Dr. Sonam Wangchok, Founder of the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF), has formally submitted a site visit report to the Hon’ble Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, along with the concerned Executive Councillors and relevant authorities. The report highlights the urgent need for conservation and structural intervention at Phuktal Monastery in Zanskar, one of the most significant cultural, spiritual, and historical landmarks of Ladakh.
Phuktal Monastery, dramatically built into the cliffside of a remote valley, has served as a center of meditation, learning, and spiritual retreat for centuries. The monastery is historically associated with revered Buddhist figures such as Zanskar Lotsawa Phagpa Sherab and Changsem Sherab Zangpo. It also gained international attention through the Hungarian scholar Alexander Csoma de Kőrös, who stayed at Phuktal while conducting pioneering research into Tibetan Buddhism and language.
The recent site visit, conducted in coordination with monastery representatives, revealed serious threats to the structural and artistic integrity of the monastery. Recent rockfall and increased environmental degradation, especially from heavy summer rains and winter snowfall, have severely compromised the stability of the surrounding cliffs. These conditions have particularly damaged the Dukhang (Assembly Hall) and several sacred Thangkas, some of which now require urgent conservation.
Adding to the concern is the potential impact of vibrations, which could further destabilize the already fragile rock formations if the ongoing road construction for vehicular access is extended to reach the monastery. Moreover, the decline of traditional practices—such as lighting open fires and butter lamps that once produced soot, which helped naturally bind rock surfaces has unintentionally removed a protective factor that once contributed to the stability of the cave environment.
The report recommends immediate consultation with expert engineers to conduct a detailed analysis of the slope and identify the most effective rockfall protection systems suitable for large cliffside structures like Phuktal. Incorporating such systems would not only prevent further damage but also ensure the long-term safety of both the monastery’s infrastructure and its priceless artistic and cultural assets. It emphasizes that any intervention must be carried out by experienced professionals using specialized equipment, and that regular inspection and maintenance will be essential for ongoing effectiveness.
Temporary restoration work on the Dukhang is currently underway, but the report stresses that this effort must be guided by a qualified conservation architect and implemented with the help of skilled local masons. The use of cemented pillars in past restorations is noted as inappropriate and incompatible with traditional construction methods. These should be removed and replaced with authentic, locally sourced materials to maintain the structural and historical integrity of the building. Several visible cracks also point to underlying instability, making it imperative that a properly planned and sustainable restoration is undertaken as soon as possible.
With regard to artistic heritage, the report reveals that several Thangkas were damaged in the recent rockfall. These sacred scroll paintings require immediate conservation by trained experts. The monastery has been advised to safely store all damaged Thangkas and other movable heritage objects until professional conservation work can begin. In addition to the damaged items, many other Thangkas and wall paintings show signs of aging and deterioration, including soot buildup, water damage, and structural cracking. These artworks require expert attention to clean, stabilize, and restore them without compromising their authenticity.
The report concludes with a strong appeal for coordinated action to protect this invaluable heritage site. It recommends that all restoration efforts begin only after thorough geological assessments and technical consultations have taken place. A conservation architect should be engaged to lead structural restoration, while trained painting conservators must be appointed to handle the damaged Thangkas and wall murals.
Dr. Sonam Wangchok has assured full support from HCHF for sourcing expert personnel, facilitating coordination, and providing necessary technical and cultural guidance. He reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to preserving Phuktal Monastery—not only as a cornerstone of Ladakh’s cultural identity, but also as a heritage site of global importance representing centuries of Buddhist spiritual and scholarly legacy.
Urgent Call for Conservation of Phuktal Monastery, Zanskar: HCHF Submits Report to Hon’ble CEC, LAHDC Kargil and Concerned Authorities
