Jhong Village

The village is ancient capital of the region and makes an interesting side trip from Ranipauwa and Jharkot. The Tibetan culture and tradition is still intact. Jhong translates as "fort" in Tibetan language. Jhong Chode Shedup Choephel Ling Gompa, one of the important and largest Shakya-Pa sect monasteries in the Muktinath valley, is situated on ruins of the forts. The fort is called Rabgyal Tse (lit. the peak of supreme victory) found around 14th century by Pondrung Throgyal, the great successor of Ame-Pal. In the past the chief used to control six villages of Muktinath valley from this fort. This ancient monastery was established in 16th century by Lo-Khenchen Sonam Lhundup, one of the best disciple of Ngorchen Kunga Sangpo shelters monks of Jhong, Putak and Chhyonkhar villages, as it is main monastery of these three villages. The monastery depicts images of Shakyamuni (historical Buddha) and other deities. It has beautiful wall paintings and woodworks. Photography and filming inside the monastery is strictly prohibited. Visitors have to pay certain fee to enter the monastery.