Zanskar Valley: A Traveller’s Handbook

Located in Ladakh’s eastern section, Zanskar valley in the Kargil district is one of the most enchanting places in the Himalayas. The Zanskar mountain range separates the valley from Ladakh. The valley remains snow-covered for most of the year. 

Being a remote area, it has helped the valley preserve its mystical aura from the onslaught of casual tourists. But the place is a paradise for trekkers, nature lovers, and travellers seeking peace and tranquillity.

However, the Zanskar valley trip can be arduous considering the rough mountain terrain and the difficult accessibility to the area. Therefore, planning your travel carefully with proper knowledge of routes, stay options, and sightseeing places is vital.

Best Route to Reach Zanskar Valley 

The Srinagar-Kargil- Padum is the best and shortest route to get to the Zanskar valley. There are two other alternate routes from Leh, but they are under construction. So, sticking to the traditional route starting from Srinagar is best.

First, arrive at Srinagar. Consider staying at Kashmir Houseboats, a Club Mahindra affiliate resort nestled in the heart of Dal lake, while you're in Srinagar. It will take approximately 6 hours to reach Kargil, depending on the weather conditions.

Spend the night at a local hotel in Kargil and resume your journey the next day. The Kargil to Padum road trip would take approximately 8 hours to complete. So, it is recommended to start early in the morning from Kargil.

Zanskar Valley Trekking Options

Following is the list of popular trekking circuits for trekking enthusiasts. It may be noted that all these treks are categorised as moderate to difficult treks suitable for experienced trekkers.

●     Chadar Trek

A challenging but favourite among experienced trekkers, the Chadar trek is essentially a walk through the frozen Zanskar river.

●     Padum to Darcha

The 9-10 days long trek would cover the Zanskar valley and end at Lahaul valley in Himachal Pradesh. The old Lugnak trail lies on this trekking circuit.

●     Zanskar to Sham 

The 4-5 days long Zanskar valley trek would take you through remote places like Karsha, Zangla, Pidmo, and Pishu.

Places to Visit in Zanskar Valley 

Zanskar is not just about trekking. There are many exciting places to visit in Zanskar valley. Some of these places are listed below.

●     Phugtal Monastery 

Popularly known as the “Cave monastery”, the 15th-century monastery is located in the Lungnak valley. The monastery is built around a honeycomb-like cave and can be reached only by foot.

●     Zangla Palace 

Located about 32 Km from Padum, the Palace is in the Zangla Village. A small entry fee is charged from tourists, which is utilised to renovate the palace. You can enjoy some delicious momos with a cup of tea at the small Buddhist nunnery in the village.

●     Suru Valley 

The Suru valley lies on the way from Kargil to Padum. However, this unexplored picturesque valley is often ignored by travellers. The small villages on the bank of the Suru river provide many sightseeing opportunities for an exploring spirit.

There are many other places to visit, like Sani Monastery, Karsha Monastery, Dzongkhul Gompa, etc., if you plan to extend your stay at Zanskar. 

With the rise of social media and photo-sharing apps, most places of natural beauty are facing the consequences of unplanned constructions and tourism overload. However, Zanskar valley remains one of the last bastions of wilderness where nature has the final say. Explore this offbeat destination and be prepared to feel the awe-inspiring and uncorrupted beauty of Zanskar valley.