Why the statue of Maitreya Buddha in Kargil has been an attractive sight for tourists?

There are many Buddhist monasteries located in Leh and Ladakh, but there is something special about the Mulbekh Gompa, the prime monastery in Kargil. It is the 30 ft long rock sculpture of the “Future Buddha” aka Mulbekh Chamba that catches hold of the attention of the passengers by. The statue is an amalgamation of esoteric Saivite symbolism with Buddhist artwork. The monastery and the statue are situated on the Srinagar-Leh highway on a hilltop.
The two gompas belong to Drukpa (new Buddhist school) and Gelugpa (old Buddhist school). Usually, passersby making a pit stop at this site to offer prayers, click pictures and enjoy a quick bite or a beverage at the nearby eateries.

Many centuries ago, this site was used as an outpost to protect the caravan route between Kashmir and Ladakh. Kargil is located 45 km from this place on the banks of river Suru.

If you have not been to this region before, consider adding a few good touristy sites to your travel itinerary. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, the Magnetic hill and Fotu-la top, the highest point (13,479 ft) on the Srinagar Leh Highway are some sites worth visiting.

If you are a vegetarian, be sure to pack in ready to eat vegetarian food in your luggage because it is hard to find enough vegetarian food in Kargil.