Rangdum Gompa

Rangdum Gompa is an ancient Buddhist monastery located in the Kargil district of Ladakh, India. It is situated at an altitude of 4,031 meters above sea level, surrounded by the Himalayan mountains providing an enchanting view of the Zanskar and the Suru valley, and is home to around 40 monks. The monastery was established by Gelek Yashi Takpa in the 18th century during the reign of King Tsewang Mangyul and belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

The surrounding villages of Yuldo and Julidok are also predominantly Buddhist and support the monastery. The Rangdum Gompa has a museum and a central prayer hall that houses a large number of ancient Buddhist artifacts, including murals, thangkas (Buddhist scroll paintings), and statues of various Buddhist deities.

The monastery is perched atop a small but steep sugarloaf hill and appears like an ancient fortification guarding the mystical mountain valley. Visitors can access the site by road, or choose to hike or trek to the monastery. The surrounding area is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, with high mountains, glaciers, and meandering streams.

Rangdum Monastery offers both a tourist complex with 5 furnished rooms and dormitory accommodation, as well as tent accommodation, for visitors who wish to stay overnight. It is an important spiritual center for the local Buddhist population, as well as a major tourist attraction.