l o a d i n g

Zanskar Valley

Explore the Lesser-Explored Zanskar, the Land of Adventure, Monasteries, and Surreal Nature.

Zanskar Valley

About Zanskar Valley

Also known locally by the name of Zahar, Zanskar is a small district in Kargil, located in the eastern section of Ladakh. For the ardent traveller, Zanskar Valley is one of the most enchanting places to visit in the Himalayan region. Plan your visit to Zanskar Valley well in advance to ensure that you do not have trouble arranging basic amenities at the last minute. This valley is a semi desert, with a known affinity for Buddhist beliefs.

Zanskar Valley is eternally famous for its high snow capped mountains and surrounding landscape, featuring geographical attributes that are unique to this region. Reaching this place will introduce you to sparkling clean river waters and a pleasant climate that makes it worth exploring. Located 105 km from Leh, Zanskar Valley has earned fame among adventure enthusiasts. With a host of activities that can be tried out at the valley, it has become one of the most popular holiday hotspots for those travelling to the Himalayas.

Most visitors to Zanskar Valley plan a trip for 2 - 3 days. Surprisingly, it isn’t difficult to find accomodation in this remote region of the Himalayas all round the year.

Best Time to Visit Zanskar Valley

Summer Season In Zanskar

In Zanskar, between March and June, temperature ranges from -1°C to 15°C. The city is covered in snow which starts to melt by the month of May. Summer completely sets in the month of April in Zanskar valley & travellers can go there.

Monsoon Season In Zanskar

The months between July and September are considered the best time to visit Zanskar. The temperature is between 15°C and 35°C, and since Zanskar is situated at a high altitude, it does not receive much rain in the monsoon season.

Winter Season In Zanskar

From the month of October, Zanskar starts to receive snow, and the mercury dips to 0°C and even less in the winter months. If you enjoy snow or wish to do the famed Chadar/Frozen River Trek, winter is the best time to visit Zanskar.

Top Things to Do in Zanskar Valley

Trekking

The best experience of an adrenaline rushing trekking adventure like Chadar Trek awaits in Zanskar.

Mountain Biking

Several adventure trails invite you to explore Zanskar while enjoying the motor biking experience.

River Rafting

Enjoy the adventure of taming Grade III and IV rapids on the Zanskar River.

Jeep Safari

Enjoy the adventure of taming Grade III and IV rapids on the Zanskar River.

Best Places to Visit in Zanskar

Stongdey Gompa

The oldest and largest monastery in Zanskar Valley, Diskit Monastery is the major attraction.

Bardan Gompa

The first monastery of Dugpa-Kargyud order in Zanskar, Bardan Gompa is situated at the side of Lungnak River.

Phuktal Gopma

The second-largest monastery in Zanskar Valley, the 19th century Samstanling Gompa is a must-see.

Karsha Gopma

A remote village in Zanskar Valley, Panamik is known for its hot water spring that has medicinal properties.

Sani Gopma

A small lake near Panamik Village, Yarab Tso is a scenic place to visit in Zanskar Valley.

Zhongkul

The second-highest motorable pass in the world, Khardung La is situated at a height of 5359 m.

How to Reach Zanskar Valley

By Air

The nearest airports to Zanskar are in Srinagar and Leh that have good connectivity to many destinations in India. Leh is 464 km away from Zanskar.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Zanskar is in Jammu, which is around 711 km away. From Jammu, one can hire a car to reach Zanskar.

By Bus

NH1 and NH301 connect Leh and Srinagar to Zanskar. Renting a cab from these places is the most comfortable way to reach
Zanskar.

Accommodation in Zanskar Valley

Zanskar, one of the offbeat destinations in Ladakh offers decent accommodation options for its visitors. The main village in Zanskar, Padum has a number of hotels that range from budget to three-star categories. Camping is also an option in Padum.

There are budget accommodation options available across Zanskar. One can stay in government-run guesthouses in Sankoo, Panikhar, Parkachik, and Rangdum. Private guest houses are available in Karsha. However, in Karsha, one can also look for a stay in the monastery. Homestay options in Zanskar are also available. One can look for a homestay in the above-mentioned places as well as in Reru and Hanumil.

We at Bonafide Holidays are associated with the best hotels and resorts in Zanskar Valley in order to ensure you get your kind of accommodation. We also offer the best deals and best prices to book your hotel in Zanskar Valley.

Top Things to Do in Zanskar Valley

Zanskar is the hub for many adventure activities like motor biking, trekking, and white-water rafting in Ladakh. There are a number of trails that offer the best experience of trekking in Zanskar like Lamayuru to Padum and Darcha to Padum.

Amongst the top activities in Zanskar is white water river rafting that can be enjoyed on Zanskar River that has rapids of Grade III and IV. Camping is another activity to enjoy. There are several beautiful sites where the experience of camping is best enjoyed in Zanskar. A homestay experience to learn about the Ladakhi culture and lifestyle is also the best thing to do in Zanskar.

Tourist Attractions in Zanskar Valley

Blessed with incredible natural beauty, Zanskar is where visitors can find amazing places to visit. It is home to some beautiful and ancient monasteries like Karsha Gompa, Phugtal Gompa, Zongkhul Gompa, and Sani Gompa. History lovers can enjoy visiting age old Padum Khar that not only offers an insight into the glorious past of Zanskar but has a panoramic view to die for as well. There are a number of villages and settlements like Padum, Reru, Hanumil etc. that are a must see in Zanskar Region.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can one reach Zanskar?

    The best way to reach Zanskar is via the Srinagar-Kargil-Padum route. The other route is from Manali-Leh Highway to reach Leh, followed by Leh to Kargil-Padum route. If you are arriving from Manali, travel to Zanskar Valley via Leh-Kargil route. However, the shortest route to Zanskar Valley is through Srinagar to Kargil to Padum.

  • What are the important places to see in Zanskar?

    The top tourist places to see in Zanskar are Bardan Gompa, Stongdey Gompa, Karsha Gompa, Phugtal Gompa, Sani Gompa & Padum Khar. It is also blessed with extraordinary natural beauty & varied landscape, where one can enjoy several activities like river rafting, trekking, jeep safari & motor biking.

  • How can one reach Zanskar from Leh?

    After reaching Leh by taking the Manali-Leh Highway, take the Leh to Kargil-Padum route to reach Zanskar Valley.

  • Does Zanskar have good accommodation options ?

    Padum, which is the main village in Zanskar, has a number of hotels from budget to three star categories. One can also enjoy camping. Budget accommodation options are also available in Zanskar.

    Staying in government run guesthouses in Panikhar, Parkachik, Rangdum & Sankoo is also an option. Private guesthouses are also available. Travellers can opt for homestay options in Zanskar & monastery stay in Karsha.

  • How far is Zanskar from Leh ?

    Zanskar is located almost 464 kilometers from Leh.