Buddhist Cave Monasteries of Himalayas

Text and Photographs by Mr. Sachin Vaidya Zongkhul Monastery's  main shrine lies within a dark cave where it is believed the 11 th century yogi Naropa meditated. Naropa was a teacher at Vikramshila and Nalanda universities. An imprint on a rock is believed to be Naropa’s footprint. The Monastery lies in Stod Valley - 30 km North West of Padum (Kargil District of Ladakh). It belongs to Drukpa School of Tibetan Buddhism. I visited the Monastery during June 2019. The Monastery is located at scenic location at the end of motorable road. A government signboard directed us to the Monastery. A popular [but tough] trek was starting from the Monastery. A closer look at the Monastery: An old stupa was protected. A prayer wheel is a common sight of any Buddhist monastery. A government signboard presented the history and tradition of the Monastery. A prayer flag fluttered at the courtyard. The Monastery's exteriors sported white colour. The main door was elegant. A curtain had an interest...

  Text and Photographs by Mr. Sachin Vaidya Phugtal Monastery is located 60 km South East of Padum (Kargil District of Ladakh). It is a day’s trek (return). Accommodation is available at Monastery. Its main temples were constructed inside a huge cave on the mountainside above Tsrap River and the later additions were almost beehive-like accretions. It was founded by Gangsem Sherap Sampo during 12 th century. Its monks belong to the Gelugpa order. Its altitude is 13,123 feet above sea level. I visited the Monastery during July 2019. I travelled from Padum to Anmo Village by a dedicated vehicle. The [return] vehicle costed Rs. 6,000. Anmo Village is a picturesque village in Zanskar Valley. A basic tea stall [in tent] was catering to the trekkers. As I needed a guide, the tea stall owner called a teenager from the Village and I started the trek. The trek was a high altitude one; however, there were no ups and downs. The path was not at all slippery. It could have been done without gui...