Shargole Monastery
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Shargole Monastery

35 km east of Kargil on the road to Leh

Shargole Monastery — view 1
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About Shargole Monastery

A small whitewashed monastery built into a cliff face above a green valley, with three-storey shrines and a vivid statue of Avalokiteshvara hidden inside the rock.

History & significance

Shargole is one of the older monasteries in the region, established by the Drukpa Kagyu order and tied to the wider Mulbekh complex. Its cave shrines preserve old murals and a striking eleven-headed Avalokiteshvara.

Travel tips

  • The climb to the cliff is short but steep.
  • A caretaker monk usually unlocks the cave shrine on request.
  • Donations are appreciated — there is no entry fee.
  • Photography is restricted inside the caves.

Nearby attractions

Mulbekh MonasteryWakha RgyalBodh KharbuKargil Town