Phuktal Monastery, set in the isolated Lungnak Valley of southeastern Zanskar, Ladakh, is one of the most remote Buddhist retreats in the Himalayas. Located 52 kilometers southeast of Padum along the Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road, it dramatically perches above the Tsarap River.
The monastery is built into a sheer cliff face, resembling a honeycomb. At its heart lies a natural cave believed to have been visited by numerous sages, scholars, translators, and monks.
According to legend, the spiritually gifted Zangpo meditated in this cave and caused a spring to flow from it, a tree to grow on its roof, and the cave itself to expand in size. Under his guidance, the present structure of Phuktal was constructed around this sacred cave, integrating spirituality with striking cliffside architecture.
Until 2023, reaching Phuktal required a day-long trek from Chah or Khangsaar, the last villages accessible by road from Padum. Essential supplies were carried in by horses, donkeys, and mules, or hauled across the frozen Zanskar River during winter. Even with the new road, the final approach still involves a two-hour walk.
The Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road has made the journey easier, but the remote charm of the monastery remains intact. Carved into the cliffside, it continues to offer visitors a glimpse of timeless monastic life. The complex includes a main temple, prayer rooms, a library with rare texts, and quarters for approximately 70 monks. Its architecture reflects not only the rugged beauty of the surrounding terrain but also the deep-rooted legends that continue to shape its identity.
