Phayang
Fiang is a village comprising 300 odd houses, located at a distance of 15 km from Leh. The village is not only home to a 16th-century Phyang Monastery but also boasts the presence of the Himalayan Institute of Alternate Ladakh (HIAL), an initiative run by the renowned innovator and Educationist, Sonam Wangchuk. With the help of the local community, he also established one of the first Ice-Stupas in Fiang village which is an attempt to conserve the unutilised winter stream water for summer's irrigation purposes. The Tokpo stream cuts across the village originating from the high mountains and glaciers overlooking the village. These mountains overseeing the Fiang village are also part of traditional trekking routes and some of them even lead up to the beautiful Nubra Valley on the other side of the mountains.
Phyang is a village located at a distance of about 20 kilometres from Leh City. It is best known for its scenic location and a monastery that is considered to be one of the earliest monasteries of Ladakh. Also spelt as Fiang, Phiyang, and Phayang, it is also one of the largest inhabited villages of Ladakh. Phyang is one of those places that are still not affected by the increase in tourism in Ladakh. Not many people visit here which makes it perfect for someone wanting to spend some time away from the crowd. The entire setting of the village in a south-facing valley is very charming. There are a couple of basic guesthouses, homestays, and a campsite where tourists can find accommodation for the night.
Places of Interest
Phyang Monastery:
Located 15 kilometers away from Ladakh, the Phyang Monastery showcases ancient thangkas, murals depicting Mahakala, and intricate wall paintings. Within the monastery, there is a museum housing a diverse collection including weaponry, scriptures, and various idols. This monastery, with a history spanning 900 years, holds significant cultural and historical treasures.