The Phuktal Monastery appears to be sprawling out from a huge cave high up in the steep cliff. It is this location that makes it completely different from other monasteries of the Zanskar valley. Also, it is the unique setting of the monastery that lends it the name Phuktal meaning through caves. The foundation of the monastery, made up of twigs and muds, was laid way back in the 12th century. Today, the monastery is home to around 70 monks who are extremely friendly and love to show the visitors around. They even take the trouble of arranging for a stay for the visitors in the gompa willingly.


The highlights of the monastery include frescoes and ceiling decorations in an old chapel which seems to belong to same era as that of Tabo Monastery and Alchi Monastery. There are also three large and one small prayer room and a library. A huge attraction here is a hollow in the rock in the cave over the monastery. The level of water in this hollow never drops despite any amount of water being drawn from it. Moreover, this water is believed to have curative powers. A stone tablet left behind by Alexander Cosmo de Koros, a Hugaraian who visited Tibet and later stayed in this monastery between the period of 1826-27, is on the must see list of the tourists visiting the monastery.


Festival
The monks of the monastery carry out the sacred Cham dance during the Gustor festival which is celebrated during the 18th and 19th day of the Tibetan 12th month.


Padum
The administrative headquarters of the Zanskar subdivision in Jammu Kashmir, Padum has a meagre population of around 1500. A considerable percentage of this population is Muslim while the Buddhist of the town are mainly of Tibetan descent. For visiting tourists, it is essential to know that unlike Leh or even Kargil, Padum does not have a plethora of accommodation and eating places option. A choice has to be made amongst the limited options available. Preferance can be given to J&K Tourists Bungalow and Hotel Ibex.


Other Attractions

• Bardan Monastery : Established in the 17th century, the Bardan Monastery was the first one in the Zanskar region that belonged to the Dugpa-Kargyud monastic order. The highlight of the monastery include numerous clay, bronze, wood and copper statues of Buddhist divinities and stupa. The monastery is located 12 km towards the south of Padum.
  
  
• Muney Monastery : This monastery, despite its smaller size, is frequented by tourists because of its art treasures. The monastery is situated in close vicinity of the Bardan Monastery.