Zongkhul Monastery is an impressive cave monastery situated in
Zanskar Valley,
Leh District of
Jammu and Kashmir. Zanskar is about 20 km south of
Rangdum.
Lying on the Padum-Kishtwar trekking route, the monastery is connected with Naropa, a famous India Yogi. It is believed that the two caves around the monastery were used by Naropa for solitary mediation. One of the stones near the entrance of the cave has a foot print, which is believed to be that of the yogi.
This splendidly set monastery has an impressive location, situated like a Swallow’s nest on the rock face of the Ating George, overlooking the Zongkhul falls and the ascent of Umasi Pass.
The murals on the cave walls reflect a high degree of artistic achievement. Zhadpa Dorje, a celebrated scholar-painter of the same monastery who was active about 300 years ago, is believed to have painted the cave walls.
Zongkhul Monastery is easily accessible from Stongdey (20 km) and Burdan (10 km).
