Zanskar Travel Guide
About Zanskar:
Zanskar comprises a tri-armed valley system lying between the Great
Himalayan Range and the Zanskar mountain; The three arms radiate
star-like towards the west, north and south from a wide central expanse
where the region's two principal drainage's meet to form the main
Zanskar River. It is mainly along the course of this valley system that
the region's 10,000 strong, mainly Buddhists population lives.
Spread over an estimated geographical area of 5000 sq. kms. High rise,
mountains and deep gorges surround Zanskar. The area remains
inaccessible for nearly 8 months a year due to heavy snowfall resulting
in closure of all the access passes, including the Penzi-la. To-day,
Zanskar has the distinction of being the least interfered with
microcosms of Ladakh, and one of the last few surviving cultural
satellites of Tibet.
Getting There:
You will have to cross several high passes to reach Zanskar. Padum in
the Zanskar valley may be joined but the track is not really smooth.
Tourist Attractions:
Karsha:
Situated at an altitude of 3610 meters, Karsha is inhabited by the
people where you can get a glimpse of the customs and traditions of the
people and to share with them their holiday celebrations and popular
traditions. 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. And not to
be missed is the beautiful mural art displayed at Labrang in Zanskar.
Apart from these the hill resort of Zanskar is home to several centers
of the Tibetan Buddhists that deserve visit.
Mulbek
On your way to Zanskar from Leh, Mulbek is an exciting destination.
Mulbek is ancient settlement that has a huge sculpture of the Buddha on
a rock. One also passes through Kargil on your way to Ringdum from
Mulbek. The area offers stunning views of snow-clad mountains. One can
also see the two highest peaks of Nun and Kun.
Remala is another beautiful village that you come across on your way to
Zanskar.
Trekking in Zanskar:
The hill resort of Zanskar offers to the thrill seekers plenty of
adventure activities to indulge in. You can try river rafting from
Serchu to Nyimu via Padam. Trekking can be undertaken to Panikhar or
Rangdum over the Pentse La, into the Zanskar Valley from Lamayuru, Leh
or Darcha, from Padum to the Markha valley et al. It is advisable for
the visitors to keep the climatic conditions in mind while choosing the
trek.
