Thikse Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Leh district of Ladakh, India. It is one of the largest and most famous monasteries in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is situated on a hilltop, about 19 km east of Leh, overlooking the Indus River valley.

The Thikse Monastery was founded in the mid-15th century and it is believed that it was built to commemorate the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama to Ladakh. The monastery is a 12-story complex with several temples, prayer halls, and residential quarters for the monks. The main temple houses a 15-meter-high statue of Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha, which is the largest such statue in Ladakh.

The monastery is also home to many ancient artifacts, including thangkas, wall paintings, and ancient texts. Visitors can also witness the monks performing daily rituals and offering prayers. The monastery is open to visitors from 6 am to 6 pm every day and visitors are expected to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering any temple or prayer hall.

Thikse Monastery is an important spiritual and cultural center for the people of Ladakh and a must-visit destination for tourists visiting the region. The stunning views of the Indus valley from the monastery and the serene atmosphere make it a peaceful retreat for spiritual seekers.