There are plenty of shrines here that are gorgeous along with some stunning paintings that were painted by the hand of the Lama Dzadpa Dorje. There are also some relics from the life of Dorje Rinchen here and there are some 100 monks that live here. It is run by the Dalai Lama’s younger brother and in the chapel behind the seat saved for the Dalai Lama is the Lhaso Cho Rinpoche that dates back to 1960. There are also numerous wall paintings there that show the Rinchen Zangpo era.
Location
This sacred place is located amidst craggy mountains in the picturesque Padum Valley. Visitors during their Leh Ladakh tour, can reach the Karsha Monastery by crossing a wooden bridge at Tungri; around 8km from Padum Valley.
Tourist Attractions in Karsha Monastery
The main attraction that is at the Karsha monastery is the temple, which has a stunning cloth painting that was made from colorful and gold threads. This image depicts just one of the days in the life that Buddha enjoyed and he is surrounded by some of the tutelary deities. There are plenty of attractions that you can enjoy when you visit the Karsha monastery, including some of the nearby temples, such as Lhakhang Karpo and Thugsjechhenpoi Lhakhang. There are also a few more monasteries that you can visit when you are here, such as Phagspa, Purang and the Khagsar monastery. Dorjezong is also a nearby nunnery that can be visited.
You can also wander around the Zanskar River and there are plenty of activities to do here as well, including rafting and more. The 30 kilometers between the Karsha village and Remala are thought to be Asia’s “Grand Canyon” and is in the category of class II when it comes to rafting. If you want an adventure, then you can start rafting in Remala and come on down the river to see the monastery afterwards.
Best Time to Visit Karsha Monastery
The ideal time to visit this monastery is in the 6th month on the Tibetan calendar, which is when a festival is held on the 26th and 29th days of the month. This festival is called Gustor and there are specific events and activities that happen at this time, including the sacred cham dance with masks happens. The Gustor festival is the time when the commemoration of good prevailing over evil is celebrated. Also, during the 11th month of the calender, which is most often in January, another festival happens on the same days and the masked dance is once again performed.
How to Reach Karsha Monastery
By Road:
The Karsha Monastery is located in a quaint village called Khurshan, which is only 14km from the centre of Padum. For those who wants to visit this pious monastery, can follow the Kargil-Padum Road and take diversion at Tungri which is around 12km ahead of Padum in order to reach Karsha Monastery.
By Train:
For the visitors to Karsha Monastery, Jammu Tawi will be the nearest railway station. After arrival at the train stations, visitors can embark on a road journey to Kargil, and follow the overland trails of Kargil-Padum Road to reach Karsha Monastery.
By Air:
Srinagar Airport and Leh Airport will be an ideal choice for those who wants to enjoy a flight journey. Upon arrival an any of the airports, visitors must travel to Kargil and continue on the Kargil-Padum route in order to reach Karsha Monastery.
