Lamas at Phuktal (Phugtal) Monastery

12 Comments / Autumn, Heritage, JOMO, Ladakh, Monsoon, Photo Story, Solo, Spring, Summer, Treks & Hikes, Zanskar / By shubhammansingka

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.

_DSC0973 — Me too, me too! The elder lama tries to fit in.

_DSC0001 — Lunch time at Phugtal monastery. They even offered me food but I chose to drink butter tea.

_DSC0006 — In Zanskar and Ladakh, at least one child per family is expected to become a lama at the monastery.

_DSC0008 — From far and wide in Zanskar; to the biggest gompa in Lungnak valley – Phugtal.

_DSC0010-2 — Away from their homes, the monastery is their home. Little monks play at Phuktal Gompa.

_DSC0013 — Revealing a full set of shiny teeth! Really happy monk in-training.

_DSC0009 — Simplicity and contentedness, this cool hat is unique to the lamas of Phugtal Monastery.

_DSC0012 — Even a lama can act! 😀

_DSC0018 — Another distinguished variety of hat at Phuktal.

_DSC0014 — Priceless expressions! In the desolate land of Zanskar, I contemplate what do humans need to make them happy? My favourite among all the photographs.

_DSC0025 — A bird’s eye view of Phuktal Monastery – Taken from the top tier of this vertical scrabble of buildings.

_DSC0027 — What are they up to? Gossip, perhaps!

_DSC0020 — His home was at least 3 days walk away; maybe he felt lonely sometimes even among all the people.

_DSC0029 — A serious discussion. Perhaps it is time to replace the crumbling hat.

_DSC0022-3 — I could spend hours watching these colours in the lifeless landscape; so much history in the cave monastery of Phuktal.

_DSC0031 — Why so serious?!

As always, one of the best for the last.

_DSC0011 — 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”

I J (@OfficialInderJ)
July 22, 2016 at 4:15 am

One of the amazing stories… Super like!

Reply
1. shubhammansingka
  July 22, 2016 at 4:27 am
  
  Thanks Inder. Glad you like it. Did you end up going to Kheerganga?
  
  Reply
quirkywanderer
July 22, 2016 at 4:17 am

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

Reply
1. shubhammansingka
  July 22, 2016 at 4:27 am
  
  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
    July 22, 2016 at 4:28 am
    
    as of now no travel plans. taken a voluntary break. using this time to document pending blogs 🙂
Cafenined Words
July 22, 2016 at 5:45 am

Wow 🙂
Pose in hat ?

Reply
1. shubhammansingka
  July 22, 2016 at 12:12 pm
  
  Hahah, the lamas are cool like that!
  
  Reply
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