Situated
15 km east of Fotu La(4094m), one of the most important and sacred monasteries
in
Ladakh.
Approached in 15 min from the main
Srinagar
- Kargil -
Leh
highway by a small path. The present building standing above the oasis of the
village, is a later construction. The first monastery was built at the end of
the 10th century and the ruins can still be seen lying deep down below the village.
The building is well maintained and in the main hall are statues of five
transcendental Buddhas with Vairocana in the center. On the left wall is a
painting of the 11 headed and 1000 eyed Avalokiteshwara.
Nowadays about 30 lamas belonging to the yellow head sect live in the
sanctuary. The most popular trail to Padam and Manali starts from here.
