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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12 thoughts on “Lamas at Phuktal (Phugtal) Monastery”

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