Karsha

Karsha gompa is the biggest monastery in Zanskar valley and is affiliated to the order of gelugpa. It is situated around 7 km away from Zanskar and is set on a hillock on top of Karsha village and overlooks the entire valley. The monastery is visible from far away as a scrabble of whitewashed houses piled on top of one another, and it appears like a fairytale with a sandy red backdrop of mountain.
Karsha gompa is said to have been established in the 10th century by the great Padmasambhava himself. A road brings to the base of the monastery, from where steps can be taken to climb from among the monk dwellings to the main rooms of the monastery. It houses at least 100 monks and is one of the most strategic points of Zanskar. Murals and carvings inside the du-khang of the monastery are intricate, but they are in a degrading condition. Silver and copper chortens of artistic value adorn the du-khang of Karsha monastery. There is a also a separate room where tantric masks are kept.

There are views stretching far and wide from Karsha monastery that overlook the entire river basin while green and yellow barley fields glisten when rays of sunlight tickle them. Homestay facilities are aplenty in Karsha village, and it is a favourite with foreigners who are keen to attend morning prayers at the monastery, which reverberate in the entire village. Karsha Gustor, held in July, is an important festival for people of Zanskar (called Zankarpa). It is also famous because Chadar trek ends right at the base of Karsha monastery.