Rizong Monastery

INDIA, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh

This monastery stands at the top of a rocky side valley north of the Indus and to the west of Alchi. It was established as a hermitage in 1831 by Lama Tsultim Nima and was later turned into a monastery. Monks initially lived in mud huts and strict rules of discipline were laid down under the Gelug school.
The monastery consists of a relic shrine, an assembly hall, and several chambers and shrines. The relic shrine is placed in the center of the monastery and contains the relics of the founder. It is surrounded by several frescoes of Dharma Kings and deities. The assembly hall has a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha in the center, flanked by images of Amitayus, Rinpoches, and deities on the right, and Avalokitesvara and Mahakala on the left. The hall also houses numerous thangkas and scriptures.
Located approximately 2 km from the monastery is the Chomoling Nunnery, and Rizong Monastery is the only monastery in Ladakh with a nunnery attached to it.