Basgo Monastery, situated 40 km from Leh, is built atop a mountain overlooking the ruins of a town by the same name. The monastery was built in the late 17th century by Namgyal rulers of Ladakh. The monastery consists of Basgo Citadel and three temples—Chamba Lhakhan, Serzing Lhakhang and Chan Chung.

The biggest, Chamba Lhakhan, is built high up on the hill and is accessible only by a flight of stairs. The temple has a 45 ft high gold and copper gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha along with stunning celestial paintings. Serzing Lhakhang is built somewhat downhill and houses an idol of Buddha along with ancient scriptures written in gold, silver and copper letters. The smallest among the three temples, Chan Chung, is built on the foothill.

Basgo Monastery is popular not only with photographers but also filmmakers. The song ‘Satrangi Re’ from Bollywood movie Dil Se was shot here amidst rustic mud-brick structure and beautiful backdrop. The monastery was also listed among 100 most endangered heritage sites in 2000-2001 by World Monuments Fund.