Zanskar

A t-shaped complex of valleys, Zanskar opened to motor traffic only in 1980 when a road was built via the Suru Valley and Rangdum and over the Penzi-la. A favourite destination for trekkers, having retained its pristine quality until the opening of the road. Zanskar is also known as a land of religion and has the greatest concentration of gompas (monasteries) in Ladakh, outside the Indus Valley.

ACCESSS

A thrice-weekly bus service connects Kargil and Padum in Zanskar, operated by the J&K SRTC. The road is open between July and October.

EXCURSIONS

Padam (350 km), administrative headquarters of the region. Near it are rock carvings dating back to the 8 th century.

Karsha, Sani, Stongde, Phugtal, Dzonkhul are some of the important gompas in Zanskar.

ACCOMMODATION

Tourist Complex; hotels and monasteries. Visitors are advised to carry tents and to camp at appropriate spots.

Circuits

There are a number of specifically designated circuits where foreign visitors are allowed on, subject to their going in groups and accompanied by a recognised/registered tour operator. these include: Drok-pa Area Circuit (named after an Indo-Aryan community); Nubra Valley Circuits (named after the Nubra river); Pangong Lake Circuit - the lake at 4,267 m is the main attraction on this circuit; Tso - Moriri Lake Circuits.