Zanskar The hidden gems of Ladakh

Zanskar is a beautiful place in Ladakh, with blue sparkling water and snow-capped mountains. It is not very well known and is a Buddhist kingdom with an elevation of 12,000 feet. You can do many adventurous activities here, like riding, trekking, paragliding, and water rafting. Most of the people in Zanskar are Tibetan Buddhists and they speak different languages like Zangskari, Hindi, Ladakhi and Urdu. In winter, the temperature is around -30C, but it stays pleasant during the day in summer. The best time to visit Zanskar is between June and September.

Some of the famous tourist attractions in the Zanskar district.


Zanskar Valley

Locals pronounce it as Zahar or Zangskar. Zanskar valley is situated in the Kargil district and has a rough landscape with towering mountains and snow-covered peaks. It is a breathtaking sight with serene clouds and untouched natural beauty. The valley offers a unique experience with the tough terrain, clear blue water and comfortable weather that makes it worth visiting.

Phuktal Monastery


Phukatal is a cave monastery situated in Lungnak Valley in southeastern Zanskar. It got its name from "Phug" meaning cave and "tal" meaning liberation. The monastery is believed to be 2500 years old and was inhabited by monks, scholars, and those seeking enlightenment who meditated in complete isolation for years. It is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh and can only be reached by foot. The 16 Arhats, the followers of Buddha, are believed to be the earliest inhabitants of the cave, and their images are seen on the walls. The monastery is home to hundreds of budding lamas, and its school has been the sole medium of education for Zanskar's children for many years. Phukatal is a place where one can experience the vibes and aura of Buddhist monks and their prayers.

Gumbok Rangan


Gumbo Ranjan, also known as God's Mountain, is a tall rocky cliff located in Kargyak village of Lungnak Zanskar. It is considered a sacred mountain by the locals and is the only mountain in that area. It can be seen from a distance of 16 kilometers and is especially majestic during sunrise and sunset.

Padum


Padum is a town that serves as the only administrative centre in the Zanskar sub-district. The town is named after Padmasambhava and is located about 240 km from Kargil. In Padum, you can see ancient rock carvings that date back to the 8th century. The carvings depict the essence of Buddhism in a livelier way. The tough and uneven terrain of Padum is great for adventure activities such as mountain trekking. Photographers and nature lovers will find Padum to be the best place, thanks to its vivid beauty. The rocky mountains blend with the beautiful colours of the fields and valleys, making Padum a true treasure trove for nature lovers and shutterbugs.

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Zanskar River


The Zanskar River, a major tributary of the Indus River in Ladakh, originates from the Zanskar valley and has a distinctive blue hue, while the Indus River, with a greenish tint, starts in the Tibetan Plateau near the Manasarovar range. The two rivers merge close to the Nimmu valley, creating a stunning visual display of blue and green waters. Zanskar River is at its magnificent best between May to September and offers a thrilling experience for adventurers with its exciting river rafting expedition, along with the breathtaking views of remote villages and barren lofty mountains. This experience is sure to remain etched in one's memory forever.

Rangdum


Rangdum is a pretty Buddhist village situated in the Suru Valley of Ladakh, with colorful hills on one side and Rocky Mountains and glaciers on the other. Due to its high altitude, the temperature in Rangdum drops to around -5C during summer nights. The major attraction in Rangdum is an impressive 18-century Buddhist monastery, housing about 40 monks. The monastery's walls are adorned with beautiful frescoes, and its assembly hall features an impressive statue of Buddha. Padum is one of the most remote and culturally rich areas in India and offers a unique experience for adventurous travellers. While few travel companies offer tours to Zanskar, Dream Riders is one of the companies providing motorcycle tours to the region.

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