Zanskar Valley, Ladakh: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time Visit & Weather

Beautifully nestled in the Himalayas another gem in the remote corner of Ladakh is Zanskar Valley. It is truly one of the most enchanting places to visit in the Himalayas. It is located in the eastern corner of Jammu and Kashmir and is separated from Ladakh by the Zanskar mountain range. The location and view here ought to be simple and gorgeous but then it is the least frequented location for the reason that reaching here is tricky. However, for travel enthusiasts visiting this remote corner of Ladakh is on the bucket list.

Referring to the history of Zanskar Valley, Ladakh,  with Jammu and Kashmir were part of the Guge kingdom in Western Tibet. It is connected through Kargil by Kargil – Padum road. Thus one could reach Zanskar Valley via Darcha in Himachal Pradesh by a trekking route over Shingo La pass. The place will cast a spell on you with its open vistas, fresh blue streams that cascade through the valley, the complete aura of the quiet place with sounds only from Nature, the pristine white glaciers that are at an arm’s distance from you.

The travel enthusiasts and Himalayan valley embark on one of its kind of journey each year to these remote places in the Himalayas. Though it is beautiful yet not much frequented, travelers from all walks and parts of life visit here to quench their thirst for traveling. For Zanskar valley, it has often been quoted that one ought to have ten sets of eyes to fully capture the beauty of the place.

Things to do in Zanskar Valley?

The best aspect of ZANSKAR Valley is that depending on the route that you take there is so much to do. Places to visit as per the route

Darcha – Shingo La – Padum route that runs parallel to the Phugtal Monastery trek and Darcha one could visit the calm Phutkal monastery while returning from the Darcha side to Padum.

Leh- Chiling- Padum route is connected year-round to the Zanskar valley through the Leh when Pensi La pass is closed due to heavy snow in the winter months. The life of the locals will also change as they have to stay landlocked for 5 to 6 months during the winter months. Thus fly directly to Leh and travel to Padum for further route one could opt to try the Chadar trek.

Trekking is the best way to explore the area irrespective of the route that one would take. Nature has much to offer and the flora and fauna here are one of its kinds. Witnessing the life of locals in the Zanskar valley is one of its kind.

There is so much to see in the Suru and the Zanskar valley. There are no adjectives that can define the beauty of the place. There are local sightseeing places in Padum which one can visit with the help of a local tourist or guide. In the Padum Village, there is the Mud Palace of the local Raja or the King. There are some 8th Century carvings that you can see near the riverbank in Padum. Drive to the old village of Plating it has a picturesque hilltop monastery that one can see from any corner of Padum. This is a very beautiful place as the Zanskar Village merges in the Lungnak river here and then flows to the Lungnak valley in the South- Eastern Zanskar.

How to reach Zanskar Valley?

The fastest route to reach Zanskar valley is from Srinagar– Kargil- Padum. However even from Manali, one could reach there from the Leh highway. Alternatively one could tread the Leh- Kargi; route to reach Zanskar valley. However, the shortest route is the Srinagar to Kargil to Padum. Despite the route, you decide all the routes have so much to offer and are blessed with surreal beauty. Thus to reach a beautiful destination you tread an equally beautiful route.

As Zanskar Valley is getting popular thus several other new routes are also being constructed. In the next few years route from Himachal that is Darcha to Shingo La to Padum. The other route is from Zanskar River (Chadar trek) that is Leh- Nimoo- Chilling – Padum.

Also read:

• Diskit Monastery: Things to See, Activities, Entry, How to Reach & Weather
• Tso Moriri Lake: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time Visit & Weather

What is the best season to visit the Zanskar Valley?

The best time to visit Zanskar Valley is the summer months from June to September. The temperature and weather during these months are pleasant and the harshness of winters will not bother the travelers.

Where to stay Zanskar Valley?

There are plenty of options to choose from while planning your stay in the area. There are some famous rest houses, resorts, or hotels that provide the best and the most comfortable stay in the Zanskar valley. Also while traveling to Zanskar Valley there are multiple options. However, to witness the local life and true beauty of the Himalayas it is best to stay in homestays.

Travelers’ tips to visit Zanskar Valley

Well, the beauty has certain terms and conditions attached to it once you decide to travel there. First and foremost to travel to Zanskar valley acclimatization is of immense importance. To make the most of the trip one needs to get comfortable with the chilly cold winds. There is a need to minimize the effects of high altitude sickness. Thus here are a few tips to get acclimatized:

• Keep the body hydrated.
• Avoid sleeping at high altitudes.
• Do not overexert yourself
• It is advised not to smoke tobacco or drink alcohol or any other depressant drugs.
• Eat plenty of carbohydrates and keep the body warm.
• Do not sleep during the day.
• Sleep in an upright position
• Carry medicines for AMS (acute mountain sickness)
• In case if the symptoms increase descend.
• The best route to cover for getting acclimatized is traveling from the Srinagar- Kargil- Padum journey in two days with a night halt in the Kargil. The best option is to avoid staying at Rangdum and stay at Rangdum while you return back to Padum.