Best time to visit : April to August
Located in the north western region of India, Zanskar belongs to Ladakh region of the state Jammu & Kashmir. Considered as one of the stirring tourist places of the Kargil district, Zanskar is famous for exhibiting the high Himalayan ranges, amidst which stretches of the Buddhist monasteries are found. This is a proper destination for tourists interested in fun outdoor activities like mountaineering, river rafting and trekking.
Deeply engraved with the rich flora and fauna, Zanskar features a lot of stupendous locations like the Zanskar Valley, the Zanskar River, and the Drang-Drung Glacier etc. If you want to unwind yourself from the busy contemporary lifestyles of the modern world, Zanskar can be one of your best visits to experience the awe-inspiring natural beauty and the beautiful small villages nearby.
Facts
Situated at a high altitude of about 6000 m., Zanskar is spread over a total area of about 7000 sq. km. The region was opened to foreigners in the year 1974. The first approachable road to Zanskar was built in the year 1979 to connect with Padum. Padum is the main town of Zanskar. The Zanskar region is divided into three sub-divisions namely Stod, Lungnak and Sham. Tourists can experience the rich landscapes and the cultural diversity, once they indulge themselves in the scenic visit of this spectacular place. In the month of January, the local people celebrate an attractive Buddhist festival called Karsha Gustor with entertaining Black Hat Dance.
There are few eating options in Zanskar, but you are sure to get the delicious taste of North Indian and Tibetan cuisines. A number of local shops have simple snacks and breakfast items. The hotels also have their own restaurants serving Indian, Continental, Tibetan and Chinese dishes to tourists.
The major shopping attractions of Zanskar include Kashmiri shawls, Pashmina shawls, silk carpets and handicrafts.
Nearby Places:
- Zongkhul: Zongkhul features some remarkable cave monasteries. Situated within the trekking trail of Padum to Kishtwar, the group of monasteries represent some unique artistic beauties.
- Zangla: Zangla is situated at a distance of 35 km. from Padum. This is a worth visit to get familiar with the lifestyles of the nun communities.
- Stongdey: The Stongdey monastery is situated on the road connecting Padum to Zangla. It is at a distance of 18 km. to the north of Padum. With a strenuous climbing path adorned with breathtaking beauty, Stongdey is home to a community of about 60 monks.