Changchup Choeling Nunnery | Zangla, Zanskar

Est. 1692 • Zanskar Valley, Ladakh

Where Ancient Wisdom
Meet the Himalayas

A sanctuary of learning, compassion, and transformation at 12,897 feet above the world

In the remote Himalayan valley of Zangla, Zanskar, where snow-crowned peaks touch the heavens and silence speaks louder than words, stands Changchup Choeling Nunnery: a 332 year-old beacon of hope, heritage, and transformation.

Here, young women from the most isolated corners of the Himalayas daughters of farmers, shepherds, and nomads from Ladakh, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and beyond embark on extraordinary journeys. They arrive as girls seeking refuge, education, and purpose. They emerge as scholars, leaders, and torchbearers of compassion.

Our Heritage

A Sacred Legacy,
A Living Promise

Since 1692, Changchup Choeling has been more than a monastery it's been a promise. A promise that every girl, regardless of her birthplace or circumstances, deserves access to education, dignity, and the opportunity to discover her fullest potential.

Today, we stand at the crossroads of tradition and transformation. Our nuns study ancient Buddhist philosophy alongside modern science and mathematics. They master the art of meditation while learning English and Tibetan language. They preserve centuries-old cultural practices while preparing to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

This is where heritage breathes. Where young minds awaken. Where compassion becomes a way of life.

Changchup Choeling Nunnery
Our Foundation

Three Pillars of Transformation

Spiritual Excellence

Rooted in the Nalanda Tradition

Our nuns pursue the prestigious Geshema degree the highest achievement in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, equivalent to a PhD.

20+ Geshema Scholars Graduated

Modern Education

Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders

Education is liberation. Our integrated curriculum combines traditional Buddhist studies with contemporary subjects.

CIBS Affiliated Since 2002

Cultural Preservation

Guardians of Living Heritage

Our nuns preserve sacred rituals, traditional art forms, ceremonial music, and the precious wisdom of Zanskar.

332 Years of Heritage

Our Impact

Lives Transformed, Futures Illuminated

332

Years of Heritage

25+

Nuns in Residence

20+

Geshema Graduates

5AM

Daily Practice Begins

Students from across the Himalayas: Ladakh, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Himachal Pradesh, and beyond

Modern facilities: Assembly hall, library, classrooms, and individual living quarters

Zangla Valley
Sacred Ground

Why Zangla Matters

"A Place More Holy Than the Rest"

The name "Zangla" literally means "Zang-Lak" "more holy place than the rest of Zanskar." This is no empty title. Over centuries, Zangla has been the birthplace of some of Zanskar Valley's most revered Buddhist masters.

Our nunnery stands on ground blessed by Mahasiddha Hari in the 15th century, supported by the royal family of Zangla in the 17th century, and visited by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in modern times.

"When I first came to the nunnery, there were no trees, no classrooms, no proper accommodations. Just faith and determination. Now, watching young nuns study Buddhist philosophy alongside modern science fills my heart with joy. This is the future we dreamed of."
C

Chamba-la

67 years old • Nun for 56 years

Education for Tomorrow

Zangla Nunnery School

Our Vision

We have not inherited this planet from our grandparents but we do owe it to our children. Whatever we do has a way of coming back to us and there's no one better than the young minds on this earth to give back what has been taken away from this planet. Little drops of water make a mighty ocean.

Our Mission

It's the little things that evoke the potential of every person. Our mission is to make this world a better place for living—not only rhetorically but literally through the means of education. Instilling awareness and resilience in young minds to actually change the face of earth.

Featured Program

SEE Learning Program

Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning a comprehensive approach to education that nurtures the whole child, developing compassion, resilience, and global citizenship.

SEE Learning
SEE Learning
Classroom Learning
Preservation Project

Zangla Monastery Renovation

Support the restoration of Zangla Monastery by contributing to our donation drive. Your generosity will help preserve this cultural and spiritual landmark, ensuring its historical significance endures for future generations.

Join us in revitalizing this sacred space, fostering a sense of community and preserving the rich heritage of Zangla Monastery.

Zangla Monastery
Renovation Fund Help us reach our goal

Latest Updates

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Make a Difference

Join Us in This Sacred Mission

Every donation, every prayer, every act of kindness helps write the next chapter of transformation. Together, we can ensure that young women in the remotest corners of the Himalayas have access to education, dignity, and the opportunity to shine their light upon the world.