A small village by the name of Karsha, at a distance of 10 km from Padum, is home to the largest and wealthiest monastery of Zanskar region. The original monastery, it is believed, was founded in the 10th century by the great translator, Rinchen Zangpo and its remnants are still seen spread around the nunnery Dorje Dzong. This nunnery is located to the west of the monastery atop a hill. The present structure was constructed in the 14th century.

The gompa complex, which clings along the the mountainside above the village, is an impressive set of whitewashed buildings consisting of numerous chapels as well as residential cells. The residential cells are occupied by approximately 150 lamas who adhere to the Gelukpa order, an orthodox order associated with Tibetan Buddhism and the Dalai Lama.

Inside
In the centre of the complex stands the main assembly hall with a beautiful throne reserved for the head lama. Nearby are three chapels housing a number of statues. Worth noticing here is a wonderful set of silver and copper chortens. The complex also houses a large temple, Lhabrang, which is reached through a vent in the roof. The walls of this temple are decorated with frescoes considered to be more than three centuries old. These frescoes display five different form of Buddha.


Festival
The Karsha Monastery celebrates the Gustor festival in the month of July - August every year. Gu-stor, literally means Sacrifice of the 29th Day and is celebrated by monasteries following Gelukpa order. The major event of this festival is Chams, a sacred dance drama performed by lamas along with mystic music. The festival will next be celebrated on July 11 and 12 2007.


Padum
Located at an altitude of 3505 m, Padum was the capital of erstwhile kingdom of Zanskar. Today, it is the administrative headquarters of the Zanskar and is also the most populated in the entire valley. Major attractions near the town include a set of ancient rock carving on a huge boulder near the river bank, just below the old township. More than sightseeing, what attracts tourists to Padum is an opportunity to undertake exciting trekking expeditions to the nearby areas.


Other Attractions

• Stongdey Monastery : Settled on a rocky outcrop, the Stongdey Monastery towers the village below. The foundation of the monastery was laid down by Tibetan Yogi Marpa and presently it boasts of being the second largest monastery of the Zanskar valley. The monks, numbering around 60, belong to the Gelukpa order of Tibetan Buddhism. It is bit difficult to reach the monastery, nonetheless, the effort is rewarded instantly with some fantastic views of the suroundings.
  
  
• Sani Monastery : Around 6 km away from Padum and on level ground, stands the Sani Monastery. As per beliefs, the foundation of the monastery was laid during the reigns of the Kushan King, Kanishka. The belief finds its credence by the presence of the Kanika Stupa which still exists in the backyard of the monastery complex. A small room below the stupa houses a veiled bronze figure of Yogi Naropa who sat down in meditation here in the bygone era. Frescoes and thankas are also quiet an attraction in this monastery.