Phugthal Monastery is one of the most spectacular monasteries in Jammu and Kashmir. It is located at Phugthal in Kargil District. Phugthal is about 70 km from Zanskar Valley.
Built in the early 12th century, this unique monastic establishment is at the mouth of a huge cave high up in the sheer mountain. A major tributary of the Lungnak River flows nearby.
Phugthal Monastery is inhabited by a resident community of 40 monks. The frescos and ceiling decorations of this gompa shows the strong Indian artistic and oceanographic influences.
From Kargil, State Transport Corporation operates a thrice weekly B-class bus service to Phugthal. Cars and jeeps are also extensively available from Zanskar and Stongdey (50 km.)
