Stongdey: The
monastery o
f Stongdey lies 18 kms. To the north of Padum, on the
road leading to Zangla. An old foundation associated with the
Tibetan Yogi, Marpa, Stongdey is now the second largest monastic
establishment of Zanskar, inhabited by the resident community of
about 60 Gelukpa monks. The sprawling whitewashed complex has a
number of temples, each a repository of the region's rich monastic
legacy. Stongdey can be reached by foot in about 4 hours along the
recently laid rough road. The climb up to the monastery is rather
strenuous, but it is worth the trouble for the breathtaking scenery
of the valley available from here.

How to Reach?
The 240 km long Kargil-Padun road, of which the first 90 km stretch
is paved, remains opened from around mid July to early November. The
J&K SRTC operates a thrice weekly B-class bus service from Kargil.
However groups can charter A-Class or even Super-Deluxe buses to
visit Zanskar, including the interior places of interest like
Stongdey, Zangla and Karsha. Jeeps and Gypsy taxis can also be hired
at Kargil. During June and early July, prior to opening of the road,
it is recommended to walk into Zanskar from panikhar or Parkachik
onwards. In June, the summer is at its height in the region and the
climate is ideal for trekking along the route free from vehicular
traffic of any kind and when the countryside is freshly rejuvenated
into life after months of frigid dormancy.