Mr. Stanzin Tundup, from the Leh Old Town Initiative (LOTI), supported a community-based project to restore an old shrine and temple in Leh, with Sumar and Chumathnag communities providing all the material and labor, in collaboration with Tibet Heritage Fund. 

1. Background
            Tibet Heritage Fund (THF) and its local affiliate Leh Old Town Initiative (LOTI) were invited to the Chumathang village to look at an ancient temple in 2013. The temple is named Thupstan Chosling Gompa but often is simply called as Gompa Nyingba (old temple). Thupstan Chosling Gompa has a generally weak roofing structure. In the past, due to limited material, the local willow trees were used for rafters. This soft and flexible wood could not support the heavy roofing weight and caused damage of several rafters. From our primary observation on the building, it was essential to repair the damaged roof, which was in danger of collapse. The Chumathang village community requested help from THF/LOTI for the restoration of their ancient temple. We had discussion with the community representatives and agreed to cooperate for restoration of the temple. This collaboration was designed as such; the village will provide construction materials and labours, the THF/LOTI will coordinate the restoration and providing our expertise. Finally, LOTI`s Stanzin Tundup got excited to coordinate and implement this project and he apply for support from Perween Fellowship in 2014, with this support the project could begin.

2. Objective
            To restoration of a Chumathang’s ancient temple as damaged roof which was in danger of collapse. Also, the repair of the roof will protect the beautiful wall paintings inside of the hall from damage from water infiltration due to rain and snow.

3. Process
3.1 Building survey

• Taking measurement of the building.
• Mark the measurement on the sketch.
• Draft the architectural drawing.

3.2 Photographic Documentation

• Photographic the painting with light-frame, which measure the 600mmx400mm.

3.3 Preparation

• Cover the wall painting with plastic sheet, to protect from dust.
• Consolidate the painting with Japanese paper, in preparation for opening roof.

3.4 Wall crack repair

• Stitch the crack with prepared joints by fixing joints in different levels and fill the cracks with mud-mortar.

3.5 Door frame repair
3.6 Entrance stone step repair
3.7 Roof opening
3.8 Making the door
3.9 Dismantle of structure

• Remove the rafters from the roof.
• Dismantle the structural timber.

3.10 Re-assembling of structure

• Leveling the bracket to fit the beam.
• Wash and clean the timber elements.
• Pre-assembling of structure before pacing it back.
• Assembling in place the wooden structure.

3.11 Lay the roofing materials

• Carry up rafters to the roof.
• Placing the rafters between the beam and walls.
• Fixing the place of rafters with adobe brick.
• Cutting “Taloo” twigs into proper size and placing the twigs between rafters.
• Placing of roofing materials over the twig to make the next roof layer.

3.12 Making of parapet

• Fixing the horizontal timber “Chal-shing” to support the parapet.
• Building up the parapet with adobe bricks.
• Making of wooden gutter.
• Treat the roof edge with bitumen sheet for improves waterproof performance.
• Fixing slate stones with cement to prevent water infiltration.
• After set up the “Chal-shing”, ready to begin the parapet making.
• Plastering the parapet.
• Completion of parapet with slate stone.
• Placing the second roofing soil.
• Placing the “Mar-kalag” clay.
• Applying final mud-mortar on the parapet.
• Preparing the roofing soil to be carried to the roof.

3.13 Making of skylight
3.14 Plastering, colouring and oiling
3.15 Completion of structural restoration

4. Next Action Plan