Karsha Monastery at
Karsha was founded by Phagspa Sherab in the 11th century. This monastery is built along the steep gradient of the mountainside above the Stod River. This grand monastery complex comprises several chapels, residential rooms for 150 resident monks, and a library. Apart from these, there are eight temples and two assembly halls in the complex, which also houses a famous, large and priceless Thangka and smaller but valuable scrolls and precious idols. The library in the monastery is the largest library in
Zanskar Valley.
The Gompa also has a Thabrang with frescoes dating back to around the 15th century, and a 14th century Chomo Gompa (Nunnery) called the Dorje Dzong at the other end of Karsha. The nuns go over to the main Gompa for all major festivals.
Karsha is situated at a distance of 4-6 km from Padum.
