Why Zanskar Valley is a place worth visiting
Situated in the Kargil region around 105 km to the east of Ladakh is the charming Zanskar Valley. Pronounced as Zahar or Zangskar locally, it is isolated from Ladakh by the Zanskar mountain range, a part of The Tethys Himalayas. Zanskar is known for its awe-inspiring beauty and is mainly preferred for river rafting and trekking.
The name of Zanskar Valley creates a picture in one's mind of a land far away, someplace up in the slopes where relatively few have been. Zanskar is one of those few places in our country that are not yet influenced by the heavy influx of travellers. It undoubtedly is a mystical land to help inspire you and still figures out how to hold its mysterious tag. The lavish green of the slopes of Suru, desolate brown of a cold desert, warm white of strong ice sheets, dark blue of the lakes, boisterous progression of the streams, and simply put, just gorgeous views everywhere are reason enough not to miss visiting this place.
The semi-desert locale is surrounded by snow-covered mountains and gleaming clean streams alongside widely varied vegetation. The easiest method of travelling to Zanskar is from Kargil through Suru Valley. It's cut off from the remainder of the world for more than nine months a year due to hefty snowfall around there. The only way to reach Zanskar from December to February is by taking a very hectic Chadar Trek.
Zanskar covers nearly 7,000 square kilometres (2,700 sq mi), rising 3,500-7,000 meters. It is connected with the rest of the country by just one single driveable road through Kargil. Another route is under development across Shinku La. When finished, this will connect Jispa in Lahaul Valley to Padum in Zanskar. For now, this road can only be taken for walking.
The place has something to offer to everyone. There are a few old landmarks here like Phugtal Monastery and Zangla Fort for those who enjoy historical monuments. The drive from Kargil to Padum will well satiate your longing of going off the road. Throughout the journey, you'll find interesting places to see.
Best Time to visit Zanskar Valley
The best and ideal opportunity to visit Zanskar Valley will likewise rely upon what you would like to see, and there are a couple of things that one should consider. If you want to see some snow on the ground, you should visit in May. If you need to stay away from a storm in transit, don't design in late July or August.
For the most part, October is viewed as an awful month to visit because of the chilly climate and the way that it can snow whenever and block the street. Be that as it may, this is a fun time if you want to get a live snowfall.
On a general premise, September is typically viewed as the best and ideal opportunity to visit Zanskar Valley. Climate will be lovely, and there will likewise not be numerous vacationers around. Rainstorms would have passed; however, the landscape in transit around Sonamarg, Drass will be green still. The desert of Zanskar will be flourishing with colours for what it's worth, and you will fall head over heels for the spot. Assuming you were fortunate, you may even catch a light spell of snow towards the month's end.
Suru valley is settled in the Himalayan mountain range – encompassed by snow-covered mountains, flawless waterways, and valleys. This is a quiet and enjoyable place with rich green valleys loaded up with willow, mulberry, poplar, apricot, and apple trees.
Located close to Pensi La Pass is a majestic wonder called Drang – Drung Glacier. The enormous icy masses are transcending stature of 4,780m spread to a distance of 23km. Doda River starts from here and streams to Padum to join Tparap Chu to shape the mighty Zanskar River.
This vast stretch of land is a little town settled in the focal point of a rich green field with vivid devotees and the traditional old houses with clear blue skies and splendid sun; a chilly whirlwind wind blows across the land the grass field moves in cadence. Once being the capital of the old realm, presently, Padum is the most significant and managerial focus of Zanskar. The destruction of the old royal residence is as yet noticeable on the edges of the principal marketplace. Sani Gompa and Sani Lake, Shilla cascade, Stongdey Monastery, and the Karsha – the biggest and most affluent Monastery are the couple of places you can visit in Padum.
The cave monastery is marvellously set on the stone facing the Ating Gorge. The two-meditation caverns were built behind the stone dividers. The legends say that the Indian yogi Naropa utilized these caverns for meditation, and his footprints are embedded on a stone.