The landscape of Ladakh is famous for its majestic Gompas. Located on the hilltops near the Indus Valley one can find maroon clad monks doing prayers and making their way towards these monasteries. The Phugtal Monastery is located in the Zanskar region at the opening of a cave, is one of the isolated monasteries of Ladakh. The foundation of the monastery dates back to the 12th century. The Phugtal Monastery is accessible from the Padum- Manali trekking route through 7 Km long trail that branches off from the Purney Bridge on the main trail. The monastery houses 40 monks and it has number of chapels situated within its premises. The walls of the monastery are embellished with murals and frescos that have a strong resemblance of Indian art and culture.
About Phugtal Gompa :
One of the most isolated monasteries of the region, the Phugtal Gompa of Ladakh dates back to the early 12th century. Situated in the Zanskar region, the Phugtal Monastery stands at the opening of a huge cave. The cave is located on the front of a huge gorge, which also serves as a passageway for a major tributary of the southern Lungnak River (Lingti-Tsarap). To reach the Pugthal Monastery of Leh Ladakh, one can also go through the Padum-Manali trekking route.
A number of chapels are situated inside the premises of the Phugthal Gompa. And one of these chapels even reflects a strong Indian touch. The frescoes as well as the ceiling decorations, adorning the chapel, bear the marks of artistic and iconographic influence of India. Also, the monastery serves as the residence for approximately 40 monks.
Location :
Located in the Zanskar region, on the mouth of a huge cave, Phugtal Monastery is the abode of more than 70 monks and is perhaps, the most inaccessible monastic establishment of Zanskar region. According to its name “Phug”- that means cave, it stands at the breach of a large cave on a cliff above the Tsarap River where a major stream of the southern Lungnak River (Lingti-Tsarap) flows. Monastery houses three huge and one small prayer room whose frescoes are comparable to the 11th century ones of Alchi Monastery. There is a chorten which is supposed to house the relics of its founder, Tsherap Zangpo.
Foundation :
The foundation of Phugtal Gompa dates back to 12th century AD. At present more than forty Buddhist monks are the residents of Gompa.
Highlights of Phugtal Gompa :
The trek undertook to reach the monastery is full of fun and thrill. Relax and unwind yourself in cool and salubrious climate, where the serene ambiance enchants your mind and soul. Enjoy magnificent views of high alps and peaks, few covered with snow. Once you are mesmerized with natural splendor, get ready to be surprised with stunning architecture of Phugtal Gompa. Plethora of chapels are situated inside the monastery complex. The beautiful frescoes and ceilings decorations makes the chapel more appealing and charming.
Treasures of Phugtal Gompa :
The frescoes treasures in the Phugtal Gompa are very similar to the 11th century Alchi monastery. The Chorten houses the relics of its founder, Tsherap Zangpo.
To reach at this Monastery, a tourist will have to trek for two or three days via Padum-Manali trekking route as it is the isolated monastery, which appears to be amazingly attached on to the side of a vertical rock-face. The foundation of this Monastery is dated back to the early 12th century and its beautifications are reflecting strong Indian creative and iconographic influence. This cave However, one of its chapels is adorned with murals and ceiling decorations, reflecting a strong Indian artistic and iconographic influence. Tourists who visit Ladakh, they often feel excitement to reach at Phugtal Monastery.