​Phugtal Monastery

Known for being built along with the natural caves, Phuktal Monastery is one of the few monasteries in Ladakh that can only be reached by trekking. Situated in the remote Lungnak Valley, Phuktal or Phugtal Monastery is amongst the top attractions in Zanskar. And why it shouldn’t be, the Buddhist Gompa has an impressive facade with rock-cut caves that look embedded in the mountain.

The monastery is a one-day trek from the village of Cha or Khangsaar in Zanskar. The view from the monastery is also something to cherish; one can relish the panoramic vistas of the meandering Lungnak River and the valley. The major attraction of Phuktal Gompa is its natural caves which are said to have been visited by many sages, scholars, and translators more than 2550 years ago.

Belonging to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, Phuktal Monastery celebrates several festivals which a must-see here. This attraction in Zanskar can also be visited during the festivities to experience it in the best way. Some of the important festivals celebrated in Phuktal Gompa are Smonlam Chenmo, Chudsum Chodpa, Chonga Chodpa, Gyalwe Jabstan, Jigched Lhachusum Ceremony, Initiation of Vajrabhairava, Syungnas, Yarnas, Gadam Nagchod, and Phukta Gutor.

History

The history of Phuktal Monastery states that the present-day gompa was established in the early 15th century by Jangsem Sherap Zangpo, a disciple of Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The natural caves here are said to have existed before 2500 years.

According to the legend when Jangsem Sherap Zangpo came here, he showed miraculous signs and caused a spring to run from the cave, a tree to grow on top of the cave, and the size of the caverns to grow larger.

Architecture

The architecture of Phuktal Monastery is primarily Tibetan in style. The monastery has the main temple, prayer rooms, a library, living quarters, teaching facilities, a kitchen, and the sacred spring which was miraculously was created by Jangsem Sherap Zangpo.