughout the region.