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.
