 Located just 8 km away from the Leh, Spituk Gompa is one of the oldest Gompas of the Leh. It has deciphered its name from the word statement given by the translator, Rinchen Zangpo, about the monastery. The 11th century monastery is constructed by Od-de in memory of his elder brother Lha Lama Changchub.
At the starting of the monastery, it was run under the Kadampa School but later started functioning under Dharamraja Takspa Bum-Lde Lama Lhawang Lotus. He totally changed the ruling pattern and introduced the stainless order of Tsongkhapa (Gelukpa). At present it is running under the Gelukpa order. There are three other branches of Spituk Gompa running under it; are Stok, Sankar and Sabo.
The monastery is dedicated to successive reincarnation of Skyabsje Bakula Rinpoche and the prime picture inside the Gompa is of Lord Buddha with holistic images of Amitayus, about a finger high in health. Tsongakhapa himself presented this image to Takopa Bum-Lde. It also boasts of diverse collection of thankas, ancient masks, antique arms, and impressive image of Mahakal.
As far as Dukhang of the Gompa is concerned, it is home to the Dalai Lama. The door beside the central throne opens to dark old chapel. The prime figures of the Dukhang include pictures of Tsong-kha-pa with his two chief disciples and of Buddha. It also organizes annual festival Gustor, held between 27th to 29th days in the eleventh month of Tibetan calendar. A sacred dance also performs during the festival to celebrate the moment.
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