Stongdey Monastery in Zanskar
The Stongdey monastery in Zanskar was founded by Lama Lhodak Marpa Choski Lodos in 1052. This monastery belongs to the Tsongkhapa order. The Tsongkhapa order was introduced by Lama Gyaltsanpa Tundup Palzangpo. Stongdey monastery is also known as the Stongdey Gompa. This Gompa ranks second among the largest established monasteries in the region of Zanskar and a major monument of Northern part of India.
Location of Stongdey Monastery
Stongdey monastery is situated at a distance of about 18 kms to the north of Padum on the road to Zangla.
The Magnificence of the Stongdey Monastery
Stongdey monastery consists of numerous majestic sacred shrines. This monastery houses these wonderful shrines in its complex. They have some excellent wall paintings as well that adorn the interiors of Stongdey monastery and you will not be able to hold yourself from admiring them. The Stongdey monastery is an extensive complex that is whitewashed. This complex of the Stongdey monastery consists of a big number of temples. Each and every temple is a storehouse of luxurious monastic legacy.
Attractions at the Stongdey Monastery
The Stongdey monastery is beautiful and sacred and becomes the main reason of its attraction. To add icing on the cake, the Gustor Festival is celebrated in the monastery annually. The Gustor festival takes place on the 28th and 29th days in the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar. The celebrations are awesome where the monks perform a sacred dance in the juxtaposition with the Festival of Gustor in the monastery itself.
Reaching Stongdey Monastery
In order to reach Stongdey monastery, you have to travel through the Kargil-Padum road which is as long as 240 kms. Out of this, the road is paved for the first 90 kms. and it remains open from about mid of July to early November. Several buses, jeeps and gypsy taxi services from Kargil run for your facility. During the months of June and early July, prior to the opening of the road from Panikhar or Parkachik, you have to walk to Zanskar. You need to tread along the road that is recently laid out and is rough. You will find the climb up to the monastery a really ardors one but, at the same time you will be relieved by the rewarding sight of the valley from this place.
The Stongdey monastery in Zanskar is not only a splendid piece of artistic beauty in Zanskar but also in the whole of north India. It flourished as a result of the tireless efforts of Shakya Zangpo who belonged to Stongdey itself. The incumbents who are serving at this monastery are the succeeding reincarnations of the Nari Tulku. The monastery houses about 60 monks of Gelukpa order. Stongdey monastery is also spelt as Stongde monastery. Since time immemorial, the Stongdey monastery has never failed to fascinate the tourists who come to it whether with a religious zeal or just to witness a work of graceful and arty beauty.