Zanskar, June 2025: Dr. Sonam Wangchok, founder of the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF), conducted an extensive site visit to several significant heritage sites across Zanskar, including major monasteries and nunneries.The visit was carried out in response to an earlier request from the Hon’ble Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil, Phuntsok Tashi.
A key focus of the visit was the Dukhang (main assembly hall) of Phuktal Monastery, which was recently damaged by falling rock from the roof of the cave.
Dr. Wangchok carried out a detailed on-site assessment of the structure. While he appreciated the temporary restoration efforts currently underway, he emphasized the urgent need for a more comprehensive and technically sound restoration of the Dukhang, citing multiple cracks and unstable walls.Dr. Wangchok warned that the monastery remains at high risk due to continuing threats of rock falls from the cave roof, exacerbated by dampness caused by rain, snow, and vibrations.He stressed that protection of the site requires immediate technical intervention by expert engineers and conservation professionals.A detailed report will be submitted to LAHDC Kargil shortly.
As part of his heritage tour, Dr. Wangchok and his team also visited Kumik village at the request of local residents.Expressing awe at the well-preserved traditional architecture, water mills, reservoirs, stupas, and Mani walls, he remarked, “I am so happy to see such an extraordinary example of a historic village in Zanskar that has remained untouched by modern damage.”
He strongly recommended that Kumik be declared a Heritage village, noting the potential for archaeological excavation and the establishment of a community museum that could serve as a model for the region.HCHF will soon submit a formal proposal to the concerned authorities.
During his visit to Zanskar, Dr. Wangchok also expressed concern over the lack of protection for invaluable heritage sites such as the rock-cut statues of the Five Dhyani Buddhas in Padum, which are not yet under national monument protection. Additionally, he assessed the damaged Dukhang of Karsha Monastery and strongly advocated for its structural assessment and restoration, emphasizing the need to involve qualified conservation architects.
Earlier, Dr. Wangchok addressed the public and representatives of Zanskar at an awareness programme organized by the Zanskar Buddhist Association ( ZBA) and Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) Leh. He made a heartfelt appeal to preserve ancestral heritage amidst the rapid development taking place in Zanskar. He urged residents not to destroy traditional agricultural lands for commercial construction like guest houses and shopping complexes, describing them as “heritage that belongs to our future generations.”
While stressing the importance of the thousand-year-old Malakartse Stupa in Zangla, he described it as a unique example of early Kashmiri art in Ladakh. He emphasized the need for immediate restoration and preservation measures, terming it one of the most significant heritage sites in the region.He also educated attendees on the use of local materials in heritage restoration and recommended following the guidelines prepared by the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) when restoring Buddhist monuments.
Dr. Sonam Wangchok was accompanied by Sonam Dechen, Programme Coordinator at HCHF, and Ms. Anshika Shukla, Media Expert and Intern at HCHF.