Zanskar is a sub district of Kargil district of Jammu & Kashmir, India. Mountain range in Zanskar separates Ladakh from Zanskar. Zanskar Range is the highest peak of Himachal. This place is famous for flora and Fauna. In India it is one of the unexplored places. Zanskar is known for sparking rivers, snow capped Himalayan Mountains, Vistas of barren landscapes and pleasant climate. Other attractions of this place are river rafting, Paragliding and trekking. Popular trekking trails around Zanskar are Lamayuru- Padum, Lamayuru- Darcha. Tibetan Buddhists dominates this place. Losar is famous festival celebrates here.
What to see in Zanskar:
Zanskar River: Area of this river converted into U shape due to the glaciers. It originates at the north slope of the Great Himalayas.
Zanskar Valley: This valley is famous for flora. Other attractions of this valley are meadows, streams, Drang Drung Glacier. Trekking conducts here.
Penzella Pass: In the Zanskar Range, it is one of the important grounds. This separates suru valley from Zanskar. Along with suru Valley this also separates the Zanskar from other parts of the Ladakh. Commonly seen animals of this place are Marmots and brown Bears.
Shagma Karphu: This place is famous for maintaining peaks, Zanskar Valley, sunset and sunrise. Buddhist culture is dominating at this place. By melting the snow, doted marshy lands are formed.
What to see around Zanskar:
Padum: It was once acted as capital to Zanskar. Padum Valley is the major attraction of this place. Other attractions of this place are Starrimo Monastery and Trekking. It is located 16kms away from Zanskar.
Karsha: It is located 21kms away from Zanskar. In this region this is the largest Gompa. In 10th century this was founded by Phagspa Shesrab. According to the Tibetan Calendar, a festival celebrates on 28th and 29th of 6th month. At that time sacred dance will be performed by the Monks. Other attractions of this place are Chukshik –Jal, Dorje – Dzong nursery.
Drang Drung Glacier: It is located 41kms away from Zanskar. This is situated across Suru Valley in Jammu and Kashmir. It is surrounded by two small alpine lakes and snow covered peaks.
Pipiting: It is located very near to Zanskar. This place is famous for several ancient temples and stupas. Other attraction near this place is Sani. This monastery has ancient chortens. It is constructed by Emperor Kanishka. Attractions of this Gompa are idols, paintings and murals of Saint Padmasambhava.
Phuktal Gompa: It is constructed in the shape of beehive on the rock wall. Major attractions of this gompa are huge prayer hall and meditation room. This gompa is dates back to 11th century.
Leh: This place is known as land of Lamas. It is one of the most beautiful places in India which is situated near the banks of Indus River. It is located 105kms away from Zanskar.
Getting to Zanskar: Zanskar is well connected through road way. It is located between Srinagar and Leh Highway. From Padum, Srinagar, Jammu, Kargil etc JKSTC buses come to this place. From Leh and Kargil Taxis are also available to reach Zanskar. Nearest railway station is located at Jammu which is 730kms away from Zanskar. This railway station is well connected with Rishikesh, Jabalpur, Indore, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi etc. Nearest airport is located at Leh which is 105kms away from this place.
Getting around Zanskar: Taxis and Shared Jeeps are available to visit the surrounding places of Zanskar.
Best time to visit Zanskar: Winter at this place is so cold. Best time to visit this place is between April to August.
Where to stay in Zanskar: Accommodations are not available in Zanskar. Few visitors prefer to set their own tents. Accommodations available in the nearby places like Padum.
Where to eat in Zanskar: Only Limited restaurants are available to eat in Zanskar. Continental, Indian, Tibetan and Chinese Cuisines are available.