Phugtal Monastery high above the Tsarab river in Ladakh

Phugtal Gompa, one of the most spectacular monasteries of Ladakh. It clings to a mountain cliff, high above the Tsarab river. The present monastery belongs to the Gelug school of the Tibetan Buddhism and was established in the 15th century, although it is believed to date back to the 11th century or even earlier. It is built around a cave, which possibly was used by many sages throughout history. Tsarab Chu sources on the slopes of the Great Himalayas’ main ridge and cuts across the Zanskar Mountains. It is a glacial river. In autumn, when melting of the glaciers becomes less intensive, the river current is less powerful, and the river carries lower volume of sediment. As the result, the colour of the river changes from grey to the incredible and unreal teal blue, sapphire blue or blue-green cyan, as seen on this photographed taken in late September. A wild and remote trekking route follows the river down to this place and further to Padum, the heart of the Zanskar region. Union Territory of Ladakh, India.