|
About
Zanskar |
|
Welcome to Zanskar !
Zanskar Valley is known for its wide views and sceneries, cave
monasteries and mostly travelled to for its trekking trails and
river rafting experiences and the Suru Valley, the two valleys
almost always visited together. Nestled between two tiny alpine
lakes, most isolated of all Himalayan valleys, the valley has an
area of about 5,000 sir. Kms. and is situated at an elevation of
13,154 above sea level.
Zanskar is one of the most beautiful destinations in India. One of
the least explored destinations in the country, Zanskar, located in
the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, 105 km from Leh, and is only
accessible between April and August. The scenic views of the
snow-capped Himalayan range and sparkling blue rivers make it a
perfect holiday destination.
Situated in the Himalayan range, Zanskar is popular with adventure
junkies. A hotspot for trekking, paragliding and river rafting,
Lamayuru to Darcha and Lamayuru-Padum are some of the popular
trekking trails that pass around Zanskar. Treks to Markha Valley and
Khangri begin from Zanskar. A unique trek that offered here is one
on frozen water.
Housing a large population of Tibetan Buddhists, the daily life of
Zanskar revolves around monks and Buddhist monasteries. While the
locals generally speak in Zanskari, they are also fluent in Hindi,
Ladakhi and Urdu. Some of them also speak in Tibetan and English.
Zongkhul, on the Padum-Kistwar trekking trail is famous for its
beautiful cave monasteries and is one of the biggest tourist
attractions in Zanskar. Home to the Gelukpa monks, the Stongdey
monastery, the second largest Buddhist shrine in Zanskar is another
tourist favorite.
The Drang-Drung Glacier is one of the biggest glaciers of the
country and offers picturesque views of the snow-capped Himalayan
peaks. A winding river of ice, the glacier can be seen from Pensi La
and the trek to it from Padum is one every trekker worth his salt
must take. Trainers and paragliding equipment are available in
Zanskar.
One of the most challenging gorges in the world, rafting in the
Zanskar river is a dangerous but an exciting activity. Rafting trips
on this route can take up to 12 days and camping on the banks of the
river at night is almost as exciting as the rafting itself. However,
since the water in the river is almost always cold, it is advisable
to wear a wet suit while rafting.
Zanskar doesn’t have too many shopping options but the Pashmina and
Kashmiri, the handicrafts and silk carpets are the most famous
tourist buys.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ZANSKAR
Zanskar has no accommodation options and tourists set up their own
tents when they visit Zanskar. Some also prefer to stay in nearby
areas like Padum and Leh where there are tourist complexes and
several other accommodation options like hotels, resorts and
guest-houses catering to budget, mid-range and luxury.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN ZANSKAR
While local shops offering breakfast and snacks are scattered all
around the hamlet, there are a lot of hotels serving Chinese and
Tibetan cuisine and though these restaurants serve only limited
options in terms of variety, the food is extremely delicious. Hotels
and lodges have their own in-house restaurants that serve Indian,
Chinese, Tibetan and Continental cuisine.
 |
 |
|
|
|
... |
|