Blocking
the head of a rocky ravine, the towering monastery of Rhidzong
remains hidden off the main highway 72-km west of Leh . A wealthy
monastery, presided over by Shas Rinpoche and linked to Sumur in
the Nubra, the atmospheric Rhidzong is a relatively new Gompa
dating from the 17th century.
The Du-Khang Enclosure
Inside the Du-khang, draped with Thangkas and exquisite but smoky
murals, stands the central image of Shakyamuni flanked by Amitaus,
the Buddha of long life, and by Avalokiteshvara, otherwise known
as Chenrazig - the Buddha of compassion. The struggle up to the
Gompa is further rewarded by the hospitality of the monks who are
likely to offer one tea, and if one is lucky, one may get an
invitation to their informal prayer meetings. With shafts of light
filtering through darkened rooms and the throb of chanted prayers,
a visit to Rhidzong takes you to the heart of Buddhist Ladakh .
HOW TO GET
THERE
Road:
If one doesn't have their own transport, coming from Leh one
will need to get off any Khalsi bound bus at the appropriate
junction and walk the rest of the way. Getting there is half the
challenge as there is no public transport along the 5-km road
leading up from the highway between Khalsi and Saspol.
WHERE TO
STAY
Very basic
accommodation is available at the Gompa, but strictly speaking,
Rhidzong remains a day trip.
