royjay2018
★★★★4.0Wrote on 7 Feb 2019
One of the oldest monasteries in the Ladakh and the Zanskar
Sani Monastery is located next to the village of Sani at a distance of 6 kms from Padum and approachable by a 2 hour gentle walk. It is thought to be the oldest religious site in the whole region of Ladakh and Zanskar. The Monastery also has a nunnery.
Lovers_paradise
★★★★4.0Wrote on 6 Feb 2019
One of the oldest monasteries in the Zanskar Valley
Sani is a village in the Zanskar valley, just 6 km from the heart of the valley Padum. Sani village has one of the oldest monasteries in the Zanskar ---- the Sani Monastery. The Monastery holds an annual festival in July every year.
GuruGhummakad
★★★★★5.0Wrote on 28 Jul 2018
Considered as the oldest monastery in Ladakh and Zanskar
Sani Monastery is not a very famous gompa or monastery but is mentioned as the oldest one in Ladakh and Zanskar region, built during reign of Kushan king Kanishka, around 2nd century BC, when Budhhism was still developing in Himalayan or Tibetan region. There is a huge statue of Padmasambhava, in middle of a water body and Kanika (or Kanishka's) chhorten is located in the background of this castle like monastery. Since we were short of time, spent very little time here and would be surely visiting again, as it is full of history of Budhhism in this area.
Zainab_Akhter
★★★★★5.0Wrote on 22 May 2015
SANI VILLAGE: MONASTERY & LAKE (Zanskar)
This beautiful village is situated on way to Padum (Headquarter of Zanskar Valley) and is the second nearest village to Padum. It is situated on the Kargil-Zanskar Highway and Kargil can be reached either from Leh (leh, is aerially connected to Delhi, Jammu & Srinagar).via road or Kashmir too by road, from both places it approximately 7 to 8 hours’ drive. You can get a shared taxi from taxi stand Kargil for Padum, and can either get down at sani, the village. Besides being famous for the monastery, this village is also known for its crystal clear fresh-water lake with fish in abundance (Himalayan trout). Though fishing is not allowed due to the sacred nature attributed to the lake by the Buddhist community but one can spend beautiful soul refreshing moments by the lakeside enjoying and praising nature’s beauty all around. As there are literally no guest houses in the village, you can check in a hotel in Padum and then make this village a one day trip. It’s hardly 30 minutes’ drive from Padum. The monastery is really unique and is located in the center of the village with streams flowing nearby.The lake is really beautiful and you will be able to see the fresh water and fishes in the lake. It is really a peaceful place with beauty all around. Also, if you talk to the locals they are really friendly, and some houses also allow stay home kind of arrangements so that you can understand their culture. The whole village follows Buddhism and thus is really peaceful. LOCATION: ZANSKAR DISTANCE: APPROX 10 HOUR DRIVE FROM KARGIL HOW TO REACH:SHARED TAXI FROM KARGIL, RUNS DAILY; MINIMUM 1000 INR PER HEAD. BEST TIME: JUNE TO SEPTEMBER
