Phugtal Monastery (also spelled Phuktal Monastery) sits at an altitude of 3,850 meters (12,631 ft) in the remote Lungnak Valley of south-eastern Zanskar, Ladakh. Built into a natural cave on a sheer cliff face, this honeycomb-shaped Buddhist monastery is one of the most isolated and visually striking sites in all of Ladakh. If you are planning a trek to Phugtal Gompa, this guide covers everything you need to know, from routes and itineraries to accommodation, costs, and practical tips.
Practical Info: Phugtal Monastery sits at 3,850 m (12,631 ft) in Lungnak Valley, Zanskar. It is 52 km from Padum. The trek from Purne village takes 2-3 hours. Best time: June to September. No separate permit needed beyond Ladakh entry (Indian nationals). Nearest ATM and fuel pump: Padum. Mobile network: BSNL postpaid only (intermittent).
The fact that Phugtal Gompa is built into and around a natural cave in the cliffside, resembling a honeycomb, adds a layer of fascination to any trip here. Hence, it is widely known as the “cave monastery.” The remote location leaves you with nothing but peace, solitude, and a deep sense of wonder that only the far corners of Zanskar can offer.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
What Are the Key Facts About Phugtal Monastery?
Phugtal Monastery is home to around 70 monks of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) school of Tibetan Buddhism. The cave around which the monastery is built is believed to have been used for meditation for over 2,500 years by sages and scholars. The present monastery structure was established in the early 15th century by Jangsem Sherap Zangpo, a disciple of Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa tradition.
Padum, the main town in Zanskar, gets disconnected from the rest of the world in winters due to heavy snowfall on the Kargil-Padum road over Pensi La. Hence, people walk over the frozen Zanskar River on the Chadar Trek to reach Padum, and some then continue on the Padum-Phugtal trek route. During summers, supplies are transported to the monastery through mules and horses.
Since the winter of 2020-2021, the road from Kargil to Padum over Pensi La has remained open through most winters thanks to BRO’s snow-clearing efforts. This is a significant step towards year-round connectivity to Zanskar, though closures can still happen during heavy snowfall events.
This monastery belongs to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Gelug is one of the newest schools of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by Je Tsongkhapa. In the early 15th century, Jangsem Sherap Zangpo established Phugtal Gompa as a center for meditation and learning.
How Does the Manali-Darcha-Shinku La Route Work?
Since 2020, you can reach Phugtal Monastery from the Manali side via Darcha and Shinku La Pass. The Nimmu-Padum-Darcha (NPD) road passes through Purne village, from where it is just a 2-3 hour trek to the monastery. This route has become increasingly popular, and the BRO continues to widen and improve the road each season.
The Shinku La Tunnel, which has been under construction since July 2024, is expected to be completed by 2028-2029. Once finished, it will make this an all-weather route, transforming access to both Zanskar and Phugtal Monastery. For now, the road typically opens in late May or June and closes by late October.
You can visit Phugtal Monastery and return via the same route from Manali to Padum via Shinku La and Darcha, in case you are not interested in covering the full Zanskar Valley or if you have already covered it on a previous trip.
What Is the Phuktal Monastic School?
Phuktal Monastic School provides free education to children from local farming families in Lungnak Valley. The curriculum combines traditional Buddhist learning with modern subjects. The monastery bears all costs for room, board, and study materials. These families are among the most remote and underserved in all of Ladakh.
Hence, the whole village life in Lungnak revolves around the Phuktal Monastery.
If you pay a visit, please carry some education material (notebooks, pens, school bags) to donate to the school. It makes a real difference here.
Who Is the Amchi at Phugtal?
Phuktal Monastery hosts an Amchi, a traditional Tibetan physician who practices Sowa-Rigpa medicine. The medicines are prepared at the traditional Tibetan clinic within the monastery compound. Villagers from across Lungnak Valley visit the Amchi for health concerns, and the monks perform traditional prayers at significant village events like births, weddings, and funerals.
Don’t forget to read my article on planning a budget trip to Zanskar Valley by public transport.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Phugtal Monastery?
June to September is the best window for visiting Phugtal Monastery. The road from Kargil to Padum over Pensi La typically opens when snow is cleared in the May-June period. Srinagar-Leh Highway also opens around the same time. Hence, road trips to Zanskar are only possible during these summer months.
The Manali-Darcha-Shinku La route also opens in late May or June. Keep in mind that the road near Shinku La pass has challenging water crossings on both sides, which can be tricky in the early season when snow melts and during July-August when rains are common.
By October, the high passes of the Himalayas start receiving snowfall. The chances of Pensi La closing for the season increase with each passing day. By October or November, Pensi La closes and disconnects Zanskar Valley from the rest of the world. Similarly, Shinku La closes in winters, and even the Keylong-Darcha stretch becomes inaccessible.
In winters, when the Zanskar River freezes solid, people walk over it to reach Padum on the famous Chadar Trek. But reaching Phugtal in winter is only for experienced trekkers with proper gear.
You can also read the detailed article on Best Time to Travel Ladakh and Zanskar Valley.
How to Reach Phugtal Monastery from Padum?
As of 2026, there are two main approaches to reach Phugtal Monastery. You can drive from Padum on the NPD road and trek the final stretch, or you can reach from the Manali side via Darcha and Shinku La Pass.
The NPD road (Nimmu-Padum-Darcha) passes through Purne village, which is the closest motorable point to Phugtal from the Padum side. From Purne, it is a 6 km trek (about 2-3 hours) to the monastery. You can also drive further to Cha village on the NPD road and trek from there, which cuts the distance down.
Even from the Manali side, the NPD road brings you to Purne. From there, the same 2-3 hour trek takes you to Phuktal Monastery.
If you prefer the classic trekking experience, you can take the traditional route from Ichar (about 1.5 hours drive from Padum) and trek through Anmu and Cha villages to reach Phugtal. This is the 3-day itinerary described below.
Not sure about the budget for the trip? Read my detailed article on how to calculate the cost of a Zanskar Valley trip.
What Is the Shinku La Road Status in 2026?
The road from Darcha to Padum via Shinku La has been operational since 2020, and each season sees more vehicles making this crossing. BRO continues to widen the road and improve infrastructure. The Shinku La Tunnel (under construction since July 2024, expected completion 2028-2029) will eventually make this an all-weather route.
Keep in mind that the road near Shinku La pass on either side remains challenging. You will need to cross a couple of deep water crossings which can be quite difficult in early season (snow melt) and during July-August (monsoon rains). A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended. The road typically opens in late May and remains passable until late October.
Can You Visit Phugtal in One Day from Padum?
Yes, a day trip is possible but tight. It takes about 2-2.5 hours to drive from Padum to Purne, then 2-3 hours of trekking to reach the monastery. You will want to spend at least an hour or two at the monastery itself, and then you need the same time to return.
Start early in the morning if you are attempting a day trip. However, I would recommend spending at least one night at Purne Homestay or at the monastery guest house. It lets you explore properly without rushing, and the evening light on the monastery is something you do not want to miss.
Padum to Phuktal by Road: 2-Day Itinerary
This is the most practical itinerary if you want to visit Phugtal without exhausting yourself. A two-day plan gives you enough time to enjoy the trek and explore the monastery properly.
Day 1: Padum to Purne
After breakfast, drive towards Phuktal Monastery on the NPD road. On the way, stop at Bardan Monastery, which sits on a rock cliff beside the Tsarap River. Have lunch at Purne and enjoy the beauty of Lungnak Valley. If you are lucky, you might spot blue sheep (bharal) on the slopes above the village.
Spend the night at Purne Guest House or a homestay. Camping is also an option if you have your own gear.
Day 2: Purne to Phuktal to Padum
After breakfast, trek towards Phugtal. Regular trekkers take about 2 hours, while those less experienced may need 3 hours. After reaching the monastery, have lunch there. The monastery’s small guest house, run by monks, can serve you food if you order an hour in advance. Otherwise, Maggi and tea are available on request.
After exploring the monastery, trek back to Purne and drive back to Padum. Alternatively, you can continue towards Kurgiakh campgrounds if you are heading towards Shinku La Pass and Manali the next day.
Padum to Phugtal Trek: 3-Day Itinerary
This is the classic trekking route for those who want to experience the Lungnak Valley on foot. Make sure you are properly acclimatized in Padum before starting. Acclimatization is non-negotiable for any high-altitude trek in Zanskar.
If you are wondering how to reach Padum or Zanskar Valley, please read my article on Zanskar Valley: Most Common Itinerary.
Day 1: Padum to Raru to Ichar to Anmu to Chah (6-8 Hours Trekking)
- Drive from Padum to Ichar, about 1.5 hours
- Start the trek from Ichar and walk to Anmu, or push further to Chah if your schedule is tight
- Ichar to Anmu takes about 4-6 hours of trekking. Anmu to Chah is another 2 hours
- Homestays are available at both Anmu and Chah villages (Rs 1,000-1,200 per person including dinner and breakfast)
- Food is typically rice, vegetables, dal, curd, and local specialties. Carry some of your own snacks as backup
- The Lungnak River flows alongside the trail, and the surroundings are genuinely stunning
Day 2: Chah to Phugtal Monastery to Purne (5-6 Hours Trekking)
- This is the day you visit the honeycomb cave monastery and return to Purne for the night
- Start early from Chah to maximize your time at Phugtal
- The direct route from Chah to Phuktal is about 6 km but narrow and difficult. Only take it with a local guide. Otherwise, go via Purne, which is easier but adds one more day
- Chah to Phuktal direct route takes about 2.5-3 hours. Phuktal to Purne is another 2-2.5 hours
- Refreshments are available at Chah and Zamthang villages
- There is a guest house with attached bathroom at Phugtal Monastery in case you want to stay the night there
- At Purne, there are camping sites, a small guest house with a shop, and a homestay
If you love planning Himalayan treks, then read the detailed guide on how to plan a trip to Zanskar Valley.
Day 3: Purne to Anmu to Ichar to Raru to Padum (7-8 Hours Trekking)
- Purne to Ichar takes about 7-8 hours, so start early
- Your taxi should be arranged for pickup at Ichar beforehand
- If you still have energy, visit Bardan and Muney monasteries while driving back to Padum
You can also plan to include Karsha Monastery while returning to Padum. It can be visited as part of local sightseeing in Padum.
Where to Stay on the Phugtal Monastery Trek?
Accommodation on the Phugtal trek is basic but available at multiple points along the route. Here is what you can expect.
- Anmu, Chah, and Purne villages: Homestays are available at Rs 1,000-1,200 per person, which typically includes dinner and breakfast
- Purne village: Has a guest house with a small shop for buying basic supplies and food items
- Phugtal Monastery: A guest house with attached bathroom is available for trekkers who want to stay the night
- Camping: Sites are available at almost all villages including Purne. You can also ask local villagers to let you camp on their farms
Check out the 12 must-have things to carry on a trek or camping trip in the Himalayas before you pack.
Omasila Hotel in Padum, Zanskar Valley
At Padum, you can stay at Omasila Hotel. Connect with Nobu Omasila at +91-7889857547 or +91-9469369109. They offer about 40% discount to all Discover With Dheeraj Community members. Feel free to refer my name (Dheeraj / Discover With Dheeraj) to Nobu bhai.
Nobu bhai also runs Kailash Hotel at the main market at Rs 1,000 for a double bed room with attached bathroom and hot showers (as of 2022, verify locally for current rates). He can also help you arrange the entire Phuktal monastery trek from Padum.
What Are the Essential Tips for the Phugtal Monastery Trek?
- Local agents in Padum can pre-book homestays along the route so you have no surprises after a tiring day of trekking 🙂
- There are two satellite phones on the route for emergency contact: one at Cha village and the other at Phuktal Monastery itself
- If you want a fully supported camping trek, a local agent in Padum can arrange a personal tent, kitchen tent, mattresses, sleeping bags, a guide, a cook, and ponies. You only need to carry yourself and your water bottles. Food options include Indian, Italian, and Chinese 🙂
- Taxi rates from Padum: Rs 2,600 for drop to Ichar, Rs 3,000 for pickup from Ichar (as of 2022, verify locally for current rates)
- Taxi to Purne: Rs 5,000 for drop, Rs 6,000 for pickup. For a 2-day round trip with overnight hold, the total cost is around Rs 7,500 (as of 2022, verify locally)
- Shared taxis are also available at around Rs 500 per person, but timings are not fixed. You can book shared or private taxis at Zangskar Explorer office (+91-7889857547 or +91-9469369109) at the main market in Padum
- The guide and cook charges remain the same whether you are 1 person or 10. The more people in your group, the cheaper it gets per person
- You can also rent bikes or bicycles from Padum for an adventurous ride along the valley. Connect with Zangskar Explorer in Padum for rentals. Mention the Discover With Dheeraj Community or my name, and they will be happy to help
- If you plan to visit Bardan and Muney monasteries, do it on the first day itself. By the time you return from the trek, you will likely be too tired and most people skip these. But visiting them first means less time available for reaching Chah village on Day 1
- Basic medical facilities are available at Chah village
- For a relaxed experience, stretch the trek to 4-5 days. This allows a comfortable pace with more time to enjoy the valley
- Carry more than enough water, ORS, energy drinks, dry fruits, chocolates, and regular medicines. At this altitude, you should be prepared to sustain yourself for at least 2-3 days in case of delays. Read more about preventing AMS on high altitude treks
Trip Suggestion: If you are interested in monasteries, do not forget to visit Hemis Monastery in Ladakh on your trip.
How Can You Help Phugtal Monastery and Spread Smiles?
You must be wondering what this section is doing in a travel guide. Well, it is about something close to my heart. As you now know, Phuktal Monastic School provides free education to local children in Lungnak Valley.
If you are connected with the Discover With Dheeraj community, you are probably familiar with our DoW Cause: GYAAN 500. It supports educational materials like school stationery, books, notebooks, and school bags for schools in remote Himalayan villages.
What Happened to the Phuktal Monastic School?
In December 2014, a landslide between the Shun and Phuktal villages created a dam on the Phuktal River. In May 2015, the river burst through and flooded the school campus, destroying the building, equipment, materials, and stores. It left nothing but shattered dreams of education.
The monastery has sought financial aid from both central and state governments to help rebuild the school and restart educational programs. Reconstruction efforts have been ongoing, but the remote location makes progress slow.
I request every traveler visiting Phugtal Monastery to help in whatever capacity they can. The DwD Community has been working to contribute our part, but the more people who help, the better it gets.
To check what is currently needed, you can get in touch with Dr. Tsewang Yangjor at tsezanskar88@rediffmail.com or in Leh via telephone at 09469297433 or 91-1982-264585.
I hope each one of you will come forward and support this school on your next trip to Phugtal Monastery. Carrying a few notebooks and pens costs almost nothing, but it means the world to these children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the altitude of Phugtal Monastery?
Phugtal Monastery sits at approximately 3,850 meters (12,631 feet) above sea level in the Lungnak Valley of Zanskar, Ladakh. The trek itself stays between 3,500 m and 3,900 m throughout.
Do I need a permit to visit Phugtal Monastery?
Indian nationals do not need a separate permit to visit Phugtal Monastery. You only need the standard Ladakh entry formalities. Foreign nationals may need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Zanskar. Check with the DC office in Leh or Kargil for current requirements.
How difficult is the Phugtal Monastery trek?
The trek is moderate in difficulty. The trail from Purne to Phugtal (6 km, 2-3 hours) is suitable for most reasonably fit people. The longer 3-day trek from Ichar via Anmu and Chah involves 6-8 hours of daily trekking at altitudes above 3,500 m, which requires decent fitness and proper acclimatization.
Is there mobile network on the Phugtal trek?
There is no reliable mobile network on the trek route. BSNL postpaid may get intermittent signal at Padum, but once you leave Padum, expect no connectivity. Two satellite phones are available on the route, one at Cha village and one at the monastery. Carry a fully charged power bank and inform your family about the communication gap before you start.
Can I stay overnight at Phugtal Monastery?
Yes, there is a small guest house with attached bathroom at the monastery, run by the monks. You can stay overnight and eat meals there (order food at least an hour in advance). Maggi and tea are available on instant request. The experience of staying at the monastery is quite special and worth the effort.
What is the best route to reach Phugtal from Manali?
From Manali, take the route via Darcha and Shinku La Pass on the NPD road. This brings you to Purne village, from where it is a 2-3 hour trek to the monastery. The road is typically open from late May to late October. Check with BRO for the latest road status before planning.
How many days do I need for the Phugtal Monastery trek?
A minimum of 2 days is recommended if you drive to Purne and trek the final stretch. For the full trekking experience from Ichar via Anmu and Chah, plan for 3 days. If you want a relaxed pace with more time to enjoy Lungnak Valley, 4-5 days would be ideal.
Final Thoughts on the Phugtal Monastery Trek
I hope this travel guide helps you plan your trip to Phugtal Monastery in Zanskar. It is one of those places that stays with you long after you return home. The isolation, the architecture, the people, and the raw beauty of Lungnak Valley all come together to create something genuinely special.
Feel free to post any questions, suggestions, or your own travel stories in the comments section below or in the DwD Community. Have you been to Phuktal Monastery before, or are you planning your first trip to Zanskar? I would love to hear from you, my friend.
Special thanks to a dear friend, Nobu Omasila from Padum, who provided trek details and contributed photographs to the DwD Community for this guide.
Last Updated: March 2026
62 Comments
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Hi Dheeraj,
First time I was in Phuktal in 1998 – twenty years ago! I always dreamt to come back there. I want to do this in this September.
Can you kindly advise about possibility to make a circle route (from Phuktal and continue after to reach Karsha/Padum from other side)? I mean – not to come back to Purne.
Thanks!
P.S
what about festivals in Phuktal or other Zanskar gompas in September this year?
Wow, it must have been pure raw and heavenly back then before the age of tourism and Internet put it on digital map. Well, regarding the lopp, you can surely extend the Phuktal trek to Padum Darcha trek and get down at Darcha from Phuktal.
Hi Dheeraj, would it be possible to stay 1 or 2 weeks in the Phuktal monastery for a retreat ? Do you know how it works ?
Many Thanks, Pascal
Pascal, I believe most monasteries in the Ladakh and Spiti region are welcoming for stay and volunteering. You can always stay in the monasteries and either help them with daily activities or contribute something financially.
Dear Dheeraj,
your article is very usefull for us! We are planning a trip in Ladakh-Zanskar and we are thinking about this itinerary:
– Jeep from Kargil to Padum
– TREK DAY 1 | Padum-Anmo (jeep) – Anmo-Phuktal-Purne (7 hrs trek)
– TREK DAY 2 | Purne – Sking (6/7 hrs trek)
– TREK DAY 3 | Sking – Shingo La base (6/7 hrs trek)
– TREK DAY 4 | Shingo La base-Serchu [via ShingoLa 5.091 m] (trek+jeep)
– jeep from Serchu to Tso Moriri
What do you think? Do you have some suggestion?
We really would like to do it in homestay! Do you think it would be possible? Or we going to need tends?
Thank in advance for your help!
Hello Martina,
I have few inputs here:
1. After reaching Padum, you should rest at least for one day before you start a physical activity on high altitude. It will help with acclimatization.
2. Rest your plan is more or less good in case you are sure of the trekking distances and used to trek that many hrs. But then when you plan to travel from Sarchu to Tso Moriri, you need to have protected area permit. Are you planning to have them in advance?
Homestays will be possible at some places though since I have not done this trek personally, I believe you must carry camps that might help you at some places.
Regards
Dheeraj
Dear Dheeraj,
thank you for your precious info and your great work!
– Do you confirm that Zanskar valley is a safe place for lonely travellers? Me and my wife are planning cycling along that awesome place next august.
– Is it easy to find homestay along the route from Kargil to Padum?
– If we want to trek from Padum to Phugtal, is it easy to arrange that trip in Padum? I mean is it easy to find a guide in Padum that will take us to the monastery? And is it easy to find some sort of taxi that will take us back from Padum to Leh? (2 days I suppose…)
Thank you so much
Luca
Well Lucas,
100s of people make solo trips to Zanskar Valley and Ladakh every year. I have not heard any untoward incident with tourists in Zanskar Valley or Ladakh except some very ver 1-2 rare incidents in last 9 years. Kargil to Padum is a challenge to find home stay once you cross Rangdum. Up to Rangdum, it is possible because villages are present every 30-40 odd KMs. However, when you cross Rangdum, then it is along long ride to the first village in Zanskar Valley as you cross Pensila and there is no home stay there. So, it becomes difficult if you are not carrying your own camps.
Yes, you can easily arrange the trip in Padum for Phugtal Monastery. You may get in touch with Nobu ji from Omasila at +91 94693 69109 who can help you out once you reach there. He can help with some home stays too and also run Omasila Hotel.
Taxi can also be arranged from Padum to Leh.
Dear Dheeraj,
thank you for your detailed infos!
Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Best regards
Pleasure, have a wonderful trip !!
Hi Dheeraj. Is there any update on the route above or is the status still the same as 2016? For some reason Google shows a route from Jispa that’s takes a car directly to Purne. Pls advise if you have any info.
Alternately What is the furthest one can ride from padum towards phugtal?
Apoorva, this route is not yet opened fully. Hence, you cannot take this route. In a year or two the route will open as the pass has already been open from Darcha side. However, the whole road connectivity is not yet there.
Ohk cool. Thanks for the update.
I was also looking for good camping spots on the kargil-padum area. We will be carrying our own tents. Please let me know if you can recommend any. Thanks.
There will be plenty of options on the whole Kargil to Padum route. You may camp almost any where on that route but will recommend that you do it near some village or in the village by asking the people. Parakchik, Panikhar, Purikutchy, Rangdum, etc.. All these villages also have JK Alpine Huts too where you can ask the caretaker to pitch the tents and ask for food and use washrooms.
Awesome. Thanks a lot. Excited about the trip. Will share a travelogue on DoW page after trip completion.
Wonderful, feel free to use the page to post your travel story: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/submit-your-travel-article/
Hello friend,
I’m wondering if it’s possible to travel / trek to the Phuktal Monastery in late February early March 2018
Thank you
Hitesh.
No Hitesh, it is not possible as far as I know unless you are too much into the adventure of snow treks in snowbound regions and the remote Himalayas with proper guide and porters.
Hi Dheeraj,
It would be great if you could provide an update on the current status of Jispa – Phugtal route as of now June 2017. Also I am coming this july to Leh doin the entire circuit starting from Jammu -Srinagar- Kargil – Leh – Nubra – Turtuk – Pangong – Hanle – Tso Morriri – Tso Kar – Sarchu – Jispa – Manali on bike & Car. I know you have already stated that the route is incomplete and we have to trek to reach the marvellous Monastery, so i just wanted to know it current road status and if it can be adjusted on the way back to Manali from Sarchu.??
Shivam, the route from Jispa to Padum is not yet open. It will still take a couple of years to fully connect it as per locals. The route is only open up to Shinku la pass, about 40 KMs from Darcha
Thanks for this amazing article. Would you recommend going in November – December? Or should I try planning this trip rather September?
No, please plan the trip in September. November – December will be too late and the road connecting to Padum from Kargil also closes by that time of the year.
Hi,are posible
1 Kargill -Padum
2- near Padum atractions (Karsha, Sangla etc)
3- end of the road – cha
4-Cha -Phugtal (night in monastery)
5- Phugtal -begin the road, car tu Padum
6- Padum to Kargill ?
This looks feasible to me. You will be needing shared taxi from Kargil – Padum to save costs. Also, do take a local with you from the village so that you are not alone on Phugtal trek.
great site and work .
Thank you 🙂
Hi, Dheeraj.
My Whatapps Contact no. 7829171686
I want to trek to Phugtal monastery after reading your wonderful guide to this place.
Im travelling from Manali-Leh highway.
So my planning is as below:
Day 1 Manali- Keylong
Day 2 Keylong-Leh-Kargil
Day 3 Kargil-Padum
Day 4 Padum-Cha village
Day 5 Cha-Phugtal
Day 6 Phugtal-Cha-Padum-Sani village
Day 7 Sani-Padum-Lamayuru-Leh
Can u give me some suggestion on my schedule?
Is it possible to cover Keylong-Leh-Kargil in one day? Im taking HPDTC bus that depart in the morning from Keylong.
And is it possible to cover Sani-Padum-Lamayuru-Leh in one day as well?
Really hope to hear from you very soon. I will travel in first week of Sep. You can whatapps contact me too.
Very much appreciated!
Well Sonship, there are few things which is too much in your plan:
Day 2, Keylong to Leh is only possible. Then next day Leh – Kargil and then next Kargil Padum
On all these days you will have to leave by 6 AM especially on Day 2 and Day 4. Then, one day rest is required in Padum to acclimatize a bit so that you can do the trek. Then, similar amount is required to return back.
Hi, Dheeraj.
According to your suggestion, i made some adjustment as below.
Day 1 Manali- Keylong
Day 2 Keylong-Leh
Day 3 Leh- Kargil
Day 4 Kargil- Padum
Day 5 Padum-Cha-Phugtal
Day 6 Phugtal-Cha-Padum-Sani village
Day 7 Sani-Padum-Lamayuru/Kargil
Day 8 Lamayuru/Kargil-Leh
Please help me to look through this revised schedule.
Q1. On Day 5, is it possible to complete the trek from Padum to Phugtal?
Q2. On Day 7, is it possible for to stay overnight in Lamayuru?
Q3. Most importantly, can I complete this 8 days visit to Zanskar valley all by Shared taxi/ public bus?
Hope to hear from you. Big thank you!
You should add at least 1 day to make trip to Phuktal possible without any fuss, recommended is at least two days.
hi dheeraj. first of all a great article with some amazing pics. me and my best friend are planning a trip to phugtal from manali.
we are planning to ride till purne as it is just 231 km from manali, but this route is not mentioned by any of the traveler as everyone has mentioned route from padum village.
we are just collecting info bout few things
1. availability of drinking water ?
2. availability of petrol may be in bottle if any ?
3.Can we stay in the monastery ? me & my buddy want to meditate for couple of days.
4.How can we help in rebuilding the school?
Hi Varun,
Manali to Purne road is under construction and only complete up to Shinko La pass. Hence, you do not see any mention by any traveller. It is a trek route alongside which BRO is building a road as well. So, you cannot make that trip from Manali brother. You can only go from Padum side to Phuktal or do Darcha – Padum trek.
Just what I was looking for. I am preparing an itinerary for my Mumbai-Ladakh-Mumabai Motorcycle road trip. I have listed about 16 monastery, Hanle Observatory, Pangong Lake and Khardungla. About Phungtal Monastery, would it be possible to ride a motorcycle across the trails to reach here, or at least a nearest spot where I can park my bike and trek the remaining part.
Also I would love to contribute to the school there. I was thinking of getting in touch with the school and maybe bring some supplies along with me if possible when I come there.
Vishal, you can ride the bike only to the point mentioned in the article above, may be at max. a KM more ahead on dirt track but dont think can go beyond it. You will need to have few days in your schedule to make a trip to Phugtal as mentioned in the article above.
Thanks Dheeraj for quick response. I am in love with your website. So much information covering so many informative topics. Thanks a ton for sharing 🙂
Thank you Vishal, glad you loved the info. on the DoW Blog
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to go on bike to phuktal but confused about the routes.I Know that its has limited accessibility but i need to know where shall i enter from.There are two ways one from padum & then there is this google map shows from jispa through kurgiak chu road.I don’t know if this kurgiak really exists or not but it is really there then it might cover up lot of distance.Let me know if you have any idea about it?
Neil, what do you mean by bike? Motor bike? There is no road that goes to Phuktal. The one that goes from Jispa is not complete and is only possible up to Shinkoo La not beyond.
Thank you for replying. Can you share your email or phone no. .We are planning in september so i got some queries to ask for.It would be great if you could help.
This is the best and quickest way to get a reply of your query 🙂
Hi Deeraj, this ((“I cannot rest from travel; I will drink life to the lees”-ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON,))shall define how Kevlar are the efforts you put to construct such an immaculate piece of travelogue, I wish i shall be able to generate such fantastic scenery dwelling on my cameras during my September first week visit.lastly an **important point is there is a complete route and road/ homes stay houses guided maps from “HIMALAYAN HOME STAYS” /snow leopard home stay in ladakh which can be found and very benefical to our DOW community taveler ,do check it. http://www.himalayan-homestays.com/ladakpages/default.html
Thanks for the share, will look forward to your travel tale in the DwD Community.
Anyone has google maps location of “Ichar” village?
(latitude/longitude)
– Rohith
Hi,
I have booed a tour which includes a guide to take on a day trek with over night stay in guest house from Padum – Phucktal monastery.
My concern is that route dangerous like crossing water, dangerous foot brisges and walking along narrow paths on edges of cliffs and valley?
Any advise would be helpful as I will be there in June this year
hi
This is vivek.
I will be travelling from Srinagar – leh – Manali, starts june 6th.
I wanna do this trek.
But the problem is I am a solo traveler.
I cant afford much for this trek alone.
It would be helpful if i get any partners for this trek.
Thanks.
I forgot to tell this, very good and in depth article.
keep doing.
Hi Dheeraj!
I came back from Ladakh and planning to go Zanskar in September.
I want to do this trek to Phuktal, most likely from 20 to 23 of September. is it good time?
can we arrange a room for sleeping in gompa?
How is situation with river? I heard many times people could not go because of floods.
One more suggestion- can you get any map of this trek with mentioned elevation?
thanx,
BR
Katia
Yes, it is good time to travel in Zanskar Valley. Yes, gompa has stay options available. It was a flood situation last year but it got resolved after the flashfloods caused by landlside artifical lake burst.
I am sorry about the map of it 🙁
Hi!
I can’t find any of this villages (except Padum)) on the google-map, the only reason i need it is to know elevation (how much per day we go up and on which we sleep), may be I can contact travel agent who can give me such info? Can you suggest me anyone who replies emails?
You can get in touch with Nobu Omasila at norbudecnor@gmail.com for details.
Nice guide for people who want the information, as always Dheeraj. I went to Phugtal in 2015 after the disaster on Tsarap Chu and have this to share.
https://travelshoebum.com/2016/01/16/a-journey-to-phugtal-in-pictures/
Nice and helpful article.
Thank you 🙂 🙂
Hey Dheeraj!
This is an amazingly helpful and article with beautiful photography! I am planning a trip to India and stumbled across this incredible looking Trek and am thinking I’ll have to add it to the itinerary. I have a few questions if you don’t mind answering!
Do many of the people in the surrounding villages or monastery speak English? I would think homestay owners most likely speak English but I don’t want to assume anything.
Is it possible to keep trekking past Phugtal to another destination, or is the best option to back track to Icher?
I’d like to do this without a guide to save some money if possible . Is it easy to find homestays and keep from getting lost on the trail without a guide? Or would you suggest hiring one for this trek?
Thanks for any insights!
Hello Eric,
Thank you and glad you liked the article. Very unlikely that those people will be speaking English. Most of them are not even literate to higher classes. So, do not assume, you have to use your gestures to communicate or get an English speaking guide from Padum with you.
Yes, from Phugtal, you can trek a little back towards Purne and start back the trek to Darcha. That is named as Darcha – Padum trek.
I will suggest that you should have a guide with you. Though to save money many people take the local villagers with them too. But, having a company on a high altitude trek is absolutely necessary and locals know the terrain and region more than anyone else do. I always prefer a guide to such treks to remote places
hi , quite interesting ; I had been to Leh Ladakh in 2012 . would like to trek on Zanskar or may be interested in some summer activities. I am 52 and fit for trek of 6-7 kms a day.
Jayesh ji, good to know that. You can travel to Zanskar Valley and do this trek. Join some group after reaching in Zanskar.
Mamaste Sharma
Thanks for teh very good information. My wife and I were at Phuktal in 1994. A great experiment, we slept at the monastery. Like to go back one day.
The enlighted yak, OleEjnar Hansen, Denmark
Namaste Ole, That is so great to know. It must have been another world at that time of the year. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Dheeraj.
Hope my travel “Srinagar-Zanskar-Srinagar (14th/July ~24th/July/2016)” is going to be superb.
https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/events/srinagar-zanskar-srinagar-shared-taxi/
Only worry is : I am travelling solo 🙂
hoping for the best.
Shall be good to go brother, solo has all the fun in it.
very well done work great keep it up
Thanks Akash, glad you liked it.