Saspol Caves

Saspol Caves are situated in the hills behind Saspol, Ladakh, India, which is about 76 km from the city centre of Leh. Paintings exist in five caves, two of them extensively damaged. One of the painted caves, that have been given a coat of lime wash and red paint in the exterior is the most visited and is considered as the main cave. The paintings of Anuttarayoga Tantra in the main cave are very rare for the period of execution. These caves are under the administration of Likir Monastery.

Dating the era

Very few early painted cave temples exist in Ladakh and these paintings date to the late 14th/15th century CE.

Preservation status

The caves, also known as Gon-Nila-Phuk Cave temples, are in danger of total collapse and were therefore listed in 2016 World Monuments Watch. Rammed earth fortifications can be seen on top of the hill near the caves.

Conservation

Art and architectural conservation projects were carried out by the INTACH Ladakh Chapter in 2015 and 2016 in collaboration with . The project was funded in 2015 by the Prince Claus Fund and in 2016 and 2018 by the World Monuments Fund.