Photos of Phuktal Monastery

Discover the serene beauty and cultural richness of Phuktal Monastery through our captivating photos.

Nestled in the remote Zanskar region of India, Phuktal Monastery is not only a place of spiritual retreat but also a dynamic center of Buddhist education.

Our photo collection highlights breathtaking landscapes, timeless architecture, and the daily life of the monks.

Immerse yourself in the tranquility and mystery of Phuktal through our lens, and feel the essence of this hidden gem in the Himalayas…

25 timeless photos of Phuktal

View of the Phuktal Monastery

Inside the Phuktal Monastery

A young monk sprays his friends with water

View of the Phuktal outdoor school

A young monk reviews his Buddhist philosophy lessons

Two young monks from Phuktal

Preparation of a dish in the kitchen of Phuktal Gompa

The monks wait for the meal distribution

Return to the monastery after the morning run

A monk is going to Phuktal

Sunday, laundry day

Two monks are discussing in front of a chorten

Two young monks are waiting for the start of classes

Sunny, the young monk who is always smiling

Class on Buddhist philosophy

A very serious young monk

View of the buildings of the Phuktal Monastery

Monks are looking at the horizon

The steep stairs of the monastery

A young monk on the main terrace

Monks from Phuktal studying mathematics

A crow flies past the kitchen window

The chef of Phuktal and his assistant

Three young monks playing

Four young monks from Phuktal

FAQ: frequently asked questions about photography at Phuktal

Who took these photos?

All the photos of Phuktal presented on this page were taken by Alexandre Rousselle, who stayed at the monastery for several weeks in 2015 and 2016.

Thanks to him for the help he provided to the community and for his beautiful photos ย ๐Ÿ™

Do tourists have the right to take photos of the monks?

Yes. If you ask for permission and are respectful, you have every right to photograph the monks.

Can we photograph a statue of Buddha?

For many Buddhists, it is considered inappropriate to photograph sacred or religious objects, including statues or representations of Buddha… Even though in Ladakh and Zanskar, this may not be a problem, out of prudence and respect, always ask for permission before doing so.

What camera is best suited for Phuktal?

There is no better camera than another for photographing the Phuktal Monastery. A wide-angle lens (16 to 35 mm) is recommended for capturing the monastery as a whole or for photos in narrow interiors. For portraits of the monks, focal lengths of 50-85mm will work perfectly well.