Stongdey Monastery of Ladakh is
considered to be the second largest monastic institution in the Zanskar
region. It is situated on the road to Zangla, at a distance of
approximately 18 km to the north of Padum. The Stongde Gompa of Leh
Ladakh serves as the residence of approximately 60 monks. Founded in the
year 1052 by Lama Lhodak Marpa Choski Lodos, the monastery comes under
the Tsongkhapa Order. The incumbents serving at Stongdey are the
successive reincarnations of Nari Tulku.
The main prosperity of the Stongdey Monastery came under the influence
of Shakya Zangpo, of Stongdey itself. There are a number of beautiful
temples situated inside the complex of the monastery. Another major
attraction of the monastery consists of the gorgeous wall paintings
adorning its interiors. Stongde also serves as the venue of Gustor
festival, an annual festival that takes place on the 28th and 29th day
in the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar. On the day of the
festival, the monks perform the sacred dance in the monastery.
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