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Best Things to Do in Zanskar Valley

By Swastik Holiday @swastik_holiday

The Zanskar Valley is home to several amazing activities. There are many exciting excursions to be experienced, from treks into isolated settlements to crumbling medieval monasteries.

List of Things to do in Zanskar Valley

Swastik Holiday Mumbai Travel Agency, compile a list of things to do in Zanskar Valley that every traveler must do during their trip.

List of things to do in Zanskar Valley

Karsha Monastery

The biggest monastery in the Zanskar Valley region is called Karsha. It is located only 10 kilometers from Padum and is constructed into a mountainside overlooking a valley. The monastery, which dates back to the 11th century, is thought to be home to about 100 monks at this time.

Also Visit: Visit Famous Hemis Monastery in Leh Ladakh

It is administered by the Dalai Lama’s younger brother and contains artefacts that were transported from Lhasa in the 1960s. Visitors are welcome to wander the grounds of the monastery; a monk will probably guide you to some of the temples and prayer spaces.

Sani Monastery

The settlement of Sani is only 6 kilometers away from Padum. In the Ladakh and Zanskar Valley region, it is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. It is thought to have been built by the renowned Kushan Empire “King Karnishka” sometime in the first century.

One of the most sacred locations in the Himalayan region, Sani Monastery is home to some exceptionally precious artefacts. Padmasambava, commonly known as Guru Rinpoche, is thought to have lived in Sani around the eighth century.

Stongdey Monastery

The Stongdey monastery, the second-largest and oldest in the Zanskar Valley, lies only 18 kilometres north of Padum. It boasts a fantastic view of the valley because it is perched atop a hill and overlooks it. It requires a steep drive up a twisting road to get there, but it’s well worth the kashmir trip.

As long as you don’t interfere with any prayers, you are welcome to walk the monastery and talk to the monks. One of the greatest views in all of Ladakh is possibly to be seen from the monastery.

Zangla

Zanskar valley zangla kashmir
Zangla in Zanskar valley

Zangla, which is north of Padum, is home to a nunnery and the remains of a palace from the 17th century.

While you cannot access the palace itself, you are free to walk about the ruins on the mountain top. The setting provides a breath-taking panoramic view of the valley.

Although road building is still going on in this section of the valley, the road connecting Padum and Zangla is reasonably excellent, despite not yet being totally sealed.

A private cab ride from Padum to Stongdey and Zangla would run you about 2000 INR (US$28) for the day when you travel for kashmir tour from ahmedabad.

Bardan Monastery

Bardan is thought to have been founded in the 17th century, making it a recent monastery by Zanskar standards. On the Phuktal Monastery trek’s route to Ichar and Cha hamlet, it is just 12 kilometers from Padum. A dusty road leads to the monastery, where you can drive.

Also Visit – Dhankar Monastery in Himachal Pradesh

The monastery is located in a lovely area on a tiny hill in a valley, which is a really scenic location. It’s worth a visit and is less frequented than some of the other monasteries featured here.

Phuktal Monastery

Phuktal Monastery, the pearl of Zanskar Valley, is among the most amazing views I’ve ever witnessed. High up in the rocky slopes of the valley, there is a sprawling ancient monastery complex constructed inside of an old meditation cave. One of the only monasteries in all of North India that can still only be reached on foot is this one.

The best thing to do in Zanskar Valley is the trek to Phuktal Monastery, which is a fantastic excursion. However, this is quickly changing due to road development. Although the motorable road has already been paved all the way to Cha village, the original trip started in Ichar to the east of Padum when you go for kashmir tour from Nagpur.

Cha village

In Cha village, there are a few homestays. Someone will come up to you as soon as you arrive and offer you a place to stay. If not, just ask someone, and they’ll find a somewhere for you to stay.

From there, the trail continues north, staying on the left side of the valley. The monks and donkey trains bringing supplies use this narrow goat trail. On the other side of the valley, you can see the motorable road that has been constructed. It takes about two hours to hike from Cha to Phuktal.

Also Visit: Homestays in Leh Ladakh with the Locals

Below is a hostel for the monastery that welcomes overnight guests. They provide simple lodging, dinner, and breakfast. Then you can meet the young monks and explore the monastery at your own pace. For a bed and meals, the guesthouse charges about 1000 INR (about $14 USD) per person.

Early in the morning, shared vehicles depart from Cha for the trip back to Padum. You might, however, attempt to split the cost of a private vehicle pickup with other hikers.

Chadar Trek

Chadar Trek
Chadar Trek

A winter trek across the frozen Zanskar River is known as the infamous Chadar Trek. It connects Leh with Padum across the isolated valley and is one of the only routes to Padum during the winter.

Also Visit: A Complete Guide For Trekking in Leh Ladakh

A trekking team and company are required to finish the 60 kilometer journey, which takes about 5 days. Conditions are very severe and temperatures are considerably below zero. A Chadar Trek journey can be planned with the assistance of any travel and trekking companies. So book your kashmir tour package from kozhikode with us and enjoy this adventurous trekking journey.

Only a few people depart annually, and it is typically finished in January and February. It is typically regarded as a difficult endeavour that should only be undertaken by physically healthy and well-adapted individuals.


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