Zanskar
where my best friends live...
The land where I met the most wonderful people and made friends with them for life. Zanskar or Zangskar in the more common local dialect, is nestled in a remote corner of Ladakh. It is separated from the mainland Ladakh by the Zanskar ranges. Zanskar and Ladakh in ancient times were part of the western Tibetan kingdom called Guje. It is the land of high mountains, pristine glaciers,gushing streams and amazing strong charactered people, which will certainly make you fall in love with them. A river with the same name flows through the region, and most of the formation and character of the valley is due to this river. The Zanskar River has it’s origin at two places namely river Doda which originates near Penzila at 4400 mtrs, and Kargyak which has it’s origin near Shingo La at 5100 mtrs.
Travel in Zanskar is slowly catching up, but still it is one of the most less visited places in the Himalayas. The credit for this goes to it’s remoteness and the road which connects it with Kargil, across the Penzi La. Padum the capital of Zanskar, which is a tiny village in itself serves as a transit point for all activities in Zanskar. The land is popular for its amazing monasteries mainly at Padum, Karsha, Pibcha, Stongde and Phugtal.
More Information.
Time to Visit : Late April till September
Penzi La Shinku La and is closed in the winters .
Places of interest
Phugtar Monastery
Located in the remote Lungnak Valley in southeastern Zanskar, Phugtal sits at an elevation of approximately 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) above sea level. The monastery is positioned 52 kilometers southeast of Padum, Zanskar's administrative center, accessible via the recently constructed Nimmu-Padum-Darcha (NPD) road.
The dramatic location offers both spiritual solitude and natural beauty, with the Lungnak River flowing beneath the cliff and the stark, beautiful landscapes of the Zanskar Valley extending in all directions. This isolated setting has preserved the monastery's traditional way of life while providing the perfect environment for contemplation and retreat.
Until 2023, Phugtal remained one of the last Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh accessible only by foot. The completion of the NPD road has significantly improved access to the region, though the final approach to the monastery still requires trekking. The road now extends to villages like Purne and Cha, reducing the trekking distance considerably.
From Padum, visitors can now drive approximately 30 kilometers to Ichar, then continue to Cha village, making it a 6-kilometer trek (2-3 hours) to reach the monastery. Alternatively, the route via Purne village requires a 5-kilometer trek (1.5-2 hours). A link road under construction promises to further reduce the trekking distance to just a few minutes.
Phugtar Monastery in 2016
Gombo Ronjon
Gonbo Ronjon Mountain
We offer the most comprehensive sightseeing tours that will take you to the best locations in the city. Our experienced guides will show you the hidden gems and the most iconic landmarks of the city. With us, you will experience the city in a unique and unforgettable way. Our tours are designed to cater to all ages and interests, from families to solo travelers.
