Phoker, also known as Fokar, is a historic place located 4 km ahead of
Shargol Monastery in
Kargil District of
Jammu and Kashmir. It is about 40 km from
Kargil.
It is a part of the erstwhile kingdom of Purik Sultan, a renowned king who set up his kingdom at Karpokhar in Suru Valley.
This flat circular plain is surrounded by beautiful hills and splendid caves. It is believed that Padma Sambhava, a famous Buddhist saint, meditated in these caves. An ancient shrine, located in the middle, is a major draw.
Fokar folk dance highlights the cultural heritage of Kashmir. The dance involves singing folk songs of love and matrimony.
Phokar Rizong (also Urgyang Dzong) is an interesting place here, where one can meditate with greater concentration. It is believed that the place has some special qualities. There are mainly two routes - the cave route (about 1 km) and the longer route (about 4 km) - from Phoker plain to Rizong.
Phoker is accessible from Kargil on the Kargil-Leh road.
