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shubhammansingka

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12 comments on Lamas at Phuktal (Phugtal) Monastery

Lamas at Phuktal (Phugtal) Monastery

Last year in Keylong, on a whim I had decided to trek all by myself to Zanskar. Upon reaching Purne, my tattered state was realised and I decided to take it slow and explore the remote cave monastery of Phugtal (also sometimes spelt as Phuktal). The path was treacherous and a swaying bridge had almost blown me away. 

Read : Stunning experiences from the most remote monastery in the world

A collection of candid moments with the cool monks of Phugtal Gompa.

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Me too, me too! The elder lama tries to fit in.
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Lunch time at Phugtal monastery. They even offered me food but I chose to drink butter tea.
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In Zanskar and Ladakh, at least one child per family is expected to become a lama at the monastery.
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From far and wide in Zanskar; to the biggest gompa in Lungnak valley – Phugtal. 
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Away from their homes, the monastery is their home. Little monks play at Phuktal Gompa.
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Revealing a full set of shiny teeth! Really happy monk in-training.
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Simplicity and contentedness, this cool hat is unique to the lamas of Phugtal Monastery. 
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Even a lama can act! 😀
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Another distinguished variety of hat at Phuktal.
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Priceless expressions! In the desolate land of Zanskar, I contemplate what do humans need to make them happy? My favourite among all the photographs.
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A bird’s eye view of Phuktal Monastery – Taken from the top tier of this vertical scrabble of buildings.
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What are they up to? Gossip, perhaps!
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His home was at least 3 days walk away; maybe he felt lonely sometimes even among all the people.
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A serious discussion. Perhaps it is time to replace the crumbling hat.
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I could spend hours watching these colours in the lifeless landscape; so much history in the cave monastery of Phuktal.
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Why so serious?!

As always, one of the best for the last.

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I had absolutely fallen for the hat; and to my great delight – a high ranking lama actually gave me one! That made me a celebrity in the valley.

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shubhammansingka

Shrugged off asthma to travel. On a mission to see ‘the goodness of strangers’. Normally found solo hitchhiking in the Indian Himalaya. Interested in photography, food, culture & people. Also an Economics & Finance major. I have just quit my family business and wish to slow travel across India and then the rest of the world.

12 responses to “Lamas at Phuktal (Phugtal) Monastery”

  1. I J (@OfficialInderJ) Avatar
    I J (@OfficialInderJ)

    One of the amazing stories… Super like!

    Reply
    1. shubhammansingka Avatar
      shubhammansingka

      Thanks Inder. Glad you like it. Did you end up going to Kheerganga?

      Reply
  2. quirkywanderer Avatar
    quirkywanderer

    fabulous pictures! <3 Love the cap too 😀 The monastery looks so idyllic and serene! 🙂

    Reply
    1. shubhammansingka Avatar
      shubhammansingka

      Yayayaya, dancing! Thank you D. I am so glad I went all by myself had a memorable experience. Where are you heading now?

      Reply
      1. quirkywanderer Avatar
        quirkywanderer

        as of now no travel plans. taken a voluntary break. using this time to document pending blogs 🙂

  3. Cafenined Words Avatar
    Cafenined Words

    Wow 🙂
    Pose in hat ?

    Reply
    1. shubhammansingka Avatar
      shubhammansingka

      Hahah, the lamas are cool like that!

      Reply
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