Monkhood & Monastic experiences

Enter the Silence. Discover the Self.

High in the Indian Himalayas, beyond the distractions of the modern world, lie the ancient monasteries of Ladakh — beacons of wisdom, stillness, and sacred discipline. Here, monkhood is not a title — it is a way of life. A quiet revolution of compassion, simplicity, and spiritual clarity.

Kailash Expeditions India Pvt. Ltd. invites you to step into this rarified world — not as a tourist, but as a respectful seeker. Through thoughtfully curated monastic experiences, you can witness, understand, and engage with the daily rhythms of Buddhist life in Ladakh’s most revered gompas.

Safety First

We are fully committed to your safety both on and off the river.

World's Best Guides

Our guides are true whitewater professionals with Class 5 certifications.

Experience of a Lifetime

We provide an adventure like nothing you've ever experienced before.

📿 Morning Prayers at Thiksey Monastery

Wake before dawn to the sound of long horns and fluttering prayer flags. Witness young novice monks chant ancient mantras, lighting lamps and offering incense to the awakened mind. Participate silently, or just observe — and feel your own mind soften with the rising sun.

🪷 Private Conversations with Monks

Sit across from a lama or senior monk, and talk — about the nature of suffering, happiness, discipline, or life. These aren’t scripted sessions. They are intimate human dialogues, filled with gentle humor and profound insight. Translators are arranged for meaningful understanding.

🌼 Mindfulness in Monastic Settings

Join meditation sessions inside quiet prayer halls, beside running streams, or in caves once used by hermits. Learn breath awareness, walking meditation, and focused silence, guided by experienced teachers who live what they teach.

Optional add-ons:

Mandala drawing sessions
Butter-lamp offerings and prayer flag rituals
Introduction to Buddhist philosophy & the Wheel of Life

🎓 A Day in a Monk’s Life (Available in select monasteries)

Spend time understanding the monastic routine — from cooking in communal kitchens to classroom debates on dharma. Walk alongside novices to fetch water, clean prayer halls, or join an afternoon prayer circle. It’s humbling. It’s grounding. And it’s deeply beautiful.

Where It Happens

Thiksey Monastery – A hilltop sanctuary with panoramic views and deeply devotional energy
Hemis Monastery – Ladakh’s largest and most spiritual centre, home to tantric teachings
Alchi & Lamayuru – Remote, ancient gompas rich in murals, history, and mysticism
Stok & Chushot – Village-based hermitages and nunneries where quiet learning continues

Respectful Participation with Purpose

These experiences are not performances. They are real moments offered with care and mutual respect. All visits are arranged through our monastic partners, with contributions supporting education, sustainability, and preservation of Buddhist heritage.

Who Is It For?

Spiritual travelers & wellness seekers
Writers, artists, thinkers, and changemakers
Retreat groups & mindful explorers
Anyone seeking quietude, clarity, or cultural depth

Monkhood & Monastic experiences

Monkhood & Monastic experiences