![]() Location of Stongdey Monastery The monastery is located in Stongdey near Padum in Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is 18 km from Padum in Zanskar region. Attractions of Stongdey Monastery The monastery is strategically built at the top of a rocky cliff and its architecture is quite different from other monasteries of the place. This white-washed monastery complex is constructed in Tibetan style of architecture. It is made in such a way that it provides panoramic views of Zanskar region. It houses a number of temples, each a storehouse of the region’s rich conventual legacy. The monastery also exhibits some images of Buddha and is home to ancient murals, thangkas, and religious scriptures. The monastery houses around 60 monks. It plays a key role in the lives of the locals. In fact, strong influence of the monastery can be observed over the surrounding villages. The annual festival of the monastery is Gustor festival which is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is organised on the 28th and 29th day in the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar. Mask dance by Lamas is the highlight of the occasion. The festival also exhibits myriad handicrafts that are created by the locals. Connectivity of Stongdey Monastery It can be accessed by road that leads to Zangla. This extensive whitewashed temple complex can also be reached on foot. Local transport is available from Padum. |