The Stongdey Monastery of Ladakh is situated at a
distance of approximately 18 km to the north of Padum, on the road to
Zangla. Lama Lhodak Marpa Choski Lodos founded this monastery in the
year 1052. The Stongdey Monastery came to flourish under the influence
of Shakya Zangpo of Stongdey itself. It belongs to the Tsongkhapa order,
which was introduced by Lama Gyaltsanpa Tundup Palzangpo. The Stongde
Gompa of Leh Ladakh is considered to be the second largest monastic
establishment in the region of Zanskar.
The monastery comprises of a number of magnificent shrines within its
complex, along with some exquisite wall paintings. One of the major
attractions of the Stongdey Monastery is the annual Gustor festival,
which takes place in the 11th Tibetan month, on the 28th and 29th day.
On the day of the festival, the monks perform the sacred dance in the
monastery. The successive reincarnations of Nari Tulku serve as the
incumbents here.
About 60 monks are in residence and every year sacred dance is
performed in conjunction with the festival of Gustor, which takes place
on the 28th & 29th days of the 11th Tibetan month.
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