Nestled in the heart of the Indian Himalayas, the Zanskar Valley is a breathtakingly beautiful region that lies in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Often referred to as “the land of white copper,” this remote valley is renowned for its stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and unique culture. With its dramatic gorges, azure rivers, and snow-capped peaks, Zanskar Valley has become a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Where is the Zanskar Valley located?

Zanskar Valley is one of the most isolated regions of Ladakh, inaccessible for a significant part of the year due to heavy snowfall that blankets the mountain passes. This remoteness has helped preserve the pristine beauty of the valley and its unique cultural heritage. The region is inhabited mainly by the indigenous Zanskari people, who have maintained their traditional lifestyle and Buddhist practices for centuries.

How can I get to the Zanskar Valley on a bike?

There are two routes to reach Zanskar from Chandigarh. You can either go via the Manali-Leh road or the Srinagar-Leh road. Here’s how:

Riding to Zanskar via the Manali-Leh Highway and Shinku-la Pass

The easiest way to get to Zanskar is through Manali. The Manali-Zanskar road deviates from the Manali-Leh road at Darcha. Here’s the route:

Chandigarh > Kiratpur > Bilaspur > Sundernagar > Mandi > Kullu > Manali > Atal Tunnel > Sissu > Keylong > Jispa > Darcha > Shinku-la Pass > Purney > Padum.

How long does it take to reach Zanskar Valley from Manali?

It takes 1.5 days of riding to reach Padum via Manali. Here’s the breakup of the time taken to cover important destinations en route Padum via Manali:

Manali is 310km from Chandigarh. Riding to Manali from Chandigarh takes about 8 hours to cover this distance. You can ride to Sissu (40km or 1.5 hours) or Keylong (70km or 3 hours from Manali).

Start for the Shinku-la pass early in the morning from Keylong, and see the fantastic Gonbo Rangjon mountain in all its glory once you descend.

Cross the streams to reach Purney village, where you can trek to the famous Phugtal Monastery. The trek takes about 7 hours (round trip). You can stay the night at Purney or ride on to Padum, the largest town in Zanskar and the district headquarters of the region. It takes nearly 5 hours to ride to Padum from Purney. The road is broken in places but very rideable.

Riding to Zanskar via the Srinagar-Leh Highway and the Pensi-La pass

An alternative route starts from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, riding through the picturesque Zoji La pass and Drass (the second coldest inhabited place on Earth), Kargil, the Suru Valley, and cross the Pensi-la pass to enter the Zanskar Valley. Here’s the route:

Chandigarh > Pathankot > Jammu > Srinagar > Sonamarg > Zoji-La Pass > Drass > Kargil > Panikhar > Parkachik > Rangdum > Pensi -La (also spelt as Penzi-la) > Drang-Durang glacier view > Padum.

How long does it take to reach Zanskar Valley from Srinagar?

Riding to Padum via Srinagar takes at least 3 days. Here’s the breakup of the time taken to cover important destinations en route Padum via Srinagar:

Riding the 600 km to Srinagar takes 12+ hours. From Srinagar, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach the Zoji-la pass. From Zoji-la, there is a 2-hour gentle descent all the way to Kargil, a 100km ride.

Kargil is where the fun begins. You deviate from the Kargil-Leh road and take the road to Suru Valley instead. It takes about 3.5 hours to cover 80 km on the road to Parkachik.

Once you see the magnificent Parkachik glacier at sunrise, it is time to ride to the jaw-droppingly incredible Pensi-la pass and see the grand expanse of the Drang-durang glacier for the first time. The Pensi-la pass is the gateway to the Zanskar Valley.

The ride from Parkachik to Rangdum, at the base of the Pensi-la pass, takes about 3 hours. It takes another 4 hours to ride the 80 km to Padum from here.

When is the best time to visit Zanskar?

The best time to visit Zanskar Valley is during the summer months, from June to September when the weather is relatively milder and the mountain passes are accessible. It is not possible to ride to Zanskar in the winter.

What can I do in Zanskar Valley? What are the top things to see in Zanskar?

Except for the jaw-dropping views, gurgling streams and fast-flowing rivers, there’s a lot to see and do in Zanskar. Here are the places you must not miss when in the Zanskar Valley:

Padum

The administrative capital of Zanskar Valley, Padum, serves as the gateway to various attractions in the region. Despite its administrative significance, Padum maintains a laid-back vibe and offers visitors a chance to experience the Zanskari way of life.

One of the highlights of Padum is the Bardan Monastery, famous for its intricate murals and ancient scriptures. The Zangla Fort, located nearby, is another significant historical site worth visiting. Apart from monastic attractions, Padum also offers various trekking opportunities, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding landscapes and remote villages.

Zangla

Located approximately 35 kilometers away from Padum, Zangla is a quaint village renowned for its ancient Zangla Monastery. This historic monastery, perched atop a hill, offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes. It was once the residence of the local kings and is now a significant cultural and religious site in Zanskar.

Karsha

The largest monastery in Zanskar, Karsha Monastery is an architectural marvel that dates back over a thousand years. Situated on the banks of the Zanskar River, Karsha Monastery offers breathtaking views of the valley. The annual Gustor Festival celebrated here is a vibrant and colorful event that attracts devotees from all over the region.

Stongday

Stongday Monastery is another essential stop on the Zanskar Valley journey. This ancient monastery, founded in the 11th century, is one of the region’s oldest and most well-preserved monastic complexes. It is perched on a hilltop, providing panoramic views of the valley.

The monastery houses a vast collection of ancient artefacts, thangkas (religious paintings), and scriptures that give visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Zanskar. Stongday is also known for hosting the Stongday Gustor Festival, celebrated with great enthusiasm and religious fervour.

Phugtal

One of the most extraordinary and remote monasteries, Phugtal Monastery, is carved into the side of a cliff. This hidden gem is located at the mouth of a dramatic gorge, and the journey to reach it is an adventure in itself. To reach Phugtal, visitors embarked on a multi-day trek through rugged terrains and breathtaking landscapes until the road to Darcha via Shinku La pass was completed. Now a visit to Phugtal is an easy, 7-hour round trip from Purney village.

Shinku La pass

For adventure enthusiasts, the Shinku La pass offers an unforgettable experience. At an altitude of around 5,150 meters (16,896 feet), crossing the Shinku La is not for the faint of heart. The pass connects Zanskar Valley with the Lahaul region and is a challenging ride that gives you unparalleled views of the higher Himalayas and the Zanskar range.

The journey to Shinku La takes you through mesmerizing landscapes, including lush green valleys, barren mountains, and crystal-clear streams. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature in its rawest form and challenge your limits.

Drang-Durang glacier

The majestic Drang-Durang Glacier is the source of the Suru River, which sustains life and agriculture in the region. It is one of the largest glaciers in Ladakh and the only one accessible to the public. It’s remote location and challenging terrain make it an enticing destination for trekkers and mountaineers seeking an offbeat adventure. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Nun-Kun massifs and serene wilderness, the glacier embodies the grandeur of the higher Himalayas.

Where can I stay in the Zanskar Valley?

You can stay in the small villages that dot the Suru and Zanskar valleys. These include Sankoo, Panikhar, Tangole and Parkachik in the Suru Valley or at Rangdum or Padum in Zanskar. Additionally, stay options are available in most villages next to the monasteries.

What is the food scene in the Zanskar Valley?

Heavily influenced by Tibetan/Ladakhi cuisines, Zanskar offers tourists the standard assortment of dishes that includes Momo (steamed or fried dumplings), Thukpa (Noodle soup), Thentuk (flat noodle soup), Chowmein (noodles), fried rice, Tsampa (roasted barley porridge), Skyu (a stew with meat and vegetables), Tsot (buttermilk soup), etc. Additionally, modern cafés serve standard fare such as paranthas, sandwiches, pasta, and pizzas, amongst other dishes. A small dhaba at the main square serves Rajmah Chawal and other north Indian food.

Final thoughts

Zanskar Valley is a paradise for those seeking an offbeat and culturally rich travel experience. Its untouched beauty, ancient monasteries, and warm hospitality of the Zanskari people make it an unforgettable destination. Whether you’re a trekking enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply a traveller seeking tranquillity amid stunning landscapes, Zanskar Valley will captivate your heart and leave you with memories that last a lifetime. So, pack your bags, embark on this extraordinary journey, and let the magic of Zanskar Valley unfold before your eyes.