Places To See(LEH LADAKH)
Stongdey Tour
Stongdey:
The monastery of Stongdey lies 18 kms. To the north of Padum, on the
road leading to Zangla. An old foundation associated with the Tibetan
Yogi, Marpa, Stongdey is now the second largest monastic establishment
of Zanskar, inhabited by the resident community of about 60 Gelukpa
monks. The sprawling whitewashed complex has a number of temples,
each a repository of the region's rich monastic legacy. Stongdey can
be reached by foot in about 4 hours along the recently laid rough
road. The climb up to the monastery is rather strenuous, but it is
worth the trouble for the breathtaking scenery of the valley available
from here.
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How
to Reach?
The
240 km long Kargil-Padun road, of which the first 90 km stretch is
paved, remains opened from around mid July to early November. The
J&K SRTC operates a thrice weekly B-class bus service from Kargil.
However groups can charter A-Class or even Super-Deluxe buses to visit
Zanskar, including the interior places of interest like Stongdey,
Zangla and Karsha. Jeeps and Gypsy taxis can also be hired at Kargil.
During June and early July, prior to opening of the road, it is recommended
to walk into Zanskar from panikhar or Parkachik onwards. In June,
the summer is at its height in the region and the climate is ideal
for trekking along the route free from vehicular traffic of any kind
and when the countryside is freshly rejuvenated into life after months
of frigid dormancy.
Important Places in Ladakh
