Phuktal or Phugtal Monastery is a separate monastery located in the southern and eastern part of the Zanskar region in Ladakh. This is the place of preachers and scholars. who lived here in ancient times. It was a place to meditate, teach, learn and enjoy. Phuk means “cave”, and tal means “rest” in the Jhukri dialect. This 2250 year old monastery is the only such monastery. Where it can be reached by walking. Phugtal Math is one of the major tourist places in Ladakh.
Let me tell you that there is a very special place for trekking lovers. If you are going to visit Leh Ladakh. So do not forget to visit this tourist place. Every day prayers are offered by the people in the temple for good life and works. Also the festivals here are celebrated with great enthusiasm and entertainment. So let us tell you the detailed information about the visit of Phugtal Monastery and the information related to it.
Table of Contents
History of Phugtal Monastery
The history of Phugtal Monastery is about 2200 years old. According to which it is famous as one of the oldest monasteries in the world. This monastery is built around a natural cave. Which was used for meditation by many sages, scholars, translators and monks during that time. According to the belief, it is said so. One of the earliest inhabitants of the cave was 16 arhats or famous followers of the Buddha. Whose images also appear in the walls of this monastery.
Best Time To Visit Phugtal Monastery
The best time to visit the famous Phuktal Monastery in Ladakh is between April to June and September to October. The road to the Phuktal Monastery is dry during the summer. During that time you will find the route less dangerous. These days the temperature of Phuktal Monastery is 21 degree Celsius. He is suited for travel. But the nights can be cold. The temperature goes down to 7 degree Celsius at night. One should not visit the monastery from July to August and from November to February. Because at this time there is heavy snowfall.
Tips For Visiting Phugtal Math
To visit the Phugtal Math, the monastery can be reached only by walking.
For that you have to be ready for trekking.
The trek route to Phuktal Monastery is full of difficulties.
That is why if you are not completely healthy, then avoid traveling to it.
Photography is not allowed inside the Phuktal Monastery.
That’s why don’t try to do photography at all.
Phugtal Monastery Timings And Entry Fee
Talking about timings in Phugtal Math, tourists can travel from 6.00 am to 4.00 pm. There is no entry fee to enter Phugtal Math with him. That means you can roam free.
Structure Of Phugtal Monastery
Phuktal Monastery is situated at the mouth of a natural cave on top of a cliff in Ladakh. It looks like a honeycomb from afar. The unique entrance of Phuktal Monastery is made of mud and wood. It is built in such a way that it depicts the image of a cave. The walls of the cave bear the images of the 16 oldest mythological followers of the Buddha. The fresco and ceiling are decorated with an old chapel. Which is one of the tourist attraction. It has 4 prayer rooms, library, kitchen, guest room and living space for 700 monks.
Festivals at Phugtal Monastery
Phugtal Math is also famous for the festivals and festivals celebrated here. The main ones are Smonlam Chenmo, Chonga Chodpa, Yarn and Gadam Nagchod. The Monlam Chenmo festival or Monlam Chenmo Great Prayer Festival is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist festivals of the year. It marks the beginning of the new year. It is celebrated in late February and early March. Chonga Chodpa is the famous festival of Phugtal Monastery celebrated in the first week of March.
Yarn festival held between July and mid-September is also called Varshavas Festival. In that monasteries and people of some limited areas gather here for rituals and worships. This puja is performed for the achievement of good deeds on plants, insects and other microorganisms. Gadum Nagchod or The Lightning Ceremony is held during the beginning of December. It marks the death anniversary of Jae Songkhapa who was the founder of Gelug, a Tibetan branch.
Trekking To Phugtal Monastery
Trekking to Phugtal Monastery is one of the most dangerous and exciting trek routes in India. Because the road is full of difficulties. In that which takes 6-8 hours. If you are an adventure lover. So you can come here to visit. Because it is a very special place for trekking lovers. The road to Phugtal is steep and full of narrow crevices. So you need to be very careful. As you move in an hour or two.
Tourist Places To Visit Around Phugtal Monastery
Gotsang Gompa
Hemis Monastery
Shang gompa
Pangong Lake
Magnetic hill
Leh Palace
Jasankar Valley
Sheet track
Khardung La Pass
Shanti Stupa
Zanskar Valley
Tso kar lake
Gurdwara Pathar Sahib
Where To Stay In Phugtal Monastery
Famous Tourist Places in Leh Ladakh Phugtal Monastery and its surrounding tourist places are looking for a good hotel to visit and stay during their trip. So let us tell you that you will find all types of hotels from low-budget to high-budget in and around Phugtal Math in Ladakh. You can choose according to your budget and requirement.
Eco Homestay
Shakspo House
Nilza Guest House
Mentokling Guest House and Garden Restaurant
How To Reach Phugtal Monastery Ladakh
Phugtal Math is well connected by road to Leh and all the cities of Jammu and Kashmir. Where you can opt for taxis or daily buses plying between Leh and Nubra Valley. Apart from this, you can also travel by bike to reach Phugtal Math. The nearest airport to Phugtal Math is Rimpochee Airport in Leh. The nearest railway station to Phugtal Math is Katra Railway Station which is located about 650 kms from Phugtal Math.
Phugtal Monastery Map
Video of Phugtal Math
Interesting Facts
It is considered to be one of the most ancient and wonderful monasteries in the world.
This monastery has been constructed by cutting rocks.
Phugtal Monastery Ladakh is an ideal place for Buddhist monks.
The 16 prominent followers of Buddha were the first to inhabit this cave.
The golden barren land and mountainous paths of the monastery will take you to a completely different world.
It is the place of preachers and scholars who lived here in ancient times.
Trekking to Phugtal Monastery is one of the most dangerous and exciting trek routes in India.
The best time to visit Phuktal Monastery is from April to June and September to October.
FAQ
Q .Can I stay in Phugtal monastery?
Yes
Q .Who built Phugtal monastery?
Jangsem Sherap Zangpo
Q .What is a gompa in Buddhism?
A Tibetan monastery or temple.
Q .How do I get to Phugtal Gompa?
Phugtal Monastery can be reached by road, flight and rail.
Q .Which is the oldest monastery in the world?
The Monastery of St.
Conclusion
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