Sani - The chief attraction here is the castle like monastery, which, unlike other monasteries of the region, is built on level ground. The main building comprises a huge multi-columned central prayer hall housing an array of statues of popular Buddhist divinities and Drugpa (Old School) high saints. The walls are covered with frescoes and adorned with Thangkas. Adjoining this monastic complex is an old cemetery surrounded by a ring of ancient rock-carvings which reflect Indian artistic influence. Sani is also associated with Naropa, the famous  Indian  Yogi  from  Vikramsila ,  who  is  said  to  have  sat   in

meditation for some time under the Kanika Stupa. The site is now occupied by a small room housing a veiled bronze figure of the Yogi which is unveiled once a year.

Karsha Gompa - The largest monastic establishment of Zanskar, Karsha Gompa is an imposing complex of neatly white-washed adobe blocks comprising several chapels, besides housing nearly 150 resident monks. Built picturesquely along the steep gradient of the mountainside above the Stod River, the monastery can be seen from far and wide. The central building is a large assembly hall housing a large collection of figures and the ornate throne of the Lama-incarnate. Of special interest in the complex is the Lhabrang, a large chamber accessible through a vent in the roof, whose partly damaged walls are still adorned with the original frescos which are believed to be nearly 300 years old. closeby is located the old temple of `Chukshik-Jal', housing an exquisite central figures of Avalokitesvara, - the patron deity of Tibet. The smoke covered wall frescos here are the finest example of Himalayan art work.

Stongdey - An old establishment associated with the Tibetan Yogi, Marpa, Stongdey is now the second largest monastic establishment of Zanskar, inhabited by a resident community of about 60 Gelukpa monks. The widespread whitewashed complex has a number of temples, each a repository of the region's rich monastic legacy. Of particular interest here is the Gon-Khang, a well guarded room containing several fierce-faced guardian deities which are generally veiled.

Zangla - Lying deep in the northern arm of Zanskar is Zangla, the old castle now in ruins except for a small chapel, occupying a hill, overlooking the deserted valley below. Nearby is an old Nunnery worth a visit for the austere life style of the small monastic community of nuns. An old monastery situated in the nearby village of Tsa-zar has exquisite frescos that should not be missed.

Bardan - Bardan is an isolated monastery with about 40 Drugpa (old school) monks in residence. Founded during the 17th century, Bardan controls several smaller Drugpa establishments in the region, including the famous Sani Monastery. The large assembly hall, around which all other structures are organized, contains beautiful statues of Buddhist divinities and small stupas in clay, bronze, wood and copper.

Phugthal - By far the most spectacularly located monastic establishment anywhere in Ladakh, the Phugthal complex spills out of the mouth of a huge cave high up in the sheer mountain face of a lateral gorge through which a major tributary of the Southern Lungnak (Lingti-Tsarap) River flows.

Zongkhul - The other spectacular cave monastery of Zanskar, Zongkhul falls on the Padum-Kishtwar trekking trail, just before the ascent to the Omasi-la Pass begins. A foot print on a stone near the entrance of the lower cave is revered as that of the yogi, Naropa. The frescos on the cave wall are very old and reflect a high degree of artistic achievement.