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Location: 6-km West Of Padum, On
The Kargil Road, Ladakh Region, J&K
Main Attractions: Sani Monastery, Kanika Stupa
Best Time To Visit: July To Early November
Legend & Other Attractions
By legend its initial foundation is associated with Kanishka on
account
 of
the Kanika Stupa, which stands in the backyard of the walled
complex. The main building comprises a huge multi-columned
central prayer hall housing an array of statues of popular
Buddhists divinities and 'Drugpa' (Old Schools) high saints.
The most interesting frescoes, however, can be seen in a small,
almost discarded chapel at the back of the main building, whose
walls are adorned with stucco murals depicting landscapes and
floral designs based on the life of Padma-Sambhava. Adjoining
this monastic complex is an old cemetery surrounded by a ring of
ancient rock carving which reflect Indian artistic influence.
Kanika Stupa
Sani is also associated with Naropa, the famous Indian yogi from
Vikramsila, who is said to have sat in meditation for some time
under the Kanika Stupa. The site is now occupied by a small room
housing a veiled bronze figure of the Yogi, which is unveiled,
once a year in late July. A 2-day long festival is held to
celebrate this occasion, which is attended by people from far,
and wide monks from Bardan Monastery perform masked dances as
ritual offering.
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
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 (also spelt as Stongde), 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 Strongdey, 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. |