Buddhist Monasteries of Zanskar

Studio Nyandak is committed to the documentation and preservation of the religious and vernacular architecture of Tibet and the Western Himalaya. Our ongoing research efforts seek to better understand this built heritage and the people who inhabit it.

We work closely with the monks and nuns managing and residing in these monasteries and nunneries, along with the group of local Zanskari/Ladakhi stonemasons, carpenters, plasterers, conservationists and engineers.

Our collaborators include Dr. John Harrison, Dr. Ingun B. Amundsen, Dr. Karl Ryavec, architect Sandeep Sikka, structural engineer Paul Laroque, preservation engineer Marieta Nunez, researcher Dr. Javier Ortega and several other experts helping us document and preserve this unique cultural heritage.

Located in the heart of the Western Himalaya, Zanskar is a remote region in Ladakh, northern India. The valley, with an average altitude of 13,000 feet, is known for its rugged terrain and distinctive architectural heritage.

The Buddhist monasteries and nunneries of the region offer stunning examples of Tibetan, Zanskari and Himalayan architecture. These structures showcase intricate woodwork, sophisticated masonry structures, vibrant murals, and ornate assembly halls. Crafted from local materials, these structures were designed to suit the unforgiving climate.

Due to heavy snowfall in the winter, Zanskar is isolated for much of the year. In many ways, this terrain has helped preserve the religious architecture of the region. Recent developments such as road constructions, increased tourism, climate change, and demographic change are threatening this delicate heritage.