Soma Gompa Jokhang Leh
A serene Buddhist monastery in Leh Market, offering peaceful vibes and colorful interiors. A historical gem easily missed.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the market crowds
Soma Gompa Jokhang Leh
Best Time
Beat the market crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Buddhist monastery in Leh Market, offering peaceful vibes and colorful interiors. A historical gem easily missed.
"Very Peaceful place, right in the middle of Leh Market, visited every day during my stay in Leh."
🎯 Find it in the Market
Easily missed! Look for it near the Leh Palace entrance, adjacent to the old stables.
🤫 Photography Rules
Photography inside is usually not allowed. Be respectful of the sacred space.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Peaceful Sanctuary in the Market
Leh Market
A tranquil Buddhist monastery offering a serene escape amidst the bustling Leh Market. Find positive vibes and a place to meditate.
Historical Significance
Near Leh Palace stables
Built in 1840, this monastery holds historical importance, once a prominent site before larger monasteries were built.

Colorful Interiors
Inside Soma Gompa
Discover vibrant statues and effigies of crowned Buddhas within its peaceful, colorful chambers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Soma Gompa
Respectful Exploration of Soma Gompa
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Find it in the Market
Easily missed! Look for it near the Leh Palace entrance, adjacent to the old stables.
🤫 Photography Rules
Photography inside is usually not allowed. Be respectful of the sacred space.
🙏 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting this active monastery.
🧘♀️ Meditative Vibes
A perfect spot for quiet reflection and meditation amidst positive energy.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Find it in the Market
Easily missed! Look for it near the Leh Palace entrance, adjacent to the old stables.
🤫 Photography Rules
Photography inside is usually not allowed. Be respectful of the sacred space.
🙏 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting this active monastery.
🧘♀️ Meditative Vibes
A perfect spot for quiet reflection and meditation amidst positive energy.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Soma Gompa is a peaceful Buddhist monastery located in the heart of Leh Market, appreciated for its tranquil atmosphere and positive vibes, offering a serene escape. While small and sometimes overlooked, its historical significance and colorful interiors are noted. Some visitors find it challenging to locate, and photography inside is restricted.
"Soma Gompa, also spelled Gonpa Soma, is a Buddhist monastery located in Leh, Ladakh, India. Here's what you might find interesting about it:
History: Built in 1840 by Lama Tashi Tenpel, it was once a prominent monastery in Leh. However, a larger monastery was constructed on the main bazaar road in the 1950s, reducing Soma Gompa's importance.
Location: Situated just below the entrance of the Leh Palace complex, next to an old courtyard that once housed the palace stables. Finding it is easy, but entering might be a challenge.
Current Status: It's a relatively small gompa and faced some disrepair over the years. Thankfully, restoration efforts by the Tibet Heritage Fund and others have helped preserve this historic site.
Interior: Known for its peaceful and colorful interiors, housing statues or effigies of crowned Buddhas. Be aware that photography is usually not allowed inside.
If you're planning a visit to Leh, Soma Gompa might be a good spot to include in your itinerary, especially for its historical significance and tranquil atmosphere."
Sky Shots Pro
"Gompa Soma གོམ་པ་ སོ་མ་
It's right inside the main Leh Market. It's at the very heart of this community."
K -
"Very nice monastery in the center of the Leh market area,"
Roger Seganti
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Soma Gompa is conveniently located right in the heart of Leh Market, near the entrance to the Leh Palace complex. You can easily walk to it if you're exploring the market area.
While it's centrally located, it can be easily missed amidst the bustling market. Look for signs near the old palace stables.
Leh is accessible by air with regular flights from major Indian cities like Delhi. For a scenic route, you can drive from Manali or Srinagar, but these roads are seasonal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no entry fee for Soma Gompa. It's a place of worship and generally open to visitors without a ticket.
The monastery is usually open during daylight hours, aligning with the activity in Leh Market. It's best to visit during the day.
Photography inside the monastery is generally not permitted. It's important to respect the sacred space and refrain from taking pictures of the deities and interiors.
Yes, as it's a Buddhist monastery, it's recommended to dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees out of respect.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find peaceful, colorful interiors with statues and effigies of crowned Buddhas. It's a place to soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
Soma Gompa is a relatively small monastery, but it holds significant historical and spiritual value.
Absolutely! Many visitors find Soma Gompa to be a very peaceful place, perfect for quiet reflection and meditation.
Built in 1840, it was once a prominent monastery in Leh before larger ones were constructed. It's located near the historic Leh Palace stables.
📸 📸 Photography
While photography inside is restricted, the exterior shots with the Leh Market or the backdrop of the mountains can be beautiful. Capture the vibrant market life around it.
Yes, you can generally photograph the prayer wheels located outside the monastery, as long as you are not disrupting any religious activities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Soma Gompa's Past and Present
The monastery's current state reflects a blend of its historical significance and ongoing preservation efforts. While it may appear small, its interiors are noted for their peaceful ambiance and colorful decorations, often featuring statues or effigies of crowned Buddhas. Restoration projects, supported by organizations like the Tibet Heritage Fund, have been crucial in maintaining this historic site. Visitors often describe it as a place filled with positive vibes, offering a quiet respite from the surrounding market activity.
When visiting Soma Gompa, remember that it remains an active place of worship. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and to be mindful of any restrictions on photography inside the main prayer halls. The experience is less about grand architecture and more about absorbing the serene atmosphere and appreciating the cultural and historical layers of this central Leh landmark.
Navigating Leh Market and Soma Gompa
To truly appreciate the tranquility of Soma Gompa, timing your visit is key. Early mornings, before the market fully comes alive, offer a more peaceful experience. Similarly, late afternoons can provide a beautiful light for any exterior photography and a calmer atmosphere as the day winds down. Being mindful of the local rhythm of the market will enhance your visit to this serene spot.
When exploring the market, keep an eye out for the subtle signs leading to Soma Gompa. It's often described as a hidden gem, easily overlooked. The proximity to the Leh Palace complex also makes it a convenient stop for those planning to visit the palace itself.

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