About Stongde Monastery
Stongde Monastery, also known as Stongdey Gompa, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery perched on a hilltop above Stongde village in Zanskar Valley, Ladakh. Located about 18 km north of Padum, it is the second-largest monastery in Zanskar. Founded in 1052, it belongs to the Gelugpa sect and houses around 60 monks. Known for its seven temples, ancient murals and annual Gustor festival, it offers panoramic views of the Zanskar landscape.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a hilltop monastery complex reached by a steep uphill walk from Stongde village, with whitewashed buildings clustered on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Zanskar Valley and Stod River. Inside, there are seven temples and assembly halls with statues, thangkas, murals and scriptures. The surroundings are stark, high-altitude desert mountains with panoramic valley views. Visitors can explore courtyards, prayer halls and shrines and observe monastic life.
Key highlights
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Hilltop location with panoramic views over Zanskar Valley and Stod River
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Second-largest monastery in Zanskar with seven temples
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Belongs to Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and houses around 60 resident monks
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Ancient murals, thangkas, statues and Buddhist scriptures
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Annual Gustor Festival with sacred cham mask dances
History of Stongde Monastery
Founded in 1052 by Lama Lhodak Marpo Choski Dorje, a disciple of Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo. Associated with Tibetan yogi Marpa Lotsawa. Later became affiliated with the Gelugpa order. It is the second largest monastic establishment in Zanskar and has historically served as an important centre for Buddhist learning in the region.
Culture & Context
Important Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Zanskar. Houses sacred images, thangkas and murals. Annual Gustor festival celebrated with cham dances and rituals attracts devotees and visitors. Serves as a religious and community centre for surrounding villages.
Route
| By air |
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