Many are enamoured by the mysteries and adventure of Leh and Ladakh. But very few must have ventured to Stok range, away from the trodden path of bikers and trekkers here. Perched on the range, is a 15th century monastery, that has been closed for travellers till now.
Behind its doors, local Ladakhi villagers were bent over restoring the ancient Thangka paintings. The monastery, overlooking the Indus river, was founded in 1410 and belongs to the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
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The MaMoMu project at the Matho Monastery Museum hoped to restore these paintings on silk since the time of Buddha which depict his life and preaching. The monastery has a large assortment of ancient artefacts, from bronze statues, Tibetan dance masks, and ritual objects to text scrolls and silks. But the jewel in the crown is its collection of thangka paintings, the largest such collection in the world. Many of the thangkas go back to the 14th century and the monastery also owns four precious 12th-century works, which were discovered only three years ago near Matho village.
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Instead of technicians and experts, the villagers have been trained to restore their own heritage. The Museum itself has been designed like a Ladakhi house with three storeys built using traditional methods and materials like mud bricks and poplar wood, with intricately carved beams and window panes.
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As the village has been isolated from the popular tourist circuit, facilities for accommodation are rudimentary. But this would probably be a good time to explore the region, before many visitors are attracted to its magical beauty.
The village of Matho is located at the mouth of a deep gorge running out of the Zanskar Range and across the Indus. It is directly opposite Thikse Monastery.
The Indus reverberates with its roar, as it flows against the sides of the Ladakhi range. The villagers are simply happy folks, their lives revolving around the monastery.
Matho Monastery is a 45 minutes-drive in the southeast direction of Leh by road. The best time to visit it is during summer, as monsoon and winters can get pretty harsh up there.
Read Also: 5 Lesser Known Facts About Leh-Ladakh
