Zanskar Valley
Overview
A land hidden from the outer world, pure and untouched, far away from the hustle of city life – that is Zanskar Valley. If you are a backpacker or a lover of offbeat destinations, then the place you’ve been searching for all these years is Zanskar Valley.
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. Zanskar Valley, with its untouched landscapes and ancient culture, promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re planning a memorable adventure, check out Cliffhangers India’s carefully curated Zanskar Valley tour packages that cover the best of the region.
Since “zangs” is the Tibetan word for copper, the term “Zanskar” or “Zangskar” attests to the region’s copper abundance. The terms “white copper” (Zangs-dkar), “copper star” (Zangs-skar), “copper palace” (Zangs-mkar), and “copper valley” (Zan-skar) are all translations of its name.
At an average elevation of 13,000 feet, the Zanskar Valley is a semi-arid area. During the summer, the road to Zanskar is only open for five months. Heavy snowfall keeps the valley closed off for the remainder of the year. The frozen Zanskar river serves as the sole means of communication during this period. The only way the Zanskari people can stay in touch with the outside world is by walking on the frozen river. For travelers and trekkers, the icy river renders the renowned Chadar Trek.
In the past, Zanskar was a peaceful Buddhist kingdom that was a part of the Tibetan Guge kingdom. Later, this area was ruled by Ladakhi kings.
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.
The Phugtal Monastery Trek, Padum – Darcha Trek, Padum – Gumbok Rangan Trek, Zanskar – Sham Valley Trek, and Lugnak Trail Trek are among the other treks in addition to the well-known Chadar Trek. Zanskar provides incredible camping locations at Pensi La, Gumbok Rangan, Zangla, and Lingshed for those who enjoy camping.
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 offbeat nature and wild beauty of Zanskar Valley are drawing you in, right? But that’s actually an irrelevant question here, no traveller can remain untouched by the charm of Zanskar Valley. What matters now are the questions ahead of us: What’s the best time to visit Zanskar Valley? How can one reach there? How should you prepare for the journey? With over a decade of experience in the Kashmir–Ladakh region and as local curators, Cliffhangers India is here to answer all your doubts. Let’s begin with the best time to visit Zanskar Valley.
| Season | Weather | Highlight | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
|
June to September
|
Roads open, pleasant weather (10°C–25°C daytime)
|
Trekking, sightseeing, rafting, monastery visits, clear views
|
Best time to visit; ideal for outdoor activities
|
|
October to May
|
Roads mostly closed due to heavy snowfall, extreme cold (down to -30°C)
|
Very limited access; adventure: Chadar (Frozen River) Trek in Jan-Feb
|
Only for experienced adventurers; extreme conditions
|
|
January–February
|
Inaccessible by road, Zanskar River frozen, -25°C to -35°C
|
Chadar Trek (walking on frozen river), serene winter landscapes
|
Unique adventure, must be well-prepared for harsh cold
|
Weather in Zanskar Valley
Throughout the winter, snow continues to cover the Zanskar Valley. As previously stated, it is inaccessible during the winter months. Here, winter usually begins at the end of October. The average temperature stays at -10 degrees Celsius as the temperature falls well below the Freezing Point. Beginning in December and lasting until the end of March, there is a lot of snowfall and a strong wind.
In April, the snow begins to melt. Beginning at the end of April, roads begin to be cleared. By mid-May, summer has arrived and will last until September. Bright, sunny mornings make the days pleasant, but as the sun sets, the temperature drastically drops. The daytime high is approximately 15 degrees Celsius, and the nighttime low is between 3 and 5 degrees Celsius. Even though Zanskar is a chilly desert region, there are sporadic light rains in June and July.
How to Reach 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. After reaching 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.
To reach Zanskar Valley, the highly recommended way is via air travel.
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. The Capital city of Leh hosts Kushok Bakula International Airport, the only operational airport in Leh Ladakh, located about 2.5 kilometers from the main city. Once you reach Leh, hire a cab or taxi to travel to Zanskar.
By Road:
From Leh: The Leh-Kargil-Zanskar Road can be taken by car from Leh to Zanskar via Kargil (approximately 8-10 hours). June through September is when this route is open.
An alternative route from Srinagar is to go to Kargil and then on to Zanskar. Because of snow, this road is frequently closed in the winter. From Srinagar, continue your journey to Leh city via Sonmarg town. Then, take a road trip of about 12 hours to reach Zanskar Valley from Leh.
You can also plan a private road journey to Zanskar Valley. No matter where you start from, first drive to Kargil, located about 213 kilometers from Leh. Once you arrive in Kargil, you can either stop for an overnight stay or continue your drive to Zanskar Valley via NH1 and NH301. Before hitting the road, keep a live map on and carry a GPS or offline map to help navigate the remote routes. Stay updated on the road conditions along NH1 and NH301.
By Rail: The closest train station is Jammu Tawi, which is about 700 kilometers from Leh.
The Zanskar Valley is connected to Leh by two roads. The first is the Kargil-Padum Road, which passes through Pensi La and Suru Valley. The road ends at Padum after passing through Sankoo, Damsna, Panikhar, Parkachik, Rangdum, and Pensi La.
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 emergencies.
Top Ways to Get Zanskar Valley
The quickest way to get to the Zanskar Valley is via Srinagar and Kargil. Leh can be reached directly by rail or air, or it can be reached via the Manali–Leh highway and then on to Kargil. You can travel to Padum by road from here. Regarding the shortest route, the Srinagar – Kargil – Padum route will get you there safely. This route, which offers riders exhilarating roads and breathtaking views, is frequently included in itineraries for Ladakh bike trips.
- From Himachal: This route is currently being built and will be finished in a few more years. It travels to Shingo La and Padum from Darcha in Himachal.There is an alternate route that leads from Leh to Nimoo, Chilling, and Padum. This route mostly follows the Zanskar River.
- Starting from Darcha: The well-known Phugtal monastery can be visited en route to Shingo La, which is 40 kilometers away.
- Via Leh: This route offers convenient access to the Zanskar Valley and is open year-round. After passing through Leh to Chilling, it will make its way to Padum. When this route is finished, the majority of the residents will have a better way to commute.
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.
Popular Ladakh Tours
7D/6N
8D/7N
6D/ 5N
10D/9N
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.
- Location: Near Pensi La, Zanskar Valley, Ladakh
- Best Time to Visit: July to September
- Highlight: Largest accessible glacier in Ladakh (about 23 km long), visible from Pensi La as a river; stunning wide water streams and mountain views
- Tip: Trek starts from Padum and takes about 3 days; gradient is moderate to difficult, so come prepared with proper trekking gear and warm clothes
Phugtal Monastery
Ever imagined a monastery tucked into the side of a cliff, looking like it’s straight out of a fantasy movie? If not, then it’s your time to visit that! 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.
- Location: Lung Tak Valley, Zanskar, Ladakh
- Best Time to Visit: July to September
- Highlight: Unique monastery built into a cave resembling a honeycomb; home to around 40 monks; includes prayer rooms, learning centers, and a sacred spring nearby
- Tip: The monastery is accessible by trekking; respect local customs and carry sufficient water and snacks for the journey
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). If there’s one place in Ladakh that perfectly blends natural beauty with adventure, it’s Suru Valley.
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.
- Location: Eastern Ladakh, about 230 km from Leh via Suru-Leh Highway (NH1)
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
- Highlight: Majestic Suru River offering river rafting, boating, camping; home to monasteries like Wanla and Panzella; famous Panzella-Suru Trek
- Tip: Visit between 6 AM to 6 PM; no entry fee; ideal for adventure enthusiasts and monastery visits
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. Shafat Glacier also known as Parkachik Glacier is a sight that leaves you speechless. 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.
- Location: Near Parkachik, Suru Valley, Zanskar
- Best Time to Visit: May to September
- Highlight: 14 km long glacier, source of Shafat Nala stream, starting point for treks to Nun and Kun Peaks; spectacular landscape
- Tip: Carry warm clothing and trekking essentials; weather can be cold even in summer; great for photography and trekking
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. Padum might be a small town, but it holds big importance in the Zanskar Valley. 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
- Location: Administrative headquarters and only town in Zanskar Valley
- Best Time to Visit: April to September
- Highlight: Popular trekking base with attractions like Stagrimo Monastery (home to 30 Lamas), Pibiting, and vibrant local markets
- Tip: Explore colorful markets for souvenirs; use Padum as a base for treks and sightseeing; accessible from Kargil (240 km away)
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.
- Chadar Trek: Frozen Zanskar River (Jan-Feb) – Ice-walk wonder
- Padum-Lamayuru: 10-day trek through monasteries – Zanskar heartland
- Padum-Darcha: Remote 9-10 day trek – High-altitude challenge
- Lugnak Trail: Rocky Tsarap River gorges – Untamed wilderness
- Singge La Pass: 5009m altitude – Panoramic Zanskar vistas
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.
- Zanskar Circuit: Stongdey-Sani monasteries – Royal Enfield trails
- Suru Valley: NH1 routes – Alpine passes
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.
- Leh-Manali Highway: Pir Panjal views – Mountain spectacle
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!
- Indus-Zanskar Confluence: Turquoise-indigo merge – Photographer’s dream
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.
- Sani Festival: Lama dances – Sacred celebrations
- Village Homestays: Local traditions – Cultural immersion
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.
- Momos/Thukpa: Wild garlic flavors – Ladakhi staples
- Apricot Jam: Local markets – Sweet souvenir
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.
- Zanskar Gorge: Phey-Nimo stretch – Grade III-V rapids
Enjoy festivals & Culture
Zanskar Valley is home to a number of villages. The villagers are so warm and welcoming, even though they are 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.
List of Monastery
| Monastery Name | Location | Feature |
|---|---|---|
|
Phuktal Monastery
|
Lungnak Valley
|
Built into a cave, honeycomb-like structure
|
|
Karsha Monastery |
Stod Valley (10 km from Padum) |
Largest monastery in Zanskar; Gelugpa school |
|
Stongdey Monastery |
18 km northeast of Padum |
Second-largest monastery; Gelugpa tradition |
|
Sani Monastery |
Near Padum |
Ancient stupa linked to Kushan emperor Kanishka |
|
Zangla Monastery |
Zangla village (35 km from Padum) |
Part of Zangla Palace ruins; historical manuscripts |
|
Lingshed Monastery |
Lingshed Monastery
Remote village en route to Lamayuru
|
Gelugpa school; accessible via Chadar Trek route
|
|
Mune Monastery |
Near Padum |
Small gompa; Dugpa-Kagyu lineage |
|
Stakrimo Monastery |
Zanskar Valley |
Lesser-known retreat with panoramic views
|
|
Bardan Monastery |
Remote Zanskar region |
Drukpa Kagyu school; secluded spiritual site
|
|
Zongkhul Monastery |
Rock-face cave near Padum |
Drukpa Kagyu sect; ancient wall art
|
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 Zanskar Valley is an offbeat tourist destination, it’s important to plan your accommodation in advance. Padum offers a variety of lodging options, including three-star hotels catering to a range of budgets. You can also find camp stays in Padum for a more adventurous experience. Leh Ladakh holiday packages combine thrilling rides through rugged terrains with the serene beauty of high-altitude landscapes, making for an unforgettable adventure.
Tourists can also stay at government-run guesthouses in Sankoo, Panikhar, Parkachik, and Rangdum. Karsha offers both private guesthouses and monasteries where visitors can stay. Homestays are available in all the locations mentioned in this blog, including Reru and Hanumil.
Remember to carry warm clothes, water, food packets, cash, fuel, hygiene and sanitation essentials, a basic medical first aid kit, a torch, and a suitable mobile phone SIM card for better connectivity and a smooth experience. For a detailed list of must-carry items for a tour or trek, consult with travel planners.
Why Visit Zanskar Valley?
Choose Zanskar Valley for its wide range of experiences and breathtaking sights. Explore the stunning blue rivers, pristine lakes, spiritually enriching monasteries, challenging roads and passes, silver glaciers, and immerse yourself in the local culture. The valley is home to many monasteries, including Sani, Lingshed, Stongdey, Phuktal, and Alchi Monastery.
Driving through the Pensi La pass, with its stunning views of the glaciers and Suru Valley, will leave you mesmerized. Most travelers recommend visiting Zanskar from May to September to fully enjoy the beauty this valley has to offer.
- Blue Rivers
- Pristine Lakes
- Spiritual Monasteries
- Silver Glaciers
- Scenic Passes
- Rich Culture
- Mesmerizing Views
- Adventure Sports
- Ancient Heritage
- Best Season: May–September
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.
What are the food options available while traveling in Zanskar?
While traveling in Zanskar, small stalls at Parkachik, Rangdum, Purne, and Photoksar offer hot teas, coffees, instant noodles, and boiled eggs.
What are the food specialties in Zanskar and Kargil?
In Padum, you can enjoy Tibetan delicacies like Momo, Thukpa, Tingmo, Thenthuk, and butter tea. Kargil offers cafes and restaurants serving dishes like dal-chawal, Chowmein, and Momos.
What healthcare facilities are available in Zanskar?
Zanskar has limited healthcare facilities, with the only hospital located in Padum. For better-equipped medical care, you can visit Kargil. It’s recommended to carry basic medicines for common ailments like fever, cold, indigestion, and painkillers.
What is the mobile connectivity situation in Zanskar?
In Zanskar, only post-paid Jio connections work, with mobile towers available in almost every small village. However, remote areas like Gumbok Rangan lack mobile connectivity.
Where can I find ATMs in Zanskar?
ATMs are available in Kargil, Sankoo, and Padum. However, there is no guarantee of cash availability 24/7, so it’s advisable to carry sufficient cash while traveling across Zanskar.
Where can I find petrol pumps in Zanskar?
Petrol pumps are available at Kargil and Padum. However, Padum’s petrol pump is often closed, so it’s safer to fill up your vehicle in Kargil and carry spare fuel in a jerrycan.
Are car mechanics available in Zanskar?
Car repair shops are present in Kargil, and a few mechanics are available in Padum. It’s advisable to get your vehicle serviced beforehand and carry basic spare parts and a toolkit for minimal breakdowns.
Is Zanskar safe for tourists?
Zanskar Valley is safe for tourism, with friendly and helpful locals. However, the roads can be rough, and vigilance is required. We faced no issues during our stay, even while camping in various locations.
Can I visit Zanskar with kids and elderly members of the family?
Zanskar may not be ideal for families with kids or elderly members due to its high altitude, low oxygen levels, and limited medical facilities. Physical fitness is required for the rugged terrain and long journeys.
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