An impressive monastery clinging to a huge rock that overlooks the Lingti River - that's Bardan Monastery. Around 12 km south of Padum, it was founded in the 17th century and happens to be the first ever centre of the Dugpa-Kargyud monastic order in Zanskar.
The monastery consists of a large assembly hall which displays worth appreciating images of Buddhist divinities and small stupas in clay, bronze, wood and copper. The other structures of the monastery stand around the assembly hall. A shrine devoted to Maitreya, the Buddha of future ages, stands on the first floor. The highlight of the monastery is the its giant prayer wheel which is around 1.8 mtrs high.
The monastery, home to some 50 monks, is a branch of Stakna Monastery and looks after the functioning of other smaller monasteries like Sani.
Padum
Located south west of Leh and south east of Kargil, Padum is the administrative headquarters of the Zanskar valley. Despite its tiny population of about 15,00 people, it is still the most populous town of the Zanskar valley. Padum has, offlate, earned fame as a major trekking destination. The trekking expeditions take tourists on a visit to the fascinating attractions of the area including the monasteries.
Other Attractions
- Mune Monastery: Located quiet closeby the Bardan Monastery, the Mune Monastery is comparatively smaller. Nonetheless it is a very good example of the Tibetan architecture.
- Sani Monastery: Located 6 km west of Padum in the small village of Sani, this monastery is different from other monasteries of Ladakh in the sense that it is built on the level ground and not on a hill top. The highlight of the monastery complex is the Kanika stupa standing back area of the complex. Within the main building, numerous statues of Buddhist divinities in the prayer hall and interesting frescoes in a chapel behind form a huge attraction.
- Karsha Monastery : This one happens to be the largest one in the entire Zanskar valley. The monks of the monastery, around 150 in number, are a follower of Gelukpa order. The highlight of this monastery complex are the large assembly hall, three adjoining chapels and a large temple, Lhabrang. The annual festival, three day Gustor festival, is yet another attractions for the devotees visiting the monastery in the month of July. The village of Karsha is also home to an old nunnery, Dorje Dzong, around which the ruins of what is widely believed to be the original Karsha monastery is found. The village of Karsha is around 9 km from Padum.
- Phuktal Monastery : The location of the Phuktal Monastery is considered extremely awesome in the Ladakh region. The monastery complex juts out from the mouth of the cave located high up on the mountainside. The monastery traces its origin way back to the 12th century and the monks here belong to the Gelukpa or the Yellow Hats order.
How to Reach
By Air - The Srinagar Airport lies at a distance of 463 km while the airport at Leh is 465 km from Padum.
By Road - Padum can be reached by road from either of the above airports via Kargil. From Kargil, Padum is at a distance of 234 km via Suru valley, Panikhar and Rangdum. From Padum, Bardan Monastery is just 12 km drive away. Alternatively¸ a four hour trek can be undertaken to reach the monastery.
