Zanskar City Guide
Travel to Zanskar, an enticing destination of Jammu and Kashmir. Also known as a land of religion, Ladak is a paradise for adventure sports lovers. Encompassing many Buddhist monasteries, Ladakh forms the revered spot to pilgrimage traveller.
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.
