Perched in the Himalayas and surrounded by Zanskar plateau and Suru River, the topography of Kargil district is characterized by craggy peaks, steep slopes, narrow gorges and deep valleys. The land is the centre of religious generosity. The land is the abode of a number of Buddhist monasteries. Temples of prehistoric origin gels well with the Buddhist temples while increasing the spiritual splendour of the place.
One of the monasteries in Kargil is the Cave Monastery that attracts pilgrims from all over the world due to its atypical constructional wonder. Cave Monastery stands stately, popping out from a brown cliff and looks like a hanging settlement in the middle of the mountains. The monastery is decked with fine murals and there is a Buddhist nunnery beneath the monastery. Another monastery of Kargil of almost similar feature is Shargol Monastery. The monastery gives the appearance of a hanging abode from the centre of the mountain on which it is located. Shargol Monastery houses ancient, mesmerizing images and frescoes that are worthy of the praising eyes of the beholder.
Braving the demanding climb, pilgrims visit the Stongdey Monastery which houses countless temples reminiscent of the region`s monastic heritage. Another gompa of Kargil is Mulbekh Gompa. Reigning the neighbouring valley, Mulbekh Gompa, is a high-flying place for Buddhist believers. The Mulbekh monastery is festooned with frescoes and statues, housing even some prized relics. Several other monasteries in Kargil serve as a place of religious importance along with the place from where nature can be enjoyed. Belonging to the Drukpa Kagyupa order, the Stagrimo Monastery offers a splendid view of the passing vale due to its momentous location.
The erstwhile kingly seat of Zanskar, Zangla Monastery has additional benefit for its location of towering heights. A nunnery and an old rope suspension bridge are the nearby attractions. Pibiting Monastery is assumed to have been built by King Kanishka and is noted for its wondrous `stupa` creation. Among the other monasteries in Kargil, Starrimo Monastery is a branch of a greater monastic organization and was built in the 10th century. Some of these monasteries are of great historical importance like the Sani monastery. The Sani Monastery was built in prehistoric times of the 2nd century, with other outlandish structures noted as its supplementary attractions. This monastery is a part of Drukpa Kagyupa School. The interesting collections of frescoes and stucco murals, cemetery, veiled bronze image of Naropa are the additional attractions of this monastery.
The monasteries in Kargil are the centres of practicing religious tasks, the study centre for the students and the abode of the educated monks.
