Walk to Kardang Gompa across the Bhaga

Kardang Gompa stands on a ridge across the Bhaga from Keylong, at about 3,500 m, under Rangcha peak. It belongs to the Drukpa lineage and is unusual in the Himalaya: monks and nuns have equal rights here, and monks may marry. Many members work family fields in summer and return to the monastery in winter.

From Keylong, walk down to the river, cross the bridge and climb through Kardang village and its potato fields to the gompa, about 1.5 hours up. Or take a taxi most of the way and walk back. The temple was rebuilt between 1999 and 2009 after damage, and it holds paintings, thangkas, musical instruments and a library of scriptures.

Take off your shoes, walk clockwise and ask before photographing. Leave a donation in the box. Return in the late morning, before the wind rises along the valley.