The
land of Buddhist Monks.
The few religious places in Ladakh are :
Padum
Padum the capital of the ancient kingdom of Zanskar, situated at a height
of 3505 m is the present day administrative headquarters of the region. With
a population of nearly 1500, Padum can be described as the most populous
settlement of Zanskar, otherwise a very scarcely inhabited valley. Several
places of tourist interest in the vicinity of the township can be visited
while you entertain a walk. The closest monument is a group of ancient rock
carvings on a huge boulder near the river bank, just beneath the old
township. These rock carvings dates back to the 8th century and provide an
evidence of North Indian Buddhism influence since ancient times. The
Starrimo Monastery with about 30 resident monks clings to a tree-covered
ridge above the old town. Across the expanse of cultivation is the old
village of Pibiting, dominated by its scenic hilltop monastery, a
magnificent manifestation of stupa architecture.
Arriving At Padum
The 240 km long Kargil-Padun road, of which the first 90 km stretch is
paved, remains opened between mid July to early November. The J&K SRTC
runs a thrice weekly B-class bus service from Kargil. However groups can
hire A-Class or even Super-Deluxe buses to visit Zanskar, including the
remote areas of interest like Stongdey, Zangla and Karsha. Jeeps and Gypsy
taxis can also be hired at Kargil. During June and early July, prior to
opening of the road, it is recommended to walk into Zanskar from panikhar or
Parkachik onwards.
Zanskar
About 20 kms. from Ladakh, South of Rangdum stands the Pazila watershed
across which lies Zanskar, the most lonely of all the trans Himalayan
Valleys. The Panzila Top at the height of 4401 m is the picturesque
tableland embellished with two small alpine lakes and surrounded by snow
coated peaks.
Zanskar consists of a tri-armed valley system sitting between the Great
Himalayan Range and the Zanskar mountain; the three arms radiate star-like
towards the west, north and south from a wide central extensions where the
region's two principal drainage's meet to form the main Zanskar River. The
area remains unreached for nearly 8 months a year due to heavy snowfall
resulting in closure of all the approaching passes, including the Penzi-la.
Today, Zanskar has the distinction of being one of the last few surviving
cultural satellites of Tibet. Within the mountain barriers of this lost
Shangri-la stands several ancient yet active monastic settlements. Few of
these religious foundations have evolved around remote meditation caves
believed to have been used by a succession of famous Buddhist saints for
prolonged meditation in pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment.
Arriving At Zanskar
The 240 km long Kargil-Padun road, of which the first 90 km stretch is
paved, remains opened from around mid July to early November. In June, the
summer is at its height in the region and the climate is ideal for trekking
along the route free from vehicular traffic of any kind and when the
countryside is freshly rejuvenated into life after months of frigid
dormancy.
Stongdey
The monastery of Stongdey lies 18 kms. from Ladakh, to the north of Padum,
on the road leading to Zangla. An old establishment related with the Tibetan
Yogi, Marpa, Stongdey is today the second largest monastic establishment of
Zanskar, resided by the resident community of about 60 Gelukpa monks. The
spanning whitewashed structure has many temples, each of them a repository
of the region's rich monastic heritage.
Arriving At Stongley
The 240 km long Kargil-Padun road, of which the first 90 km extension is
paved, remains opened from around mid July to early November. The J&K
SRTC runs a thrice weekly B-class bus service from Kargil. If in group then
you can charter A-Class or even Super-Deluxe buses to visit Zanskar,
including the interior places of interest like Stongdey, Zangla and Karsha.
Jeeps and Gypsy taxis can also be hired at Kargil.
Zangla
Lying far in the northern arm of Zanskar at the edge of the 35 km. long
rough road from Padum is Zangla, a small place ruled by a Titular King till
his death a few years back. The old castle of the King is now in ruins
except from a small chappel. Nearby is the old Nunnery worth a visit for the
exact lifestyle of the small monastic community of nuns. An old monastery
based in the nearby village of Tsa-zar has exclusive frescos, that should be
visited.
Arriving At Zangla
The 240 km long Kargil-Padun road, of which the first 90 km stretch is
paved, remains opened between mid July to early November. The J&K SRTC
runs a thrice weekly B-class bus service from Kargil.
