The largest monastery in Ladakh is the Hemis Gompa that is located at a distance of 45 kilometers from Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, which was built in the year 1430, houses a three-storyed statue of Lord Buddha. The Sankar Gompa is also an important monastery. The Dalai Lama inaugurated the Shanti Stupa in the year 1995. The Likhir monastery was built in the 11th century. There are huge clay images of Lord Buddha in this Gompa along with utensils and manuscripts from the olden days. Another old monastery is the Cave Gompa located at Shergole.

Some precautions to be observed while visiting a monastery are:

Visitors are required to take off their shoes before entering a prayer area.
Observe local dress codes, such as wearing clothing that covers your limbs.
Do not disturb Monks at prayer, and always ask permission before taking photographs.
Do not touch religious artifacts.
Do not drink, smoke, take drugs or spit in the monastery premises
Avoid talking loudly or disturbing the peaceful atmosphere
Most Gompas charge an admission fee of about Rs. 25. If a fee is not charged, it is considered appropriate to leave a donation for the maintenance of the monastery.
In many Gompas, you are expected to walk around the premises only in a clockwise direction.
Women may not be allowed to enter the inner prayer rooms of some monasteries.