ZanskarZanskar, one of the remotest and beautiful tourist destinations in India, is a sub district (tehsil) of the Kargil district. It lies in the eastern half of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Padum is the administrative center of Zanskar. The entire region covers an area of 7,000 sq km at an elevation of between 11,500 -23,000 feet from sea level. Zanskar River, which flows through it, joins the Indus a little below Leh.
Having divided into three sub regions of Sham, Stod and Lungnak, Zanskar preserves the archaic form of Buddhism in its rich monasteries. Once lost world or isolated region, Zanskar has become one of the most popular trekking regions since 20th century. The Chadar Trek in frozen Zanskar River is the famous and amazing trekking route. Till the 1980s, this was the only accessible route to and from the Zanskar region (winter season only). Buddhism being major religion of the region, monasteries have immense significance in the region. Every year, a large number of tourists visit Zanskar to explore its untouched beauty. The summer months of April to August are the best time to visit Zanskar. The climatic condition in summer is comparatively warm and pleasant while winter is long and harsh with extreme cold temperature. |
PLACES TO VISIT
Zongkhul Monastery : This is the most spectacular cave monastery in Zanskar and is around 300 years old. It can be reached by undertaking a trekking on the Padum-Kishtwar trekking route. The frescoes and wall paintings of the monastery depict the rich cultural heritage of Tibetan Buddhism. Stagrimo Monastery : The Stagrimo Monastery is located on a red ridge above the old town and has 30 resident lamas. The best way to reach to the monastery is by walking an hour uphill from Padum town. Stongdey Monastery : It is one of the most attractive features of tourist attractions in Zanskar. It is the 2nd largest monastic establishment of the region. The monastery is closely associated with the Tibetan Yogi, Marpa. It is home to about 60 Gulukpa monks and houses numerous imposing shrines. Penzella Pass : The Panzella Pass divides Zanskar with the Suru Valley. The mesmerizing natural beauty of the pass makes it a favorite haunt for the tourists. From here, tourists can find breathtaking views of neighboring mountain ranges and countryside valleys. RIVER RAFTING IN ZANSKAR River rafting in Zanskar is one of the most exhilarating adventure activities in the entire region of Ladakh. The most popular stretches on Zanskar River for river rafting are Padum to Nemu and Phey to Nemu. Former one covers a distance of 20 km, is the most challenging stretch for the rafting activity and best suited for trained and experienced rafter. The other stretch Phey to Nemu is quite easier for rafting and it allows the rafters to enjoy the views of majestic mountains ranges and elegant monasteries dotted across the valley. Travel agents and tour operators offer alluring rafting packages on both of the stretches of the river. The best time for rafting expedition is in the months of July to September, when the Zanskar River is full of water. Map |
ABOUT KARGIL
Kargil is the second popular town of Ladakh region after Leh. It is situated on the bank of Suru River. Lush green field of barley and wheat, gardens of vegetables and rows of poplars and willows are general sights of Kargil town. Today's quiet town Kargil was once a busy trading hub for the barter traders of China, Turkey, Afghanistan, Yarkand and India. The small town of Kargil is widely known for apricots and mulberries, the streets of the town are surrounded by apricot groves. In the month of June, the town wears a rare sight of white apricot blossoms while in August the ripening fruits of apricot lend orange hued landscape to the valley. Although, Kargil has many more tourists' attractions to offer, it is usually considered as the stopover for the tourists traveling to Leh from Srinagar and vice versa. Apart from sightseeing to natural spots and Buddhist sites, adventure activities in Kargil are equally popular among the tourists. All sort of adventure activities like trekking, mountaineering, camping and river rafting are practiced in the valley. THINGS TO DO
TREKKING IN ZANSKAR Trekking in Zanskar is globally famous for its wide ranges of trekking opportunities in the undulating terrains, mountain passes, frozen river and ancient monasteries and monuments. Both short treks and long tedious mountain trekking options are available in the region. Whatever be the choice, trekking in Zanskar always enthrall the trekkers with impressive ambiance of the snow clad valley. The most popular and enchanting trekking route in Zanskar is Chadar Trek (sheet of ice). This hiking is performed on foot over the frozen Zanskar River during winter season. Undertaking the trek is not an easy task and requires immense physical strength to walk over a frozen bed during chilly winter days. It takes about a 15 day long trek from Padam to Leh and from Padam to Lamayuru. This tiresome trek can be an enchanting experience as it unveils stunning sights of some of the isolated valleys of the region. Other popular treks of this region are the 11-day Lamayuru-Padum crossing, the 4-day Stok-Khangri round trek and the 10-day Markha Valley trek. |
HOW TO REACH ZANSKAR
By Road
There are regular J&K SRTC bus services from Leh and Kargil to Padum (Sub divisional headquarter of Zanskar) via Panikhar, Rangdum and Pensi La. The other options are to hire motorcycle, share taxi, private taxi from Leh and Kargil. By bus, it takes around 12 hours to reach Padum from Kargil.
By Train
The Jammu Tawi railways station at a distance of 734 km (456 miles) is the nearest railhead to Zanskar. Tourists can take private taxi or bus to reach Zanskar via Srinagar and Kargil.
By Air
Leh is the nearest airport that receives regular flights from Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar.
By Road
There are regular J&K SRTC bus services from Leh and Kargil to Padum (Sub divisional headquarter of Zanskar) via Panikhar, Rangdum and Pensi La. The other options are to hire motorcycle, share taxi, private taxi from Leh and Kargil. By bus, it takes around 12 hours to reach Padum from Kargil.
By Train
The Jammu Tawi railways station at a distance of 734 km (456 miles) is the nearest railhead to Zanskar. Tourists can take private taxi or bus to reach Zanskar via Srinagar and Kargil.
By Air
Leh is the nearest airport that receives regular flights from Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar.