Korzok Monastery

Korzok Monastery sits at 4,560 meters (14,960 feet) on the northwestern shore of Tso Moriri lake in Ladakh. The buildings overlook the vast high plateau and house a community of monks who maintain daily religious practices.

The monastery was established in the 17th century and has served as an important center for Rupshu Valley ever since. Its long presence in this region made it a stable anchor for local Buddhist traditions.

The monastery serves as a spiritual center for nomadic herders of the Rupshu plateau who gather here during festival times. The wall paintings and ritual practices show how Tibetan Buddhism continues in this remote mountain region.

Visiting requires permits that must be obtained in Leh, as the monastery sits in a restricted area. The journey takes several days through mountainous terrain, so visitors should plan time for altitude adjustment.

The annual Gu-stor festival draws nomadic herders from the region to perform multi-day masked dances. These performances depict Buddhist protective deities and connect spiritual traditions with the community of herders.