Glorious Thiksey Gompa is one of Ladakh's biggest and most recognisable monasteries, photogenically cascading its assorted Tibetan-style buildings down a raised rocky promontory. At its heart, the main(prayer hall) oozes atmosphere, and a Maitreya temple contains a giant Buddha whose expression is simultaneously peaceful, smirking and vaguely menacing. Smaller but much more obviously ancient is the Gonkhang(protector deities temple) and the tiny old library up on the rooftop (often closed).

The Thiksey entrance ticket includes entry to a fascinating there to open it's hidden away beneath the monastery restaurant.