Zanskar Valley
Overview
An offbeat destination of Leh Ladakh, Zanskar Valley falls right in between as we travel from Kashmir to Ladakh. The valley is not very populated and only a small number of Zanskari people inhabit the region.
Many tourists are seen in the valley throughout. Recently, the valley has become a favorite pick among travellers, due to the serenity that the place offers.
Not only is it popular for offering peace, a number of activities are available in Zanskar Valley such as trekking, Camping and stargazing. The popular Chadar Winter trek is undertaken here in the winter season. The prime attraction of this thrilling trek is the Frozen Zanskar River. You get to walk on the icy, rock hard water surface. You get to explore the valley through these trekking trails.
Visitors also include various water based activities in their itinerary including river rafting and boating.
For sightseeing tours in Zanskar, there are some ancient monasteries such as the Stongdey Monastery and many more. Explore these religiously significant Gompas and you get to learn about the rich heritage and culture of the valley. Also, Visit the local villages where you will be greeted with warmth and affection by the locals and villagers.
With Cliffhangers India, tick off a trip to Zanskar Valley, Ladakh off your bucket list. The team helps you in every way possible. Here’s a guide on things to do in Zanskar Valley. Take a look!
Best Time to Visit Zanskar Valley
The world’s second coldest inhabited place is Drass. It is situated in Srinagar and Kargil with a distance of 97 km and 35 km, respectively. If you are confused about how to reach Drass, you can reach it easily by air. The nearest airport to Drass is The Sheikh-Ul-Alam Airport in Srinagar. The airport has good connectivity with most of the landmark Indian cities. Also, you can reach Drass by landing at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee International Airport in Leh.
After reaching the the airport, visitors can book state buses, private taxis as well as cabs to reach Drass. The valley is known for its historical and political significance. The region is well known among tourists due to the famous Kargil War in 1999. Also, the site is famous as a trekking route, so as an adventure enthusiast, you can enjoy this site.
Best Time to Visit Zanskar Valley
The world’s second coldest inhabited place is Drass. It is situated in Srinagar and Kargil with a distance of 97 km and 35 km, respectively. If you are confused about how to reach Drass, you can reach it easily by air. The nearest airport to Drass is The Sheikh-Ul-Alam Airport in Srinagar. The airport has good connectivity with most of the landmark Indian cities. Also, you can reach Drass by landing at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee International Airport in Leh.
After reaching the the airport, visitors can book state buses, private taxis as well as cabs to reach Drass. The valley is known for its historical and political significance. The region is well known among tourists due to the famous Kargil War in 1999. Also, the site is famous as a trekking route, so as an adventure enthusiast, you can enjoy this site.
Leh to Zanskar Valley Distance
Leh to Zanskar Valley Distance is about 450 kilometers. The route goes through NH1 and NH301 via Kargil town. It takes around 10-11 hours. However, you can do the road trip with an overnight stay in Kargil town.
Things to carry for Zanskar Valley
- Clothing: As you visit Zanskar Valley, carry suitable clothes for warm days like tshirts, jeans, shirts, trousers, long skirts, dresses, etc.
- For colder nights, keep some thermals, full sleeves bottoms, windproof jackets etc. Some accessories to take are gloves, beanie, warm socks etc.
- Footwear: Comfortable yet sturdy footwear is a must-thing to wear for hiking and trekking on rugged plains.
- Waterproof gears: Try to keep everything in a waterproof and spacious backpack. Carry a full-body rain-coat as well in case it starts raining as you are out on a city tour.
- Other essentials: Bring sunscreen, snacks, reusable water bottles, energy bars, moisturiser, power bank, portable charger etc.
- Documents: ID-proofs, passport size pictures along with your driving licence are crucial to carry. Carry your permits to visit the military sensitive attractions and places.
- First-aid kit: Always carry some basic medicines for headaches, stomachaches and other personal ones if any. In the box, you must have pain-killers, bandages, antiseptic creams too for emergency.
Where to stay at Zanskar Valley
If you are looking to spend a few nights here in Zanskar Valley, Padum town offers some nice as well as affordable hotels and guesthouses. It is the only town that is developed in every sense in comparison to others.
Here, the hotels have spacious rooms with private bathrooms, flat screen tvs, almirah, etc. You are provided free wifi, parking space and much more.
More accomodation options include homestays in different villages of the valley. Enough stay space with home cooked meals are the specialities here.
You can easily find various hotels and homestays on online websites. There’s an option of booking them with the help of local vendors. Make sure to book in advance before the start of the trip.
Essential Tips for Travellers for Visiting Zanskar Valley
- Zanskar Valley is an high-altitude situated region of Ladakh and there are a number of alpine passes, lakes and meadows. It is strictly suggested that you acclimate well before going up to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness. Leh the capital city is a perfect place to blend in.
- If you are visiting in the monsoon season of July and August, occasional rainfall makes the roads slippery and you need prior experience in driving on mountainous roads. In case of any doubt, hire a taxi or cab with a skilled driver to have a safe road trip.
- Since Zanskar Valley is quite a remote region of Kashmir, different services are often sparse. Petrol pumps are present adequately on the NH1 till Kargil. Make sure to get your tanks completely filled here and carry some spare fuel as well.
- The last ATM of the valley is present in Padum. Get enough cash to make payments at local shops.
- In case of medical emergencies, government hospital is found in Kargil as well as Padum town.
- Network connectivity is quite limited in Zanskar Valley. You will lose it after crossing Sankoo. Carry a satellite phone and offline map for convenience and to remain in touch with your family.
- Since Zanskar Valley is in proximity to Line of Actual Control (LOC), you need Inner Line Permit to visit there.
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Places to visit in Zanskar Valley
Drang Drung Glacier
The entire scenery of the Drang Drung glacier and surrounding is a visual treat. With wide sprawled water streams and mountains in the background, it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Zanskar.
The Glacier is about 23 kilometres long and is the largest one in Ladakh, accessible to tourists.
If you are someone who is looking to trek in Ladakh, the trek to the glacier is one of the most exciting ones. It begins from Padum and takes about three days to reach this beautiful destination. While the gradient level is moderate to difficult, it is completely worth it. It can clearly be seen from the Pensi La, in the form of a river.
Visit here from July to September for a pleasant experience.
Phugtal Monastery
Phuktal Monastery is located in the Lung Tak valley of Zanskar, Ladakh. The most interesting part of the Gompa is its construction style and outside view itself.
The monastery is built out of a big rock or cave and seems like a honeycomb in the middle of it. It is home to about 40 monks, living inside the Gompa. The monastery includes a sanctuary. There’s also a treasury that is filled with sacred scriptures. The complex is multi dissected into prayer rooms, housing rooms, learning centres, etc. a sacred spring also flows nearby.
The best time to visit Phuktal Monastery is from July to September. Weather is comfortable and roads are accessible.
Suru Valley
Suru Valley is one of the most-visited places in Leh Ladakh. It is located at a distance of about 230 kilometres from the capital city of Leh. The valley is in the eastern part of Ladakh, accessible via Suru-Leh Highway (NH1).
Suru Valley contains the majestic Suru River. It also gets its name from here only. Here, you can engage in different water based activities like river rafting, boating and camping.
It is known to accommodate many monasteries such as Wanla and Panzella Monastery.
The famous Panzella-Suru Trek is one of the main highlights of the valley.
The ideal timing to visit the valley is from 6AM to 6PM and there is no entry fee whatsoever.
Visit Suru Valley from May to October when temperature rises. It offers comfortable weather for sightseeing.
Shafat Glacier
Shafat Glacier which is also famous by the name of Parkachik Glacier is one of the best places to visit in Zanskar Valley.
The glacier is 14 Kilometres long, completely frozen throughout the year. The glacier is a water source for Shafat Nala Stream. Ultimately, it joins the Suru river, forming a magnificent landscape.
Not only does it offer scenic views, it is the starting point for treks leading to the Nun and Kun Peaks.
The best time to visit Shafat Glacier is from May to September when the weather is conducive for sightseeing.
Padum
Padum is the only town of Zanskar Valley and its administrative headquarter as well. The place is more populated than other regions of the valley if we take comparisons.
It has also gained popularity as a trekking base of many hikes and treks.
In Padum, do add the Stagrimo monastery to the itinerary, accommodating 30 Lamas. Pibiting is one more sightseeing spot of the town. Do explore the colourful markets of Padum town and buy souvenirs and gifts to take back home.
It is about 240 kilometres from Kargil town. While tourists can visit here any time of the year, the best time is from April to September
Attractions of Zanskar Valley
Below are the handpicked attractions of Zanskar. These are the best things you can do in this valley, and for these activities this valley is famous.
Trekking
Zanskar Valley offers some of the highly adventurous trekking expeditions of Ladakh.
The most famous one being the Chadar trek or the Frozen Lake Trek, undertaken in January and February. Trekkers get a chance to walk on the frozen Zanskar river on the route.
While this one is a winter trek, there are some summer trek options as well. Popular choices include the Zanskar Valley trek. It lasts for about 10 days. A rather shorter yet immensely gorgeous trail stretches from Padum to Lamayuru. It is completed in 6 days all together. In Zanskar Valley, hikes and treks are generally of moderate to difficult gradient. You need good physical fitness for a safe journey.
Make sure to bring trekking and camping gear including tent, sleeping bag, trekking pole, etc.
Bike Rides
The alpine passes located in Zanskar Valley offer perfect routes and road conditions for motorbiking. Through these thrilling rides, you get to venture the monasteries of the valley, located along the highways. Those include Stongdey and Sani and some others.
Visit the local villages here and get an insight about their heritage and culture from the locals.
Zanskar bike trips in Ladakh are often done in large groups for the support and assistance.
Royal Enfield is considered a suitable choice to ride on the uneven and rough roads of Zanskar Valley.
To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness, acclimatise properly before the biking trip. Make sure to remain updated about road conditions through online websites. It is suggested to avoid traffic and unnecessary delay.
Baralachha Pass
A splendid pass through a spectacular landscape is what makes traveling through the Baralachha Pass a unique experience.
This pass lets travelers get a view of the beautiful mountains as well as the Pir Panjal mountain range.
Sangam Point
Sangam Point is a spectacular place to view an amazing blend of two beautiful rivers the Indus and the Zanskar rivers.
The point where these two distinctly colored rivers meet is called the Sangam Point. Tourists are surely going to be bedazzled with this natural, colorful, and adorable show of the pristine rivers. Everyone who comes here will take the most pictures of this truly picturesque display of nature, right here in this valley!
Festivals and Culture
If you thought this valley is only about the mountains, rivers, lakes, and adventures then that’s not all about it.
The festivals, celebrations, and culture here are what make this place a truly colorful and adorable one. The Sani festival, the holy dance by the Lamas, and the beautiful blend of Tibetan, North Indian, and Chinese culture make a visit to this offbeat place an amazing and enriching experience.
Monasteries
Visiting monasteries here or for that matter anywhere in Ladakh is an amazing experience. Monasteries have enlightened monks, gorgeous Gautam Buddha statues, colorful artwork, and ethnic architecture to get impressed by. Monasteries are a place for meditation, peaceful stays, a celebration of holy festivals, and learning about the enlightened living of the Lamas from the monks themselves. This valley has some great monasteries to be visited by all the tourists coming here. some of the popular monasteries are Likir Monastery, Alchi Monastery and Thiksey Monastery.
Visiting monasteries is a beautiful experience for everyone and all age groups. Moreover, the monasteries here are so aesthetic that clicking photographs here can give you some splendid photogenic memories to cherish for a long. The names of some monasteries here are already mentioned in this blog, still, we add the names of the famous Tibetan-Indo monasteries in Zanskar Sani, Lingshed, Stongdey, and Phuktal monastery.
Local Cuisine and Delicacies
if you are visiting Zanskar, then your experience would be incomplete without trying the mouth-watering delicacies of Ladakhi cuisine.
A number of restaurants and eateries for family dinners. From fancy ones to under budget, there are a range of choices for dining in the valley.
The local dishes there are prepared from locally sourced ingredients. Some of the must-try dishes would be Momos, Thukpa, Skyu, Chhurpe, Tingmo etc. you can drink refreshing beverages like Cholak, Tngdur, and butter tea.
The main ingredient used to flavour dishes here is wild garlic. One other Ladakh-specific dish is the soup made from stinging nettle. The Apricot jam is the highlight here used as spread on breads and with desserts too. You can buy it from local Ladakhi markets.
River Rafting
River rafting is one of the top things to do in Zanskar Valley. The experience is top-notch. The popular spot is at the majestic Zanskar river. Large stretches from Phey to Nimo or Nimo to Upshi are famous.
Both beginners and advanced rafters can enjoy the activity since grade III to grade V of the activity are available options. It generally lasts for about 2 hours, costing you around INR 2500 per head.
Remember to put on comfortable clothes according to the weather and wear your safety gears as well. To have a safe and smooth experience, pay attention to the instructions of the guide.
Enjoy festivals & Culture
Zanskar Valley is home to a number of villages. The villagers are so warm and welcoming, even though surviving harsh climatic conditions.
Through these village tours, you get to dive deep into the traditions and rich heritage of Ladakh. In such villages, participate in the local events, festivals and have a cultural immersion experience.
Here, do witness the creation of authentic dishes of Ladakhi cuisine and you can even taste them. Small local monasteries are located in the centre and around these local villages.
Plan a sightseeing tour there too. Homestays are available at these remote villages of Zanskar. They are generally the only option available as well in such remote regions. They are quite budget-friendly and comfortable.
Essential Information About Zanskar Valley
How to reach Zanskar Valley
If we talk about how to reach Zanskar Valley, the highly recommended way is via air travel. Kushok Bakula International Airport, the only operational airport of Leh Ladakh is located in the Capital city of Leh. It is about 2.5 kilometers from the main city. As you reach Leh, hire a cab or taxi to reach Zanskar.
If you want to opt for a train journey, Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the railhead, located in the Jammu region of Jammu & Kashmir. It is the only operational and nearest railway station which connects J&K and Ladakh with the rest of the country. From the station, reach Srinagar by a cab or taxi.
From Srinagar, continue to Leh city via Sonmarg town. Lastly, a road trip of about 12 hours and you will reach Zanskar Valley from Leh.
You can also plan a private road journey to Zanskar Valley. No matter where you are, you have to first reach Kargil, which is about 213 kilometers from Leh.
As soon as you arrive in Kargil, you can either halt here for an overnight stay or continue your drive to Zanskar Valley via NH1 and NH301.
Before getting behind the wheels, keep a live map on and carry a GPS or offline map to navigate through remote routes. Remain updated regarding the road condition of NH1 and NH301.
Where to Stay at Zanskar Valley
Since this valley is an offbeat tourist place, you need to have the information about where to stay at here in advance. Padum has a variety of lodging and stay options. Padum has a wide range of budgets for Three-Star hotels. Camp stays are also available in Padum. Leh Ladakh holiday packages offer an unforgettable adventure, combining thrilling rides through rugged terrains with serene beauty of high altitudes.
Tourists can also stay at Government-run guesthouses in Sankoo, Panikhar, Parkachik, and Rangdum. Karsha has both private guest houses and monasteries where visitors can stay. Homestays are available here including all the places mentioned in this part of the blog and Reru and Hanumil.
Remember to carry warm clothes, water, food packets, cash, fuel, hygiene and sanitation essentials, a basic medical first aid kit, torch, suitable mobile phone sim card for better connectivity and an overall good experience. For a detailed list of must-carry things for a tour or trek here, you can seek information from travel planners.
Why Visit Zanskar Valley?
You must choose this valley because of the variety of things one can explore and experience here. The beautiful blue rivers, pristine lakes, spiritually enlightening monasteries, challenging roads, and passes, silver glaciers, and of course the people and its culture. This valley is home to many monasteries like Sani, Lingshed, Stongdey, Phuktal Monastery and Alchi Monastery.
Going through the Pensi La pass overlooking the glaciers and the view of Suru Valley can be a mesmerizing experience. Most travelers are recommended to visit here from May to September to enjoy the beauty of this valley to the fullest.
FAQ's
What Is Zanskar Valley Famous For?
The valley is famous for its Chader Trek and frozen River Trek. It is also famous for its treacherous terrains for adventure lovers. Apart from these water bodies, lush landscapes, and pleasant weather makes this valley a famous place. The valley offers a lot of things for travelers such as paragliding, trekking, and water rafting. The total area of the valley is 700 sq kilometers. It is one of the remotest regions in the Leh Ladakh. The beauty there is mesmerizing with the magnificent snow mountains in its backdrop.
Which Is the Highest Peak Of Zanskar Valley?
Kamet Peak is the highest peak of this valley. It is 25,446 ft tall and one of the highest points of Zanskar. This valley is surrounded by magnificent snow-covered mountains ice glaciers and frozen lakes. It is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Leh Ladakh region.
How Many Days Do You Need To See Zanskar ?
3-4 days are enough to explore the entire Zanskar Valley. You will explore the breathtaking rivers, mountains, monasteries, glaciers, etc. Besides, there are many top attractions that you can cover in 2 days such as Bardan Gompa, Stongdey Gompa, Karsha Gompa, Phugtal Gompa, and Padum Khar.
When to visit zanskar valley?
The ideal time to visit Zanskar Valley is considered the summer season. You can enjoy trekking, river rafting, camping, photography during this time of the year. Different local attractions are accessible as well. Winter visits offer the Chadar trek and sports like skiing, snowboarding, etc.
Which is the nearest airport to zanskar valley?
Bakula Rimpochee International Airport is the nearest airport to Zanskar Valley. While Kargil Airport is actually the nearest one, but it is not operational as of currently.
Which shrine is famous in zanskar valley?
The famous shrine located in Zanskar Valley is Karsha Monastery. Belonging to the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism, it is the largest Gompa of the valley.
Which is the holy mountain in Zanskar valley?
Mt. Gonbo Rangjon is the popular holy mountain in Zanskar Valley. The mountain is believed to be “self-occuring” in Buddhism religion. It is highly acclaimed as religiously significant by Buddhists.
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