Zanskar

Advertisement

Introducing Zanskar

When it comes to splendid isolation, Zanskar is about as isolated as you can get. This rugged Buddhist valley can only be reached by an arduous week-long trek or a 14-hour drive along a pitted and potholed track along the Suru River. Although Zanskar is administered from Kargil, the people of the valley are predominantly Buddhist. The valley even has its own king, though the role is mainly ceremonial.

Advertisement

From November to May, Zanskar is cut off entirely from the outside world. Ice chokes the mountain passes and the valley sits under a silent blanket of snow. Farmers in the valley spend the whole summer storing up fuel and food for the long winter months. A few hardy travellers trek here in winter along the frozen Zanskar River to see the valley at its most beautiful and uncrowded. For more information on activities in Zanskar.

Zanskar’s days of isolation are numbered. A road is slowly being built along the valley of the Zanskar River, linking the capital, Padum, to Nimmu on the LehKargil road. When it opens, it may change the mood of the valley forever. However, most locals are looking forward to a shift of administration from Muslim Kargil to Buddhist Ladakh.

Trekkers can find limited provision in the villages along the valley. There are no petrol stations in Zanskar, so motorcyclists should bring all the fuel they need in spare cans. Trucks may pick up hitchhikers for a fee.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009

Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. WILLEMSPIE avatar
    RE: advice on treks in Indian Himalayas (incl. glaciers)?

    by WILLEMSPIE 27 May 2012

    End of June, I guess it will be monssoon time on the Pindari Glacier and elsewhere in Uttarakhand. You'd need to go to Lahaul, Zanskar…
  2. muriel22 avatar
    Re: Treking in Ladakh Aug. 2012

    by muriel22 23 May 2012

    hello Are you still looking for someone to join you for Zanskar in August ? If so, I'd be interested to hear more about you project...…
  3. torero37 avatar
    RE: Gay in Nepal

    by torero37 22 May 2012

    Yes, Upper Mustang should be quite good even during monsoon season. But how to get there? By plane to Jomson should be uncertain due to…

See all Thorn Tree forum discussions for Zanskar

In our shop

Bags feeling light?
Coffee table looking bare?
Get your guidebooks, travel goods, even individual chapters, right here.

See all books in our shop

Travel Insurance

Going to India? Make sure you're covered.

Get a quote

See all travel services

Advertisement