Phyang Gompa is a monastery in Ladakh and is 17 kms from Leh. It is around 6 kms from the SrinagarLeh Highway. The monastery stands on a hillock like the Likhir monastery. About 50 monks stay in the monastery. The Phyang festival called ‘Phyang Tseruk’ happens on the second and third day of the sixth month of the Tibetian calendar. It usually falls during the month of July. Many tourists come to see this festival.
Phyang Gompa
Image By Wikimedia User Baldiri Image is in Public Domain
Ladakh has a cold climate due to its altitude. Because of its dry weather conditions and the cool weather it is called a Cold Desert. The air is rarified and so some people may experience breathing problems. The summer temperature ranges from 8oC to 27oC. The minimum temperature in summer sometimes may go as low as -3oC. The winter is very cold. The range of temperature in winters is -20oC to -15oC. There is snowfall by late September. It is a must to rest on the day of arrival to Ladakh region to acclimatize with the environment here.
The best time to visit Phyang is from June to September. The Phyang festival can be witnessed in July. Carry thick woolens, wind cheaters, sun glasses, sturdy shoes, caps and sun screen. The skin needs to be well protected against the harsh climate.
There are no ATMs in Phyang. But bank branches and ATMs are there in the city of Leh. It is best to carry cash to this place. There may not be any money exchangers here so carry Indian currency only.
No permit is required for Indian nationals in Ladakh. For foreign tourists, registration is done at the airport or at Drass, Rumste and Sechru if they travel by road to Ladakh.
Leh airport is the nearest airport to Phyang. It is at a distance of 17 kms from Phyang. There are flights to Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar. The flights are operated by Indian Airlines, Jet and Deccan. There may not be daily flights. Due to bad weather there may be delay or cancellation of flights and this should be taken into consideration when the trip is being planned.
Leh Airport is 17 km from Phyang. The flights are mostly full in peak season and so it is advisable to book in advance. From the airport one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Phyang. By road, Leh can be reached from Srinagar or Manali. The roads are open only from June to September and maybe blocked sometimes due to landslides or other conditions. The journey offers breathtaking views of the desert landscape.
Phyang monastery was built in the 16th century. It belongs to the Red Cap sect. It has 5 Gompas with Buddha idols and Thangkas (paintings).
The museum in the monastery has a great collection of firearms and weapons. It is about 900 years old.
Ladakhi food mainly consists of vegetables like Potato, Pumpkin, beans and beetroot along with meat like chicken and mutton. The flavouring is mild. ‘Thupka’, which is a thick soup and ‘Momos’ – dumplings stuffed with vegetables or meat should not be missed out on. Tibetian food is also quite common in Phyang and all around Ladakh. The capital Leh has many restaurants serving Indian and continental food. Sweet shops and bakeries serve delicacies and bread. Himalaya Café, Shangrila and Budshah Inn are good restaurants in Leh.
Where to Stay:
There are no hotels in Phyang. Leh, which is just 17 kms from here, has many good hotels to stay. Hotel Royal Palace, Hotel Lingzi, Hotel Ladakh Sarai and Hotel Shambha La are nice hotels in Leh. You can stay in Leh and take a day trip to Phyang.
