With the help of “Zanskar Valley: Essential Travel Guide,” take an exciting trip into the heart of the Himalayas. This comprehensive handbook is ideal for travelers looking for an experience that will last a lifetime. It covers breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and adventure.
Zanskar Valley: Essential Travel Guide
One of the most magical locations in the Himalayas is Zanskar Valley, which is part of the Kargil district and lies in the eastern part of Ladakh.
The Zanskar Valley is separated from Ladakh by the Zanskar mountain range, and it remains covered in snow for most of the year.
The valley’s ethereal atmosphere has been shielded from the influx of casual tourists by its remote location. However, the area is a haven for hikers, those who enjoy the outdoors, and tourists looking for peace and quiet.
However, because of the challenging accessibility to the region and the rugged mountain terrain, visiting the Zanskar valley can be exhausting. As such, meticulous planning of your trip is essential, along with thorough knowledge of the best routes, accommodations, and tourist attractions.
Best Route to Reach Zanskar Valley
To reach the Zanskar valley, the best and shortest route is via Srinagar, Kargil, and Padum. Two other routes can be taken from Leh, but they are still being built. Thus, it is best to continue along the conventional route, which begins in Srinagar.
Make your way to Srinagar first. When visiting Srinagar, think about booking a room at Kashmir Houseboats, a Club Mahindra affiliate resort tucked away in the middle of Dal Lake. Depending on the weather, the trip to Kargil will take about six hours.
Stay the night at a neighborhood hotel in Kargil, then set out again the following day. The road trip from Kargil to Padum would take about eight hours to finish. Thus, it is advised to leave Kargil early in the morning.
Zanskar Valley Trekking Options
The list below features popular trekking routes suitable for seasoned hikers, all rated as moderate to challenging hikes.
● Chadar Trek
The Chadar trek, which is difficult but popular among seasoned hikers, is essentially a stroll across the frozen Zanskar River.
● Padum to Darcha
The nine- to ten-day trek would begin and end in the Himachal Pradesh valley of Lahaul, covering the Zanskar valley. This trekking route passes by the old Lugnak trail.
● Zanskar to Sham
Trekking through the remote areas of Karsha, Zangla, Pidmo, and Pishu takes four to five days.
Places to Visit in Zanskar Valley
There’s more to Zanskar than just trekking. The Zanskar Valley offers a wealth of fascinating locations to explore. Here is a list of a few of these locations.
● Phugtal Monastery
Situated in the Lungnak valley, the 15th-century monastery, also known as the “Cave Monastery,” requires access by foot. It surrounds a cave resembling a honeycomb.
● Zangla Palace
Situated in Zangla Village, the Palace is roughly 32 kilometers away from Padum. Tourists need to pay a nominal admission fee, contributing to the palace’s refurbishment. Enjoy a cup of tea and delicious momos at the small Buddhist nunnery in the village.
● Suru Valley
The route from Kargil to Padum passes through the Suru valley. However, tourists frequently overlook this beautiful but undiscovered valley. For those with an adventurous spirit, the small villages along the Suru River offer a wealth of sightseeing opportunities.
If you want to stay longer in Zanskar, there are plenty of other sites to see, such as Sani Monastery, Karsha Monastery, Dzongkhul Gompa, etc.
The majority of naturally beautiful locations are suffering from unplanned construction and overtourism as a result of the rise of social media and photo-sharing apps. Zanskar Valley, though, continues to be one of the last strongholds of wilderness, where nature has the last word. As you explore this unusual location, get ready to experience the breathtaking and untainted beauty of Zanskar Valley.
