Tonde Monastery

The Tonde Monastery also referred as Marpa Ling, stands high above the village, on the way to the Ronde Pass. It can be easily accessed from Padum and takes about 4-5 hours long hiking that passes through a bare desert like plateau to reach Tonde Monastery also known as ‘Yellow Hat’ school. Originally a Red Hat Monastery, Tonde underwent reforms in the passage of time, and now belongs to the most widespread, Gelugpa School of Tibetan tradition. Around 50 monks of Gelugpa sect reside in Tonde Monastery, the Gelugpa sect emphasizes on the study of logic and philosophy.

Some precautions to be observed while visiting a monastery:

Visitors are required to take off their shoes before entering a prayer area
Do not disturb Monks at prayer, and always ask permission before taking photographs
Do not touch religious artifacts
Do not drink, smoke, take drugs or spit in the monastery premises
Avoid talking loudly or disturbing the peaceful atmosphere
In many Gompa’s, you are expected to walk around the premises only in a clockwise direction
Women may not be allowed to enter the inner prayer rooms of some monasteries