Zanskar Valley Travel Guide

If you have the penchant to behold dramatic vistas, a visit to the Zanskar valley is a must. It is a unique blend of time-honoured Tibetan culture and modern-day practices. It is a town of sharp contrasts as it is an ideal destination for high spirit travellers, nature lovers, adventure seekers and a spot for a kicked-back vacation. The air is wonderfully clean and the unspoilt landscapes make the land remain ripe for cherished adventures and exploration.

When you are in Zanskar, you are never too far from the enormous lakes, mighty mountains, beautiful river scenes and lush green valleys. Zanskar is the perfect holiday destination and we have curated this complete guide on Iceland tourism that will state all the important details you need to know before you go.

How to reach Zanskar Valley

In this travel guide for Zanskar Valley, we have listed three routes via which you can make it
to the Tso.

By Air: Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the nearest aerodrome to make it to the Zanskar valley. Hiring a cab from the airport is a great option or you can also choose to take the public transport. Travelling via air to Leh saves times and lets you explore the city to its fullest. The airport is well-connected by with other major cities in India.

By Road: It is convenient to reach Kargil and then travel via road to Zanskar. You can start from Leh, halt for a night in Kargil and head for Padum the next day.

Route: Leh – Lamayuru – Mulbekh – Kargil – Sankoo – Panikhar – Rangdum – Padum
Total travel distance from Leh: Approximately 500 kms
Total travel time: 12-15 hours approximately

Another route via Shinku La is on the verge of completion post which you will be able to travel to Zanskar valley via Manali.

By Rail: It is not a very common mode of transport since Zanskar has no railhead. The closest station to the valley is that of Jammu from where you will have to take a bus or cab to Srinagar.

Route: Srinagar – Sonamarg – Drass – Kargil – Rangdum – Padum
Total travel distance from Srinagar: Approximately 470 kms
Total travel time: 12-15 hours approximately

Best time to visit the Zanskar Valley

Choose the perfect season to plan your trip with the help of this exclusive travel guide for Zanskar Valley.

The summer month from April to Mid September proves to be the best time to visit the Zanskar valley. The brutally cold winters in these months are replaced by midnight sun in the summers. The climate is most energizing at this time and also obliging as the snow would have softened. In these months, there is a buzz of movement with tourists flying in for sightseeing and to be a part of the festivities in the valley. The average temperature ranges between a minimum of 10° C to a maximum of 20° C. This also states that the summers here are cool and pleasant unlike the scorching heat experienced by the rest of the country.

Know More About: Best Time to visit Zanskar Valley

Top things to do in the Zanskar Valley

There is a whole list of top things to do listed below in this amazing guide for tourists in Zanskar Valley. Scroll through and tick mark each one of them on your holiday trip to Ladakh.

Go on a Chadar Trek

Also known as the frozen river trek, this experience is one of its kinds in the world. If you are visiting the valley in the winter months then embarking on this trek is a must. The trail takes you to an elevation of 10,000 to 11,000 feet and you must be healthy and fit if you wish to indulge in this adventure activity.

Experience the thrill of Pensi La Pass

Rich with blue-green water springs, medicinal plants and an unparalleled view of the surrounding mountains, the pass creates a lovely sight for visitors. It is accessible only in the months of May to September and observes heavy snowfall during the rest of the months. You will be able to spot rare wildlife as well.

Behold the tranquillity of Rangdum

Rangdum is an elliptically shaped plateau that is situated at an elevation of 3657 metres. You can take a day out of your itinerary to visit this place. Colourful hills and dazzling white glaciers flank it. The region is a charming site and you will also be able to see the only accessible glacier to people- the Drang-drung glacier from this region.

See the beauty of Mud palace

Pay a visit to the Mud Palace that is dotted with 8th century-old rock carvings. It is a 9 storey tower that stands as a symbol of the old magnificent days of Ladakh. You can choose to trek to the palace as well and enjoy nature at its amazing offerings.

Suru Valley

Contrary to Zanskar and its rugged landscapes, the Suru valley will enchant you will full bloom and lush greenery. It is most visited by adventure enthusiasts as it is the starting point for rafting trips and other mountain expeditions. The tourism activity is very limited here and you can hence make most of your trip by avoiding the crowd.

Tips for visiting the Zanskar Valley

A few quick tips listed below in this complete guide for Zanskar Valley tourism will be of handy help and save you from needless petty issues.

Owing to Zanskar’s extreme climatic conditions, be prepared for uncertain weather conditions. Carry essentials such as medicines and enough warm clothes.

AMS or Altitude mountain sickness is a problem commonly observed in Zanskar valley. Carry oxygen cylinders if needed and acclimatize properly for a day or two before exploring the land.

It is a protected zone so avoid carrying plastic bottles, plastic bags and other plastic packaged items. Do not litter the areas.

Carry at least six copies of the permits for you will need to showcase them for purposes of verification at a number of checking points.

Electricity runs for only a few hours a day. Please remember to charge all your devices and keep a torch handy.

FAQ about Zanskar Valley

This complete guide for Zanskar Valley tourism also answers some of the most frequently asked questions.

Which medicines should one carry?

You can be faced with unexpected situations and hence keeping basic medicines handy is necessary. Carry enough stock of medicines like Dexamethasone, Diamox, Aspirin and Disprin.

How is the public transport in Zanskar valley?

The public transport to and within Zanskar valley is sparse. There is only one weekly bus service that connects runs Leh to Padum in Zanskar with one night halt in Kargil.

Are there any ATM services in Zanskar valley?

You will find a single ATM in the main market area of Padum. It is advised to carry enough cash with you and meet the expenses as ATM may or may not be functional at all times and cards are also not widely accepted.

Are there enough petrol pumps on the way to the valley?

Fuel pumps are easy to find on the Srinagar – Kargil road, however, beyond that there are none. There is one fuel station in Padum but it is often in shortage of petrol and diesel. Make sure that you top up the vehicle when in Kargil.

Is there any data or voice service available in Zanskar Valley?

The only mobile network that works here is a post-paid BSNL mobile connection. No pre-paid phones work in the entire Jammu and Kashmir state. Make sure that your family and friends are informed and asked to not fret since there will barely be any range to contact them.
We hope that you have read all you need to know about this mystic land in this complete Zanskar valley tourism guide. Pack you bags and head out for this rejuvenating experience of travelling to this wonderland.

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