Kursha Monastery, Kargil

Kursha Monastery, situated around 10 km from Padum, is the largest monastic set-up of Zanskar. The monastery has numerous chapels along with rooms for more than 150 Buddhist monks. It is also the wealthiest and the biggest monastery in the entire region. Placed in the lap of nature, this gompa was established in the 11th century by Phagspa Sherab. The complex of the monastery has two assembly halls, eight temples and a library. This library is known to be the largest library in the region of Zanskar.

Ancient murals can be seen on the walls of the Thabrang or room of God and religion. The history of these frescoes date back to the 15th century. The other end of the monastery houses a Chomo Gompa or nunnery known as the Dorje Dzong.