A
Beautiful Buddhist Town
Phugthal is by far the most spectacularly located monastic
establishment anywhere in Ladakh , the Phugthal complex spills
out of the mouth of a huge cave high up in the sheer mountain
face of a lateral gorge through which a major tributary of the
southern Lungnak (Lingti-Tsarap) River flows.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
Phugthal
Monastery
Perhaps, the most isolated monastic establishment of Zanskar,
its foundation dates back to the early 12th century. The sight
of the monastery on the limestone Cliffside never fails to
impress. The main assembly hall is carved out of a huge cave,
with the monks quarters scattered down the hillside. Inside
the monastery there is an inscription to "Coso de Koros",
one of the first Europeans to visit the Zanskar region and the
first to translate the Buddhist texts from Ladakhi into
English.
The Trekking Route
Phugthal is accessible from the Padum-Manali trekking route
through a 7-km long trail that branches off from the Purney
Bridge on the main trail. A visit to Phugthal, including
Bardan and Muney monasteries enroute, makes a good 5-days
round trek from Padum. Alternatively, one can add one extra
day to Padum-Manali trekking itinerary to include a day-return
visit to this unique monastic establishment inhabited by a
resident community of about 40 monks.
HOW TO REACH
THERE
Road:
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
service from Kargil. However groups can charter A-Class or
even Super-Deluxe buses to visit Zanskar, including the
interior places of interest like Strongdey, 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
