The isolated Zanskar valley is known for its breathtaking landscapes and its remote and authentic villages where it looks like the time has stopped. The history-rich monasteries in Zanskar are often built around ancient cliff top meditation caves, preserving an archaic form of Buddhism.
After driving up the majestic Indus Valley, you will reach Kargil, the second largest town in Ladakh where 90% of the population is Shia Muslim. The Kargil-Zanskar road goes through Muslim villages in the fertile Suru valley adorned with glaciers and the towering Nun-Kun peaks (7135m). After crossing Pensi La pass, drive down to Padum, the capital of Zanskar.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Zangla Palace & Monastery
Zangla village was ruled until recently by a king who still lives here with his family. The village is protected by a small ruined citadel built on a hillock and it takes 15 minutes to hike up to the citadel. Inside, a small Buddhist shrine overlooking the entire valley is still intact. The nunnery centre is another place which is worth visiting in Zangla, here travellers can learn about the daily life of the nuns.
Stongde Monastery
The monastery, home to more than 60 monks, is the second largest in Zanskar. It is perched 300m above the valley, offering a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and villages. There are several temples with beautiful wall paintings inside the gompa. Gon Khang, the temple of guardian deities, is one of the prominent shrines.
Karsha Monastery
It is the largest monastery in Zanskar with a community of 120 monks. Belonging to the Gelugpa order, it was founded by the famous translator Phagspa Sherab in the 11th century. The whitewashed monastic quarters rise almost vertically on a mountainside above the village. Steep steps lead to the complex comprising eight temples, chortens, residential rooms and assembly halls.
Padum
Padum, with a population of 1500, is the capital of the Zanskar region. There are small restaurants, hotels, guesthouses and shops in the town. It is a good base for exploring the nearby villages and monasteries.
