Tourists on their visit to Ladakh can feel exciting to reach at Phugtal Monastery by trekking. Holidify Travels Pvt Ltd.- All Right Reserved, Tips : No photography is allowed inside the monastery. They offer prayers and worship. Monks from the monastery attend local village events of significance, such as birth, deaths and weddings, performing traditional prayer ceremonies. Thecarnivalsin the Phugtal Monasterystartaround theendof February,dependingon the Tibetantimetable. The location, architecture, and isolation of the Phuktal caverns are spiritually significant because ancient wandering monks used them for prayer and meditation. Phuk signifies 'cavern' and tal signifies 'at relaxation' or it . While you take a trip to the Phugtal Monastery there are multiple things that come enroute including Bardan Muney and other monasteries too. Tourists like the frescoes and ceiling design of the ancient chapel. The building, equipment, materials, and stores were all destroyed. Today we begin our much-anticipated journey towards the Phugtal Monastery. Golden desolate scenes and the mountain ways take travellers to an alternate world by and large. This monastery which has a library as well as prayer rooms, houses around 70 monks. The monastery has been a place for meditation, retreat, teaching and learning for ages. Phugtal Monastery: Leh Ladakh Travel Guide - Leh Ladakh Tour Packages As this is a high-altitude trip; especially the trek; make sure that you carry your medicines, energy drinks, ORS, and more than enough water. The only method to access Phugtal Monastery is by walking all the way from Cha Village in Zanskar. This one of the most isolated monasteries of the region is made up of wood and mud. It serves as among the most secluded monasteries of the area. The name of the monastery is derived from the word Phuktal where Phuk means cave and Tal or 'Thal' means at leisure. It is celebrated after mid-June. Cold cream and Lip balm will come in very handy. In fact, some also call Phugtal monastery as the "Honeycomb Monastery" as well as the cave monastery. There are an occasion for the monks to interact with the villagers and for the villagers to visit the monastery. We will surely recommend the same to our friends. You will also have to ask this taxi driver to come pick you up on your way back to Padum. Phugtal Monastery was a naturally occurring characteristic cave at a precipice of the Lungnak Valley in Ladakh. Here find complete details on Phuktal Monastery Tourism in Jammu Kashmir. (Source: Wiki). & feel topped up with enough/*BOUNDLESS strength* to carry your body trekking 3-4 hrs continuously right up to PHUGTAL/PHUKTAL Monastery &** with *PERMITTED GUIDES ONLY /(LOCAL TREKKING . From adistance, it looks like amassivehoneycomb. During thecarnivals, the monks interact with thelocals, andtowniesgoto thefriary. It is the most important Tibetan Buddhist celebration of the year, which signifies the start of the New Year. Shorter route from Leh is to drive till Padum (via kargil) and another taxi ride till Enmu from Padum, from Enmu it is few hours hike to Phukgal Gompa. As its name suggests (Phug means cave), the honey-comb-like Phugtal Monastery, home to more than 70 monks, stands at the opening of a large cave on a cliff above the Tsarap River. touringsuckerswouldfindthis as agreatflightfullofalluringsights and sounds. The Phuktal Gompa maintains a Traditional Tibetan medical clinic, catering to the local community. Not much to write about me really except for that I love to travel around whenever I can and to wherever I can. One can find the image of 16 earliest legendary followers of Buddha on the walls of the cave. It will take you another 2-3 hours to trek back from Phuktal to Purne so please start your journey well in time. If you can however add a day more and make it a 3 days trip, then it would be more fun and better enjoyable. There are two ways that you can plan this day. You also see parkachik glacier but that is in Suru valley and from a distance. While the monastery was built in the 12th century, it remained a well-guarded secret for many centuries when Hungarian nobleman Alexander Cosmo de Koros came and lived there from 1826 to 1827. We will pick you up from Leh airport and transfer you to a hotel in Leh (11,500ft). Ill visiting from 13th-25th this month. The trek at some places will also get very narrow and a bit tough to handle. Phugtal Monastery Trek - Guide to the Cave Monastery of Zanskar You cangetaregardof therichartisticheritageof theregionduring thefests. Visitors can enjoy a fun-filled trek to reach the monastery. Its name Phuktal is derived from the word Phukthal; where Phuk means cave; and Tal or Thal means at leisure. Hall of Fame, Shanti Stupa, Leh . Medical assistance is available only at Chah village at the health centre here. Phugtal Monastery in Tibet. You can connect with the local agents to get a room pre-booked. So, if you feel a bit problematic make sure to at least search for something that will help you. Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements. The Phuktal Monastic School is locatedhard,deliveringfreeeducationto thechildren. It is located in the southeastern part of Zanskar in Ladakh and the Phuktal Trek is what intrigues and steers people to visit here. From a distance, it looks like a massive honeycomb. It has 4prayerapartments,library, kitchen,guestapartments, andlivingspaceforaround 700 monks. They can reach to the monastery by a trek for two or more days, offering an adventurous experience. A major reason behind this is that all these places are on the way from Kargil to Padum. If done in a leisurely manner and relaxed pace, the entire trek will not take you any more than 6 hours at most. How to float an AdSense Ad to left or right? Nowonder, itsknownas the stairway to heaven.Phugtal Monastery or Phugtal Gompa is one of the mostisolatedcloistersin the south- eastern Zanskarregionin Ladakhquarterof Jammu and Kashmir in northern India. It has 4 prayer rooms, library, kitchen, guest rooms, and living space for around 700 monks. Absorb the grand excellence of nature, speak with the locals and essentially appreciate an invigorating break. If I am coming from Keylong side and want to stay in monestry. Phugtal Monastery or Phugtal Gompa is housed in the remotest corner of Lungnak Valley in the south-eastern region of Zanskar Valley, Ladakh. It is located on the South-East side of the union territory. There are two ways to reach the monastery and among them, one is via Chah village and the other is from Purne village. Frescoes and ceiling are decorated with an old chapel which is one of the tourist attraction. It was founded by Gangsem Sherap Sampo during the early 12th century. The journey today will be a mix of drive and trekking. It is a amazing places that is highly recommended. Phugtal Gompa Monastery, Trek to Phuktal Monastery All Rights Reserved. All Rights Reserved. In the Zanskar region, at the opening of a huge cave is the Phugtal Monastery, one of the most isolated monasteries in Ladakh. The place is easily accessible from the Padum-Manali route. The monastery of Phugtal is constructed on the mouth of a cave on a cliff and is considered to be one of the most isolated regions of the union territory. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ichar, as I mentioned, is the last village accessible by road on this route. Basic medical facilities are available at the Chah village. The cave is deserted on the front of a huge gorge that is also a passageway for a main tributary of the southern Lungnak River. This monastery is built around a natural cave and it is believed that the saint and scholars have visited this site since 2,550 years ago. "Lighting The Himalayas Team Powers Up Phugtal Monastery", Photos taken in the kitchen of Phugtal Monastery, National Remote Sensing Centre: Phuktal Blockade, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Phugtal_Monastery&oldid=1120349356, This page was last edited on 6 November 2022, at 14:52. You can get basic facilities at the guest houses. Hence, the name Phuktal means 'the cave of leisure' or 'the cave of liberation'. I want to stay at the monastery for a long duration, will that be allowed? If however, you have the time and are up for a bit of walking up and down the hills, then a visit to Phugtal Monastery comes highly recommended. I am Planning to visit Ladakh in September this year. This one of the most isolated monasteries of the region is made up of wood and mud. Phugtal Monastery or Phugtal Gompa that is also known as Phuktal monastery, is located in the southeastern of Zanskar valley, in the Ladakhi region. Hope you like it !!! Thanks for your wonderful blog. Made out of mud and wood, the monastery has a library and 4 prayer halls. Thenaturalgrottoesthenaresaidtohavewasbefore 2500times.Accordingto thelegendwhen Jangsem Sherap Zangpocamethen, heshowedmiraculoussignsand caused aspringtorunfrom thedelve, a tree togrowontopof thedelve, and the size of thegrottoestogrowlarger.Thearmatureof Phuktal Monastery isprimarilyTibetan instyle. If you reached Padum by your own vehicle, then you will have to leave your car or motorcycle parked at Ichar. A detailed explanation of the trek is as mentioned below. There are four rooms where people may worship, one area for people to read in, one room for instruction, a kitchen, a library, residential space for up to 70 monks, and guest rooms. It is made in a waythat it depicts the image of acave. Supplies to the monastery are brought on horses, donkeys, and mules in the warmer months, and in the frozen winters, they are transported through the frozen Zanskar River. Far from the crowd of individuals, a major cave on a precipice, houses this engineering. New Delhi to Phugtal Monastery via plane - Rome2rio Best Motorcycle for Ladakh Trip Best Bike for Leh Ladakh, Climb up to the gompa via Anmo and Chah; and return the same way, Climb up to the gompa via Anmo and Purne; and return the same way. Phugtal Monastery belongs to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, where a large number of festivals are celebrated with great zeal and vigor. Putting the words together, the name Phuktal Monastery means The cave of leisure Monastery or The cave of liberation Monastery. Phugtal is also known as Phuktal and is a key attraction of Ladakh. From a personal tent to a kitchen tent with a mattress and sleeping bags, everything will be arranged if informed at the time. When Jangsem Sherap Zangpo arrived at Phuktal, the three brothers bequeathed the holy site to him and departed. Almost 70 monks reside in the monastery. *All prices shown on the website are tentative. The nearest major town from the monastery is Padum, which is also the administrative center in Zanskar. From Padum, we drive south into the Lungnak Valley, the most unexplored region of Zanskar After a 4-hour drive alongside the Tsarap river, the road will end at a beautiful village . In between Cha is the stopping point. Hi VK, The Phuktal Gompa owes its legacy to powerful and renowned scholars and teachers who resided in the cave, around which the monastery has been built, and has for long been a place for retreat, meditation, learning, and teaching. If rushed, you can complete it in 2 days but prolonging their trip by that many days too can be challenging for some people due to which they end up skippig Phuktal entirely. The current monastery is worked around the naturally occurring cave which suffices as a perfect place for the priests to live. You can stay at the paying guest, which is available at the villages of Anmo, Chah, and Purne. Phugtal Monastery Ladakh, Significance, Timings, Facts, Images - Gosahin Explore Ladakh and it's must visit places. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); @2023 - Vargis Khan. Better would be to bring in spare batteries if you feel you would consume it all there. An exemplary model of Buddhist architecture, it has numerous caves that houses a number of monks, students, and other scholars. Hi Vargis,the road from Ichar to Anmo is restored now? While in camp, you can choose the menu from Italian, Indian, and Chinese cuisines. Phugtal Monastery can be visited during the summer season when it is easily accessible. Phugtal Monastery In Zanskar Valley Leh Ladakh Carry a bottle that is not too heavy or difficult to carry; one that you can refill in every village en route. On 31 December 2014, a landslide occurred between the Shun and Phuktal villages. This festival is held at the end of February and before the Smonlam Chenmo. Both these guest houses too are however very simple and basic but the one at Phuktal Monastery has an attached bathroom to it. Amazing experience and had a wonderful trip. Keep a good pace and target to make it to the Monastery between 9 to 10 AM. We had already read wonders of the 600 year old Monastery perched on a cliff side overlooking the turquoise water of Lungnak river. It falls during the end of February or at the beginning of March. Glacier is only visible from the top of Pensi La, nowhere else. Your accommodation choice is only in form of a paying guest and available at both Anmu and Chah. Situated at the mouth of natural cave on a cliff, it is one of the most isolated monasteries in the region, built around 2500 years ago. Or climb up via Anmo and Chah and go back via Purne; or vice versa. The lake formed behind the dam increased in length and height as compared to the height of the blockade. I have explained both these routes further in the article but the one via Purne is a bit broader and easier. For accommodation, option of staying as a paying guest is available at the village of Anmo, Chah and Purne. Zanskar itself is connected to Leh by road, and may be reached through rental automobiles or via a bus ride. Your stay as paying guest will be very basic and simple but comfortable. In recent years, a road connectivity has been created to almost all the remote monasteries in the region but Phugtal is one that still requires tourists to walk all the way. Also, I wanted to know how visible are the glaciers during this time. At the heart of the Lungnak Valley in Ladakh sits the picturesque Phugtal Monastery. You wont be able to reach Padum. The cliff is part of a lateral gorge of a major tributary of the Lungnak River (Lingti-Tsarap River). Satellite phones are however available in the village of Cha and the monastery as well. If yes then what route is best, via Manali or kashmir? Undoubtedly, the best time to visit Phugtal is between July and September because this is the exact time when one can enjoy their time trekking. The journey will be a bit rushed and will give you less time to spend at the monastery; but is doable nonetheless. The meaning of the name is The cave of leisure Monastery or The cave of liberation Monastery. The old chapel is decorated with ceilings and frescoes. In the faade of the cave that houses this monastery is a tremendous stream that is also a passageway to the tributaries of the southern Lungnak River. Spend some time with your host at Cha and start by 8 to 9 AM from Cha. If you reached here in time, then you can actually have lunch at the monastery with all the monks. Ladakh Monasteries | Buddhist Monasteries in Ladakh Some of the important festivals celebrated in Phugtal Gompa are. Phuktal Monastery was the center of meditation, retreat, teaching, and learning. If you have any further questions; or need any other details; please feel free to ask in the comments section below; or at our Community Forum; and I will be glad to answer. Phugtal Monastery or Phugtal Gompa that is also known as Phuktal monastery and is one of the prime attractions of Zanskar Region. Phugtal Monastery | Lungnak Valley | Leh & Ladakh. A road is expected to be built up to the monastery; however, for now, it is a days walk from Dorzang, the end of the road leading from Padum. The eminent scholars and brothers Dangsong, Pun, and Sum, who were believed to have the supernatural power of flight gave teachings on Dharma at Phuktal. You can interact with locals and monks and listen to the local folklores. Food provided too will be very simple but delicious enough. Phuktal Monastery or Phuktal Gompa (often transliterated as Phugtal) is a Buddhist monastery located in the remote Lungnak Valley in south-eastern Zanskar, in the Himalayan region of Ladakh, in Northern India. Situated in the remote Lungnak Valley, Phuktal or Phugtal Monastery is amongst the top attractions in Zanskar. This festival is held right after the Smonlam Chenmo and it is held to worship thirteen special deities. The thrilling activities in trekking in Ladakh for adventure seekers. The visitors can enjoy a great view of the surroundings and offer their prayers to the lord. AdsOptimal Review Best Google AdSense Alternative, How To Identify Fake Supplement A few Simple Tips, Import Duty on Health Supplements in India. Made up of wood and mud, the Phugtal monastery boasts of 4 prayer halls and 1 library. But do not bank on this because it completely depends on the monks for arranging the accommodation which can be subject to a lot of things. Phugtal Monastery - Ladakh Road Trip