Sani

Sani gompa belongs to the Drukpa sect and is known to be the oldest in all of Zanskar and also in the entire Ladakh region. It is located in Sani village which is roughly 10 km before Padum on the Rangdum-Padum road, and is accessed by taking a diversion from the main road. The gompa is said to be founded by Padmasambhava and the main temple in the monastery is dedicated to him. There is a 2nd century chorten adjoining the monastery known as Kanika chorten, which is widely thought to be the emperor Kanishka. He was a powerful king and controlled most of North India, Afghanistan and Kashmir. There are 10 curious looking stones nearby and according to historians they are engraved with representations of deities in pre-Tibetan style. There are many stupas near the site of the monastery and a chorten.
That gives belief to the claim that this is the oldest Buddhist site in Ladakh. There are also some ancient rock carvings near Sani village. The landscape is lovely with plantations of poplar trees, while the village has fields of barley, potatoes and peas close to the monastery. Suitable homestays with rudimentary facilities may be available for backpackers in Sani village. It is also famous for Sani festival that takes place in August.