The Monasteryདགོན་པDas Kloster
Lamayuru monastery is one of the oldest and biggest monastery in Ladakh. It is situated approximately 125 km west of the capital town Leh. Lamayuru is believed to have been a sacred place for the pre-Buddhist religion called Bon in Ladakh.
Today Lamayuru is well known for its monastery and for its beautiful landscape which is similar to the lunar surface. Lamayuru monastery houses about 150 monks and belongs to the Drikung Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Lamayuru is said to have been founded by Mahasiddha Naropa in 11th century. It is said that Naropa meditated for several years in a cave which can still be seen today in the main temple.
Lamayuru monastery holds two annual mask dance festivals. In these festivals all the monks of the monastery and from its branches gather together to pray and perform the traditional mask dance.