Karsha is the largest and most important monastery in Zanskar, a complex of white-walled buildings that climbs the cliffs on the north side of the valley, directly across the Stod River from Padum. Around 150 monks are resident here, and the monastery belongs to the Gelugpa school, the same order as the Dalai Lama. The complex includes a number of temples of different periods, the oldest sections dating to around the 10th century.
The climb to Karsha takes 30 to 45 minutes from the valley floor — steep, dusty, and rewarding. The views back across the Zanskar Valley and towards the Himalayan peaks to the south are spectacular. Inside the main assembly hall, butter lamps burn before elaborate gilt statues and the walls are covered in frescoes; you can walk freely through most of the open areas, though some inner sanctuaries require permission. A small guesthouse near the monastery offers simple accommodation for those who want to stay overnight.