One of the heritage spots of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the region of Kargil is flanked by a number of monasteries and pilgrimage sites. The region is of religious importance to the followers of the Buddhist religion. The Gompas and the Chortens built by the rulers of the region centuries earlier still stand in the region of Kargil making it a representative of the religious and cultural heritage of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The original date of construction of the Rangdum Monastery is disputed. Some believe that the Gompa was erected in the 8th century while others believe that it was more likely built in the 18th century. The monastery houses the artifacts of the Tibetan culture.

One of the earliest Chotens constructed in the region is in Sani. The Turtot Gyat is considered as one of the eight holy sites of the Buddhist religion. Of the 108 chortens constructed by emperor Kanishka in the first century, one of them stands in Sani. The religious site has been visited by the popular and holy luminaries like Padma Sambhava and Marpa.

The Mulbekh Chamba and Monastery preserves some of the precious relics of the Buddhist religion. The monastery also has the rock idol of the Maitreya Buddha or the Buddha of the future that rises to a height of 9 meters.

Some of the other gompas and monasteries of Kargil are:

Karsha Monastery
Zongkhul
Phugthal Monastery
Shargole Monastery

Of the other heritage places in Kargil, one may visit the ancient administrative capital in Padum. The chief attractions of the region are the stone carvings of the 8th century that is situated by the bank of the river, the Mud Palace and the local King.

Last Updated on 8/29/2011

Jammu & Kashmir Tourism