Karsha Monastery is located in Zanskar Region , Jammu & Kashmir, India. Phagspa Shesrab founded this monastery. Other names of this monastery are Karsha Gompa and Karsha Chamspaling. This gompa belongs to Yellow Hat order.
What to see at Karsha Monastery: In Zanskar region this is the largest monastery. This monastery is famous for rock carvings. Rinchen Zangpo era wall paintings of Chuk-shik-jal can be seen here. Avalokiteshvara Temple is another attraction of this gompa. Younger brother of Dalai Lama is maintaining this gompa. This is the home to 100 monks. Other temples located at this monastery are Lhakhang Karpo and Thugsjechhenpoi Lhakhang. A sacred image of 11 headed Avaloketeshvara statue other attraction of this gompa.
Karsha Monastery consists of Residential rooms for 150 monks, Chortens, Chapels, Eight Temples and Assembly hall. Assembly hall is surrounded by 3 chapels. Chapels consist of several statues and attractive art works. Thangka paintings can be seen here. Earlier silver covering of Chortens are placed here. But during the India Pakistan war these chortens were taken away by them. From this place spectacular view of rivers, greenery, glaciers, and landscapes of zanskar is possible. Gustor festival is well celebrated at this gompa.
What to see around Karsha Monastery:
Rangdum Monastery: It lies between Kargil and padum. Main attraction of this monastery is assembly hall. This hall has beautiful status.
Sani Monastery: It is one of the 8 most sacred places for Buddhists. This place is most famous among Tibetan Buddhism. This monastery has ancient chortens. It is constructed by Emperor Kanishka. Attractions of this Gompa are idols, paintings and murals of Saint Padmasambhava.
Pipiting: It is located very near to Zanskar. This place is famous for several ancient temples and stupas. Other attraction near this place is Sani. This monastery has ancient chortens. It is constructed by Emperor Kanishka. Attractions of this Gompa are idols, paintings and murals of Saint Padmasambhava.
Bardan Monastery: It is located on the trekking route from Padum to Phuktal. This monastery was established in 17th century and it belongs to Tibetan Buddhism.
Padum: It was once acted as capital to Zanskar. Padum Valley is the major attraction of this place. Other attractions of this place are Starrimo Monastery and Trekking.
Phuktal Gompa: It is constructed in the shape of beehive on the rock wall. Major attractions of this gompa are huge prayer hall and meditation room. This gompa is dates back to 11th century.
Tagrimo Monastery: It lies in the plains of Padum. Other name is Kagyupa Monastery. It is the house to 30 monks. This place is famous for 17th century paintings.
Padum Trekking Trails: Popular activities of Padum are river rafting and trekking. Trekking trails ranges from 1 day to 20 day trail.
Getting to Karsha Monastery: To reach karsha there are two ways via Padum – from Srinagar and Leh. Padum is located 6kms away from Karsha. From Srinagar or Leh or Jammu visitors has to cross Kargil to reach Karsha via Padum through roadway. Jeep is the best option to see in and around places of Padum. Nearest railway station is located at Jammu. Padum is 735kms away from Jammu. Nearest airports are located at Leh and Srinagar. Srinagar is 463kms away from Padum and Leh is 465kms away from Padum.
Getting around karsha Monastery: Only way to explore Karsha is on foot. Jeeps are available to visit the places around the monastery from Padum.
Best time to visit Karsha Monastery: Best time to visit Karsha Monastery is July to September.
Where to stay in Karsha Monastery: Dormitory accommodations are available at this monastery. Plenty of accommodations are available at Padum.
Where to eat in Karsha Monastery: Vegetarian meals are available at this monastery. Plenty of restaurants are available at Padum.