Karsha Monastery

Karsha Monastery, also known as Karsha Gompa, is the largest Buddhist monastery in the Zanskar Valley of Ladakh, located in Karsha village about 14 km from Padum. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Stod River, it belongs to the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded in the 11th century, it houses numerous shrines, murals, thangkas and a revered Avalokiteshvara statue, serving as the most important monastic centre in Zanskar.

Visitors can expect a large whitewashed monastic complex built on a steep hillside above Karsha village with multiple temples, assembly halls, chapels and monks' quarters connected by stairways. Interiors contain statues, thangkas, wall murals and scriptures. The site offers panoramic views of the Zanskar Valley and Stod River. Visitors can observe daily prayers, walk through shrine halls and explore the surrounding village and agricultural fields below the monastery.

Traditionally founded in the 11th century by the translator Phagspa Shesrab, with later association to Lama Dorje Shesrab. It is the largest and most important monastery in Zanskar and has historically served as the central monastic institution of the valley, housing over 100 resident monks and controlling several subsidiary monasteries.

Principal centre of the Gelugpa school in Zanskar, serving as an important place of Buddhist learning, prayer and festivals. Hosts the annual Gustor (Karsha Gustor) festival with cham masked dances. The monastery preserves significant Buddhist art, scriptures and statues and maintains the nearby Dorje Dzong nunnery.