Matho Gompa
About 20 km from Leh, the monastery offers panoramic view of the valley as it is situated on top of the ridge. It was built by Tungpa Dorje in 16th century and is the only monastery of the Sakya order of Buddhism. It follows the Tibetan Sa-skya monastery established in the 11th century.
A new temple built in 1974 Lha-khang Soma has exquisite murals of the Guardians of Four Directions after entering the intricately decorated doorway. With wall murals displaying Tungpa Dorje, Matho’s founder and his oracles and portrait of the Sakya sect, along with the white Mahakala and portrait of Teaching Buddha. Other wall frescos and murals depict the different monks of the Sakya sect and manifestations of the Historical Buddha (Sakyamuni).
The center panels of the murals show the great personages of Naropa, Mila Ras-pa, Tilopa and Marpa. Decorative red hats that were once the personal possessions of the Matho’s oracles are on display along with Buddhist canonical texts.