Zanskar Phugtal Gompa Treks

Maximum Altitude: 4980 meters (Shingo La)
Duration of Trek: 17 Days camping
Grade: Medium to Hard

This trek is one of the most popular treks in Zanskar regions which leads you through the most beautiful regions of northern India into Buddhists villages, gompas, Chortens and finally crosses the Himalayan ranges into Lahaul and the Kullu Valley.

PHUKTAL MONASTERY: Also known as Phugtal, it was founded in ancient time by Phagspa Shesrab. He was the teacher Dorje Rinchen who caused it to flourish. It is about 530 years old. As built inside a cave, it was named Phugtal (through cave). There are many sacred shrines and about 60 monks reside in the monastery and every year all the monks observe the custom of performing sacred dances in conjunction with the Guster festival which takes place on the 18th and 19th day of the Tibetan 12th month.

Phuktal belongs to the tradition of the Gelugpas (Yellow hats).The spring that gurgle deep in the cave is still out of bound to the women. The Hungarian historian Cosma de Koros stayed there over the winter of 1825-26.

Itinerary:

Ladakh Hidden Valley Treks - Ladakh Markha Valley Treks - Ladakh Phitse La and Baralacha Treks - Singge La and Lamayuru Treks - Trek Hamta Pass to Baralachala via Chandra Tal - Zanskar Hidden Valley Treks - Zanskar Phugtal Gompa Treks