The monastery
of Stongdey lies 18-km to the north of Padum, on the road
leading to Zangla. An old foundation associated with the
Tibetan Yogi, Marpa, Stongdey is now the second largest
monastic establishment of Zanskar, inhabited by the resident
community of about 60 Gelukpa monks.
The sprawling whitewashed complex has a number of temples,
each a repository of the region's rich monastic legacy.
Stongdey can be reached by foot in about 4 hours along the
recently laid rough road. The climb up to the monastery is
rather strenuous, but it is worth the trouble for the
breathtaking scenery of the valley available from here.
HOW TO REACH
THERE
The 240 km long
Kargil-Padum road, of which the first 90 km stretch is paved,
remains opened from around mid July to early November. The
J&K SRTC operates a thrice-weekly bus services from Kargil.
However groups 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. During June and early July, prior to
opening of the road, it is recommended to walk into Zanskar
from Panikhar or Parkachik onwards. 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.
WHERE TO STAY 
The tourist
Complex at Padum provides furnished rooms. There is catering
arrangement in the complex, while camping place nearby is
available for budget tourists travelling with personal tents.
Padum town has several private hotels where rooms with basic
facilities are available. At Karsha dormitory accommodation is
available in the newly build inn where basic vegetarian food
is also provided. In the distant villages like Stongdey,
Zangla, Sani, etc., accommodation can be sought from the
villagers either on payment or in exchange of a suitable gift.
Some monasteries may also take in guests, through more as a
gesture of goodwill than on purely commercial consideration.
Of course the guest is expected to compensate the monastery
suitably.
