Home > Arts & Culture > Indian Monuments > Zongkhul Monastery
Zongkhul Monastery
Zongkhul monastery is an important shrine for Buddhists. It is situated in Zanskar Valley in Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Share this Article:

Zongkhul Monastery, Leh, Jammu and KashmirZongkhul monastery, also called Dzongkhul, is one of the sacred sites of India. This magnificently set monastery has a perfect location, situated like a Swallow`s nest on the rock face of the Ating George, looking across the falls and the ascent of Umasi Pass. The monastery belongs to the Drugpa order of Tibetan Buddhsim. The monastery houses 15 monks and 23 novitiates.

Location of Zongkhul Monastery
It is located in Zanskar Valley in Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir. Zanskar is approximately 20km south of Rangdum. It is situated in Stod Valley and lies on the Padum-Kishtwar trekking route. It is positioned at a distance of 190 kms from the capital city of Srinagar.

History of Zongkhul Monastery
The monastery is related to Naropa, an eminent Buddhist yogi and lecturer of Nalanda and Vikramshila University in Bihar. It is believed that this gompa was founded by him a millennium ago. It is also conceived that the two caves around the monastery were used by Naropa for recluse meditation. One of the stones near the entrance of the cave has a footprint, thought to be of the Yogi`s.

Attractions of Zongkhul Monastery
Zongkhul monastery is home to ancient murals and frescos that reflect a high degree of creative triumph of ancient age. The murals adorn the walls of the cave. Zhadpa Dorje, a celebrated scholar-painter of the same monastery who was active about 300 years ago, is supposed to have painted the cave walls.

It has an impressive collection of precious artefacts like ivory image of Samvara, a crystal stupa, texts containing the spiritual songs and thangkas. The images of Buddha, Padmasmbhava, Mitukpa and Mahakala housed inside the cave, also escalate the importance of this ancient monastery. Another attraction is the Zongkhul Huchot festival which attracts locals and tourists in a large number.

Connectivity of Zongkhul Monastery
It has no road access. Trekking is the only way to reach the monastery. It can be easily reached from Stongdey (20km) and Burdan (10km). Also, there are no hotel facilities to stay near the monastery however, sometimes the monastery offers accommodation. July to early November is the ideal time to visit Zongkhul monastery as rest of the year, the region remains enveloped by snow.


Share this Article:

Subscribe to Newsletter
Learn unknown facts about India from a curated list of informative articles.

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Monuments

Monuments of Punjab
Monuments of Punjab are the founding stones of the state. Punjab has numerous historical monuments and religious monuments scattered throughout its different cities.throughout its different cities.
Monuments of Lakshwadeep
Monuments of Lakshwadeep are famous for their ancient religious feel and historical value.
Monuments of Jharkhand
Monuments of Jharkhand are well maintained by the state government as these are popular tourist destinations. These monuments are remnants of the history of the region, narrating significant incidents from the past.
Monuments of Haryana
Monuments of Haryana represent the glorious culture and history dating back to thousands of years. These monuments are popular for their historical, religious, or political significance.
Monuments of West Bengal
Monuments of West Bengal, mainly from the British era, are considered as priceless heritage of the state and attracts many tourists to the state.
Monuments of Andaman And Nicobar Island
Monuments of Andaman and Nicobar Island loaded with their rich past unveils the history of India. Most of the monuments here are reminiscence of dark and brutal rule of the British Empire in India.
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh represents several wonderful and glorious sagas of various ruling dynasties of the past. Most of these monuments are protected by the government for their architectural excellence and historical significance.
Monuments of Chhattisgarh
Monuments of Chhattisgarh have a significant role to play in the state`s tourism. The land has a rich cultural and political history that is reminiscent in the historical forts, palaces and temples of Chhattisgarh and are great tourist attractions.
Monuments of Telangana
Monuments of Telangana covers the ancient, medieval and modern historical structures illustrating the architectural grandeur and attracting thousands of tourists throughout the year.
Monuments of South India
Monuments of South India show strong Dravidian traditions and are located in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Tombs in India
Tombs in India are famous all over the world for their architectural beauty and most of these tombs have been built in the medieval period. Travellers from all across the globe throng these historical sites.
Daulat Khana
Daulat Khana complex belongs to the early phase of Nawabi construction in Lucknow. It was commissioned to be built by Nawab Asaf ud Daulah. The Daulat Khana Complex consists of the Shish Mahal, the Shish Mahal Ka Talab and the Baradari Shish Mahal.
Mahesh Vilas Palace
Mahesh Vilas Palace is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh amidst 35 acres of Lush Green Lawns, Fountains and Orchards.
Architecture Of Andhra Pradesh
Architecture of Andhra Pradesh is an illustration of diverse types of Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic architectural styles.
Architecture Of West Bengal
Architecture of West Bengal comprises Hindu temples, Muslim, Buddhist and Colonial monuments and the unique terracotta style.
Architecture of Lucknow
Architecture of Lucknow is mostly Islamic in nature. It is representative of 18th and 19th century Indian architecture. The architecture is broadly divided into religious architecture, such as that of Imambaras and secular architecture, such as that of Baradaris and Kothis.
Cheena Kottaram
Also known as the China Palace, the Cheena Kottaram used to be a rest house for the then King of Travancore.
History of British Architecture in India
History of British architecture in India had begun with a solemn promise, keeping no stones unturned. This line of architecture invaded in India from the early colonial times in the states like Delhi, Kolkata, Mushidabad and Pune.
Monuments of Assam
Monuments of Assam are timeless remnants of historical masterpieces which reflect the architecture of ancient Assam. these monuments are remnants of the glorious history of the region under different rulers.
Bharhut Stupa
Bharhut Stupa is situated between Jabalpur and Allahabad in the erstwhile Nagod state of Madhya Pradesh. In 1873, the place was discovered by Sir Alexander Cunningham.