How to reach Phuktal Monastery
If for a long time the path to Phuktal Monastery was through Padum, the main town in the Zanskar valley, the opening of new roads since 2020 has revealed new routes.
Here are the main routes to reach Phuktal Monastery…
Going to Phuktal via Padum
Road Itinerary : Leh – Kargil – Padum – Phuktal
The starting point is Leh, the capital of Ladakh, from where you will take a bus to Kargil (duration: 5 hours).
Kargil, very close to Pakistan, is a Muslim town (Shia branch of Islam), hence the presence of a large mosque in the Main Bazaar.
The next day, you will take a shared taxi from Kargil to Padum (duration: 6 hours). Be sure to book it the day before your departure.
Finally, when you reach Padum, you can get to Phuktal either by walking (3 days) or by taking a jeep to Chah (cost: 3,000 rupees), then finish the journey on foot to the monastery (3 hours of walking).
If you decide to walk from Padum to Phuktal, you can easily find accommodation and food with locals, especially in Anmu and Chah.
Trek Itinerary : Leh – Lamayuru – Padum – Phuktal
If you prefer trekking, stop at Lamayuru (on the Leh – Kargil route). You can take the opportunity to visit Lamayuru Monastery and “Moonland.”
This is the starting point for a trek (approximately 10 days) that leads to Padum. You will pass through Wanla, Photoksar, Lingshed, Zangla, Karsha, and then Padum.
Finally, to reach Phuktal, refer to the itinerary mentioned above.
Update : This route is now accessible by car. Expect to pay 3,000 rupees per person for travel by shared taxi.
Helicopter Journey
It is now possible to travel in Zanskar… by helicopter 😱
(Needless to say, we do not endorse this !!)
But if you have 7,000 rupees to spend on pollution, the government-run Ladakh Heli Services will take you from Leh to Padum in 45 minutes.
Going to Phuktal via Darcha
Road Itinerary : Manali – Darcha – Purne – Phuktal
The route from Purne to Darcha, which before 2021 was a classic trekking route allowing you to exit Zanskar and reach Himachal Pradesh, is now accessible by car… opening up a new route to reach Phuktal without starting from Leh.
The starting point is Manali, in Himachal Pradesh.
You will head towards Keylong, where it is advisable to spend the night, at least to acclimatize to the altitude.
From there, you will continue to Darcha, and then proceed towards Padum, Shinku La (a pass at 5,095 m altitude).
You will follow the road (there’s only one route… just straight ahead) until Purne, where you can stay in a guest house or camp.
From Purne, it’s just a few hours’ walk to Phuktal.
Tips for Treks to Phuktal
Trekking to Phuktal requires adequate preparation.
You need to be well-equipped, in good physical condition, and ready to face changing weather conditions (although it’s fairly stable in July – August).
In winter, access is blocked by snow, making treks impassable.
The treks are in high altitude, above 3,500m, with mountain passes exceeding 5,000m. Ensure proper acclimatization and plan your campsites below 4,500m.
While the treks can be done solo, it may be prudent to hire a local guide not only for safety but also to enrich the experience by learning more about local culture and traditions.
FAQ: frequently asked questions about going to Phuktal
How much does a night at a homestay cost ?
Prices have significantly increased over the past years… While 200 to 300 rupees per person (including night stay, dinner, and breakfast) was a reasonable rate ten years ago, now you should expect to pay 800 to 1,000 rupees per person.
What is the best time to visit Phuktal ?
The best time is July – August. Earlier in the year (June), some passes may still be snow-covered.
How long does it take to travel from Leh to Phuktal ?
If you go entirely by car, Phuktal is now accessible in 2-3 days. If you trek the entire way, it takes 12 to 15 days.
Can you visit Phuktal in winter ?
The only way to access it in winter is by doing the Chadar Trek, walking on the frozen Zanskar River… An incredible adventure, but it must be done with local guides.
Are the trails safe and well-marked ?
The trails are safe, though some sections may be daunting due to narrow paths close to edges. There is no specific marking to indicate the path.
Are there accommodations available at Phuktal or do I need to camp ?
There is a guesthouse and a camping area managed by the monks a few hundred meters from the monastery. No reservation is needed.
Do I need special permits to visit Phuktal ?
No. Unlike regions like Nubra Valley or Pangong Lake, you do not need permits to visit Phuktal.