HEADLINES:  

INTRODUCTION

Zanskar is situated in the Ladakh border of the Kargil district at an altitude ranging from 3500 m to 7000 m above sea level. It is a very remote mountain valley spread over an area of 7000 sq. km.As a destination for adventure and mystery,Zanskar is quite interesting to be explored with its stark mountain landscape, dotted by little villages and stunning monasteries perched on high cliffs, and the towering snow peaks.

Historically Zanskar talks a about the Buddhist culture. Nature has provided Zanskar with such a unique landscape, which cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.Zanskar literally means the Copper Star and this name derivation is due to the fact that the various rivers flowing into Zanskar carry copper sediments. River rafting is one of the main attraction of Zanskar.

ORIENTATION

Zanskar is situated across the Suru Valley and over the Pensi La in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.

HISTORY

Zanskar has got its place in history right from the Bronze Age. During the 8th century Buddhism had a major influence in this region leading to which in the 10th century two Royal Houses were founded in Zanskar, and the monasteries of Karsha and Phugtal were built.

In the mid-20th century, border conflicts between India, Pakistan, and China caused Ladakh and Zanskar to be closed to foreigners. But however at least for the past twenty years the opening of a road has led to lot of tourists coming in with many changes to the traditional social organization of Zanskar.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Summers are ideal to visit Zanskar especially during the months of April to August to keep off harsh winter.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

KARSHA GUSTOR

This is one of the major Buddhist festival celebrated in Zanskar and it falls in the month of January. This is a very colourful and attractive festival highlighted by a special dance Black Hat Dance.

PLACES OF INTERESTS

LADAKH

Ladakh is a land abounding in awesome physical features, set in an enormous and spectacular environment. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Karakoram in the north and the great Himalayas in the south, it is traversed by two other parallel chains, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar range.
It is said that only in Ladakh can a man sitting in the sun with his feet in the shade suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time.

PENZELLA PASS

The Zasnkar valley and the Suru Valle are separated by the Penzella Pass which is situated at an altitude of 4200 m above the Zanskar range. During the winter season the entire region is covered by snow. It is also rich in its unique way of flora and fauna during summer, when the snow melts. The either side of the pass is suited for camping and is often used by travelers and migratory people.

KARSHA

This is a small tribal settlement situated at a distance of about 8 km from Padam and at an altitude of about 3610 meters. You can get a complete study of the customs and traditions of the people living in this area. Though it is a small settlement all the essential requirements like market, school, dispensary, and even telegraph and post facilities are available here.

GELUGPA MONASTERY

The Gelugpa monastery at Karsha is the largest in the Zanskar Valley and must be visited to know the centrality of religion to the lives of the people of Zanskar. The roof of the monastery commands impressive views of the main Himalaya and the Zanskar Valley.

DHANG-DHRUNG GLACIER

Dhang-Dhrung Glacier takes the credit of one of the biggest glaciers in India and from here one can get awesome picturesque scenery of the Himalayas. It takes at least three days Zanskar valley to reach this place. The voyage to Dhang-Dhrung Glacier takes you through tunning glaciers, spectacular mountain ranges and fruit orchards.   

PANIKHAR

One of the other major attraction in Zanskar is the fort of Zorawar Singh which is situated in Panikhar at the border of the Suru Valley. One should never miss the beautiful mural art displayed at Labrang in Zanskar.

THINGS TO DO

RIVER RAFTING

River rafting is one of the main attraction in Zanskar which is quite challenging. This adventure takes you to a state of being stimulated and it takes at least four days during which you will spend the nights in camps set up on the rocky banks itself. The water is freezing cold and the thrilling experience takes you into the narrowest ravine of the world.

TREKKING

Though trekking in Zanskar is of physical strain it holds you spellbound as you pass through the few of the highest mountain passes in the country and is very thrilling and captivating. The most famous trek route is named Chadar Ice Trek.

The trek is carried out on the frozen zanskar river during the winter season. The other two interesting trek routes are Padam to Lamayuru which takes around 12-16 days and Padam to Leh which is about 15-17 days.

SHOPPING

There is nothing much to shop in Zanskar.