» Zanskar

Zanskar renowned for its high hills and gorgeous gompas. The lovely landscapes and the Buddhist culture of the Zanskar Valley are sure to leave a mark. Zanskar literally means the Copper Star. In fact the various rivers flowing into Zanskar carry copper sediments. The spectacular Himalayan landscape and the lifestyles of the inhabitants attract many tourists to the hidden kingdom of Zanskar.

Zanskar valley lies to the south west of Leh, surrounded by the Himalayan and Zanskar ranges, which is the most isolated of all the trans- Himalayan valleys. Zanskar comprises of two main valleys of Stod (Doda chu) and Lunak (Tsarab chu), which converge below at Padum. The valley has an area of about 5,000 sqr. Kms. and an elevation of 13,154 ft. The area remains inaccessible for nearly 7 months in the year. All the high passes are close in the winter and the river freeze on the surface. Zanskar walk along the frozon river to reach the Indus River in Nimoo village, which is known as the Chadar trek.

» Major Attractions of Zanskar

Karsha : Karsha is a human settlement with basic facilities. The Gelugpa monastery at Karsha is a must visit to know the importance of the religion in the lives of the inhabitants of Zanskar. It has a small market, school, dispensary and post and telegraph facilities.

Panikhar : Panikhar is an important place in the Zanskar Valley that is the border of the Suru Valley. At Panikhar the fort of Zorawar Singh is a major tourist attraction

» Places to Stay in Zanskar

Ample accommodation is available in Zanskar. You may stay at the Tourists complex or be economical and opt for the camps in the tents. There are few hotels too in Zanskar that provide basic facilities. At the inns of Zanskar dormitory accommodation is possible. Monasteries and village houses are the other stay options in Zanskar

» Best time to Visit Zanskar

Owing to the altitudes the Zanskar valley is accessible only during the summer months. The winter months are too harsh for travel in Zanskar. It is noteworthy that in the winter months the water of the River Zanskar freezes and becomes the Chador road.

» How to Get there

Road : The 240-km long Kargil-Padum road, of which the first 90-km stretch is paved, remains opened from around mid July to early November. The J&K SRTC operates a thrice-weekly bus services from Kargil. However groups can charter A-Class or even Super-Deluxe buses to visit Zanskar, including the interior places of interest like Stongdey, Zangla and Karsha. Jeeps and Gypsy taxis can also be hired at Kargil.