Further along the road, we arrived at Purne Chah, a small settlement that has become the main gateway to Phugtal Monastery. Situated at the confluence of the Kargiakh Chu and the Niri Tsarap River, Purne occupies one of the most picturesque locations in southern Zanskar.
Although modest in size, the village plays an important role for travellers exploring this region. Homestays, small guesthouses, and tea stalls provide a welcome resting place before beginning the walk towards Phugtal. Watching the rivers merge beneath the surrounding mountains, we understood why generations of travellers have paused here before continuing deeper into the valley.
The atmosphere in Purne felt wonderfully relaxed. Local families greeted passing visitors warmly, while farmers worked in the nearby fields nourished by glacier-fed streams.
Even with increasing accessibility through the Nimmu–Padum–Darcha Road, the village continues to preserve its traditional character.
