Serzang Temple is a 17th century gold and copper shrine located next to the royal quarters in Basgo village,
Leh District. Situated on
Leh -
Srinagar highway, Basgo is one of the charming villages in
Ladakh. The temple enshrines a 30 ft high copper gilt image of Maitreya. There are mural paintings of Tilopa, Naropa, Marpa and Mila Ras-pa. There are also images of historical personages associated with the red-hat sect of Buddhism. The walls are painted with
Buddha figures.
A Serzang manuscript copy of the Tibetan Buddhist Canon written in gold, silver and copper letters is preserved in the temple. This manuscript was commissioned by King Senge Namgyal, a 17th century Ladakhi king, as an act of merit. The shrine also houses the volumes of the Kandsur and Tandshur on the left side and right side of the temple respectively. The figure in the Serzang temple rises up to a box-like structure within the ceiling, which can be viewed from a gallery at the top.
Maitreya Temple or the Chamba Lhakhang and Chamchung Shrine are nearby attractions.
Serzang temple is 40 km from Leh by road. Leh Airport is the nearest airport.
