About Phuktal Monastery Ladakh

Known for being built along the natural caves, Phuktal Monastery is one of the few monasteries in Ladakh that can only be reached by trekking. Situated in the remote Lungnak Valley, Phuktal or Phugtal Monastery is amongst the top attractions in Zanskar. And why it shouldn’t be, the Buddhist Gompa has an impressive facade with rock-cut caves that look embedded in the mountain.

The monastery is a one-day trek from the village of Cha or Khangsaar in Zanskar. The view from the monastery is also something to cherish; one can relish the panoramic vistas of the meandering Lungnak River and the valley.The major attraction of Phuktal Gompa is its natural caves which are said to have been visited by many sages, scholars, and translators more than 2550 years ago.

Belonging to Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, Phuktal Monastery celebrates a number of festivals which a must-see here. This attraction in Zanskar can also be visited during the festivities to experience it in the best way. Some of the important festivals celebrated in Phuktal Gompa are Smonlam Chenmo, Chudsum Chodpa, Chonga Chodpa, Gyalwe Jabstan, Jigched Lhachusum Ceremony, Initiation of Vajrabhairava, Syungnas, Yarnas, Gadam Nagchod, and Phukta Gutor.

History of Phuktal Monastery :

The history of Phuktal Monastery states that the present day gompa was established in the early 15th century by Jangsem Sherap Zangpo, a disciple of Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The natural caves here are said to have existed before 2500 years.

According to the legend when Jangsem Sherap Zangpo came here, he showed miraculous signs and caused a spring to run from the cave, a tree to grow on top of the cave, and the size of the caverns to grow larger.

How to Reach Phugtal Monastery

To be very frank Phugtal Monastery is very famous among the trek lovers due to its amazing trekking route. So if you are also a trekker and planning to trek to Phugtal Monastery then you will not find any difficulty as the rout is so clearly directed. But if you are carrying your family and thus looking for easier ways then you are advised to hire taxis or cabs from Jammu. Else flights from Delhi to Jammu will also be alright. But make sure that you have no member in your group who finds it trouble in walking for long as some distance you have to cover by foot to reach Phugtal Monastery.

Tourist Attractions in Phuktal Monastery

If you are looking for nearby attractions at Phugtal Monastery then be prepared for getting hypnotized after viewing the surrounding sceneries in the lap of the mountain. The beauty is the most of the attractions in Phugtal. Else from this in Phugtal a number of different festivals are celebrated. Be lucky enough to experience at least one of these occasions. Let’s focus on some of the mentionable festivals in Phugtal Monastery.

Smonlam Chenmo :- This is considered the most significant ceremony of the year. Smonlam Chenmo or Monlam Chenmo implies the beginning of a new year. During these festivals, special rituals are performed for the well being of people and for world peace.

Chonga Chodpa :- Chonga Chodpa is celebrated just after the Chudsum Chodpa. In this ceremony, the monks from Phugtal Monastery make aspecial statue of deity by flour and butter. The deity is then worshipped by the villagers.

Gyalwe Jabstan :- After Chonga Chodpa is held Gyalwe Jabstan is celebrated. This very ceremony engages worship dedicated to the 14th Dalai Lama for his long life.

Jigched Lhachusum Ceremony :- Next comes Jigched Lhachusum ceremony which is celebrated between the end of March and the end of May.

Initiation of Vajrabhairavam :- This very festival is to worship the most powerful form of Manjushri, Vajrabhairava.

Gadam Nagchod :- This is another significant festival of Phugtal Monastery. This very festival is maintained during the arrival of December.

Best Time to Visit Phugtal Monastery

When it is Phugtal Monastery try to confirm your booking between the months from March to October as after that the roads to Ladakh remains closed due to heavy snowfall. So enjoying an undisturbed tour plan between the mentioned time period. Else you are advised to catch the amazing festivals celebrated in the monastery so that you could experience the unique and different culture and nature. Know the dates of the festivals and confirm your tickets accordingly.