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Stongdey
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.
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.
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