Stock Photo - Phugtal Gompa, one of the most spectacular monasteries of Ladakh. It clings to a mountain cliff, high above Tsarab Chu - the river which sources on the slopes of the Great Himalayas? main ridge and cuts across the Zanskar Mountains. A wild and remote trekking route follows the river down to this place and further to Padum, the heart of the Zanskar region. The present monastery belongs to the Gelug school of the Tibetan Buddhism and was established in the 15th century, although it is believed to date back to the 11th century or even earlier. It is built around a cave, which possibly was used by many sages throughout history. Union Territory of Ladakh, India.