Phobrang community in Ladakh transforms Wolf trap into Buddhist Stupa, promotes co-existence

Eastern Ladakh, Aug 14: In a remarkable step toward conservation and cultural transformation, the residents of Phobrang have transformed a traditional wolf trap—locally known as Shangdong—into a sacred Buddhist monument called a Changchub Chorten (Enlightenment Stupa). The symbolic shift reflects a deeper move from predator persecution toward peaceful coexistence with wildlife.

The initiative took place in Kongka Yokma, within the Phobrang Valley, and was led by the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) and the Snow Leopard Trust (SLT), in close collaboration with local youth groups, community members, and religious leaders. The Stupa was formally consecrated by a group of monks led by Khenpo Nawang Chotak.

Located approximately 158 km from Leh, Phobrang lies along the banks of Pangong Lake and comprises 139 agro-pastoralist households across the hamlets of Lukung, Yurgo, and Phobrang in the Durbuk Sub Division. Livestock herding remains central to the local economy, and communities have long struggled with livestock losses caused by predators such as wolves and snow leopards—losses that bring both economic hardship and emotional distress.

The Shangdong-to-Stupa at Phobrang is the ninth in a series by NCF. Eight such Shangdongs have already been converted into Stupas at various locations in Ladakh.
By converting these killing pits into Stupas that enshrine spiritual relics, local communities in Ladakh send a powerful message of compassion, coexistence, and respect for Ladakh’s wildlife. The transformation also reinforces the region’s rich Buddhist traditions while addressing conservation challenges.

Karma Sonam of NCF said the initiative at Phobrang was made possible with the close support of Councillor Chushul Konchok Stanzin, village Nambardar Konchok Nobu, Khenpo Nawang Chotak, Herder President Namgail, and the Youth Association of Phobrang. Karma also informed that NCF has helped some pastoralists with predator-proof corrals as well.

Councillor Konchok Stanzin expressed his appreciation for the continued support provided by the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) to pastoralists over the years. He also noted that the ICICI Foundation, through NCF, has provided ₹1 crore and ₹70 lakh to the All Changthang Pashmina Grower Marketing Society to support the development of Pashmina production.