Location: Zanskar (also Zangskar) is a region in Ladakh, north west India
Attractions: Attractions - Charms of Paradise
Zanskar landscape is probably the most unique on entire earth. So, even the attractions in the town are unique from anything you would have seen till now. The main attraction definitely is the river rafting in the Zanskar river. As a matter of fact, every inch of Zanskar is stunning enough, that you just can't afford to miss it.
Penzella Pass
This is the pass that divides Zasnkar valley with the Suru Valley. Situated at an altitude of 4200 m above the Zanskar range, the slopes of the pass are covered with snow in the winter season. In summers, when the snow melts, a large variety of flora and fauna can be seen on the slopes of the pass. The either side of the pass is suited for camping and is often used by travelers and migratory people.
Karsha:
Karsha is a large community settled at a distance of 8 km from Padam. The settlement seems to be self-sufficient. It has everything that is required to make it a livable place like market, school, dispensary, and even telegraph and post facilities. You would also like to visit the monastery at Karsha, which highly believed in, by the locales.
River Rafting:
River rafting probably is the most indulged in activity in Zanskar. The rafting is done in the highly challenging Zanskar River. The rafting experience takes you through one of the most breathtaking gorges of the World. The water in the river is freezing cold and it is advisable that you take this ride only with a wet suit on. This exhilarating adventure through the entire river takes around four days and in between, you will spend the nights in camps set up on the rocky banks itself.
Trekking
Apart from river rafting, trekking also attracts huge number of adventure lovers to these lands. Zanskar has few of the highest mountain passes in the country. The trek routes through them are surely enthralling but trekking here requires ability to take immense physical strain. The most famous trek route is named Chadar Ice Trek. The trek is carried out on the frozen zanskar river during the winter season. You will have to take extra precautions and clothing as you will be literally walking over ice. Other breathtaking treks are Padam to Lamayuru which takes around 12-16 days and Padam to Leh which is 15-17 day long trek.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest airport to Zanskar is at Leh. Although it is equally convenient to get here from Srinagar as well.
By Road
Easiest way to come to Zanskar is by road from Kargil. The distance is around 235 km and state transport has its buses running between Zanskar and Leh. You can also hire luxury coaches and taxis from Kargil.
Local Transport
Transportation inside the city generally comprise of taxis and jeeps. Most of the locales prefer walking.
Major Tourist Activity :
Zangla:
Zangla was ruled by a a titular king, till few years back. Zangla lies in the north of Zanskar, around 35 km from Padum. For the visit of austere life style of small community of nuns, one can find many old nunnery.
Zongkhul:
Zongkhul has many spectacular cave monasteries famous in Zanskar. Zongkhul is located on the trekking trail of Padum to Kishtwar which is just before the starting point of ascent of Omasi- la Pass trek.
Stongdey:
The stongdey monastery lies on the road towards Zabgla, 18 km in north direction from Padum. There is a community of about 60 Gelukpa monks who are the resident of the Stongdey. Stongdey is the second largest monastic establishment in the Zanskar region and this monastic is inhabited by the community of monks. Tourists can approach this place on foot by the road in about 4 hours. Monastery climb is rather strenuous, but it is worthwhile after seeing the breathtaking natural beauty of the valley.
How to Reach?
Zanskar Valley is currently approachable by road from a Kargil town which is second largest town in Ladakh region. It lies on the Srinagar - Leh highway. The main town of Zanskar region is Padum which is approx 240 km from Kargil. There is an intermediate town of Rongdum as well. There is currently a road under construction which will connect Darcha to Padum and onwards to Leh via Nimoo
Place description: Lying in the eastern half of Jammu and Kashmir, Zanskar is a small town, spread over an area of 7000 sq. km, at an altitude ranging from 3500 m to 7000 m above sea level. Zanskar definitely is one of the remotest regions in the world to reach and the fact becomes more prominent as it remains virtually inaccessible for 8 months due to bitter cold and heavy snowfall. Zanskar is a semi desert that is surrounded by mountains from all sides and is cut through by Zanskar river which is the reason many people come to Zanskar braving all the adversities. Zanskar River is one of the best places in the world where you can indulge in river rafting.
River rafting is not the only adventure sport that you can enroll in here. Trekking and mountaineering also have a great presence here. In fact Zanskar can be completely seen only by trekking through the high rises. It is next to impossible for unprepared tourist to travel inside Zanskar or even reach it during the winters. The summer days though are pleasant, nights turn a bit chilly, so it is advised that you carry woolen clothes with you, no matter which time of the year you are coming to Zanskar.
Best Season / Best time to visit Zanskar
Zanskar has a pleasantly warm and dry climate in the summers. Winters are long extending from September to February and are very harsh with heavy snowfalls. Summers are beautiful with glaciers melting with warm temperature.
The Zanskar (Karsha Gustor) Festival, a famous Buddhists festival during January, is an attractive festival with a special dance known as Black Hat Dance performance.
Zanskar can be visited during April to August, keep off harsh winter days.
Best Season:
Jun - Sep
Temperature
Summer 5 to 40°C, Winter -14 to 24°C
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Zanskar
Zanskar Srinagar 190011
Leh, jammu and Kashmir - 190011
India
Zanskar Srinagar 190011 Leh, jammu and Kashmir - 190011
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