ZANSKAR

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ZANSKAR

Zanskar valley is lies to the South west of Leh, surrounded by the Himalayan and Zanskar ranges. It is the most isolated of all the trans- Himalayan valleys. Zanskar comprises two main valleys of Stod (Doda chu) and Lungnak (Tsarap chu), which converge below at Padum. The valley has an area of about 5,150 sqr. Kms. and is situated at an elevation of 13,000 ft. The area remains closed in winter for nearly 6 months in the year. Due to heavy snow falls. As winter approaches all the high passes get close and the river freeze on the surface. Zanskari people walk along the frozen river to reach the Indus River in Nimoo village, which is known as the Chadar trek. The only way to get a zanskar in winter through the Chaddar, which means white river blanket sheet, also says in zanskar typical name Hkado sanglam.

How to Get There:
After arrival at leh,The route from Kargil to Padum via Penzi La 14400ft,is the only motorable road to reach Zanskar valley, which remains open from May to end of November. It will be 2-3 days from leh, On way you can visit the famous monastery of lamayuru, Mulbek Metria rock sculpture and night at Kargil. Next morning drive to Suru valley along the view of NUN – KUN Peaks, Rangdum Moanstry,and Drang drung Glacier, On top of the Penzila, you can see the two Alpine lake Staktso and Langtso, The view of the Great range of zanskar give a more panoramic and Pictureque to all of the Travellars. There are possible to get from the Srinagar-kargil- padum zanskar.
Moreover Enroute to zanskar there are various Medicinal plants, Lake, yak and Shepherds, also a peak of Zanskar Needle. Z1, Z2,and Z3 peaks. The zanskar valley is much more panoramic and lush greenery than rest of ladakh.

Padum, The head quarter of zanskar:
Padum is the sub-Divisioanl Tehsil of Zanskar which lies the two block padum and Lungnak. Which is 464 kms from Leh and 234 kms from Kargil. Once the Capital of the Zanskar valley, today it is the administrative headquarter of the region and probably the most populous settlement of Zanskar. There is a small market along the main road with hotels, restaurants and number of shops. The town has a newly contructed Mosque and a recently formed Muslim community. Stakrimo Gonpa on a hill side and the 10th century monument carved on a huge rock , that the region was influnced by Budddhism The majority population are Buddhist. Most of the Gonpas are situated near by padum. In 11 th century, the Great translator of zanskar Sherab Zangpo established a many gonpas at zanskar. In ancient time there are 2 major Castle at padum and Zangla. Still pleasure to visit the palace and castle.