Lingshed

Lingshed monastery (also Lingshet) is one of the most remote and important monasteries in Zanskar. Till very recently it was only accessible by long and arduous climbs across mountain passes and was a hidden monastery, chiefly famous due to its status on the frozen Zanskar river trek called Chadar. It is a big monastery affiliated to the gelugpa order and houses around 60 monks. There is also an Austrian school in Lingshed. Lingshed village seems to be lost in time and is quite hidden from the rest of the world. Lingshed monastery was established in the 12th century and is located on top of Lingshed village. It lies on the trail between Zanskar and Lamayuru and is therefore one of the lesser visited monasteries of Zanskar. The monastery of Photoksar lies nearby on the same trail and contains some rare images. The dukhang inside Lingshed monastery has many deities of Buddha and a colourful collection of Tangyur and Kangyur (sacred Buddhist texts).
The trail for Lingshed monastery begins near Zangla and takes around two days and a pass crossing of around 4000 m. There are a few homestays in the village for visitors to enquire and stay.