Mulbekh Monastery

The first stop after Kargil as you drive towards Leh on Srinagar-Leh Highway is Mulbekh Monastery. The monastery that is right on the highway and situated on a steep rock around 650 ft above the road, actually consists of two different monasteries—one Drukpa or the Red Hat sect and another Gelugpa or the Yellow Hat sect.

The reason of Mulbekh Monastery’s fame is the 30 ft tall sculpture of Maitreya Buddha or Future Buddha carved on a limestone rock, above which the monasteries are built. The sculpture of the Future Buddha overlooks the National Highway 1D, which was once the old trade route. According to an information board besides the cliff, the sculpture was carved probably in the first century BC during the Kushan period. The Future Buddha is also known as Chamba and due to this reason the monastery is often called Mulbekh Chamba. There is a temple at the base of the limestone sculpture that houses many prized relics and frescoes. Right outside the temple and below the Chamba is a huge prayer wheel, whereas right opposite are eateries which are perfect for a tea or a snack.