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About Zanskar Valley
A remote Himalayan valley cut off from the world for half the year, with turquoise rivers, cliff-hugging monasteries and some of the wildest landscapes in India.
History & significance
Zanskar has been a semi-independent Buddhist kingdom for over a thousand years, ruled by petty kings of Padum, Zangla and Stongdey until the Dogra conquests. Its isolation preserved a near-medieval way of life, only changing as the road to Padum opened.
Travel tips
- Fuel up at Kargil — no petrol pumps until Padum.
- Carry cash; ATMs in Padum are unreliable.
- Allow at least 3 days inside the valley.
- Network coverage is minimal — inform family before going off-grid.
Nearby attractions
Pensi LaDrang-Drung glacierPhuktal MonasteryKarsha Monastery