The hidden kingdom of the hill resort of Zanskar is
famous for its snow-white high hills and gorgeous Gompas or
monasteries. The lovely and spectacular landscapes and the Buddhist
culture heavily influencing the lifestyle of the inhabitants of the
Zanskar Valley instantly mesmerize one. The word 'Zanskar' literally
means the Copper Star and it is so named because the various
rivers flowing into Zanskar carry copper sediments. Situated across the
Suru Valley and over the Pensi La in the Ladakh region of Jammu and
Kashmir, Zanskar is situated 235 km from Kargil. The high altitudes of
the Zanskar valley make it inaccessible in winters due to the
extremely harsh weather conditions and the water of the River
Zanskar freezes to become the Chador road. However, one can
visit the area in the summers.One of the isolated and scantily inhabited Himalayan Valleys, Zanskar not only boasts of snow-covered peaks and two small alpine lakes but also the most breathtaking views of the Drang-Drung glacier. Panikhar situated at the border of the Suru Valley is a must-see, where the fort of Zorawar Singh is a major tourist attraction. The Penzella Pass divides the Zanskar valley from the Suru Valley and is an excellent camping site as it is a vintage point offering excellent views of the majestic mountains and the captivating countryside. Karsha is a typical human settlement with just the basic facilities and the Gelugpa monastery, which is a telltale of the importance of the religion in the lives of the inhabitants of Zanskar. The mural art displayed at Labrang is not to be missed too. Though the mountains seem isolated but there are several places associated with the Tibetan Buddhists here that are worth exploring. It is a place for the adventure enthusiasts who can opt for river rafting from Serchu to Nyimu via Padam or trek along to Panikhar or Rangdum over the Pentse La, into the Zanskar Valley from Lamayuru, Leh or Darcha, from Padum to the Markha valley and so many others. However, the climatic conditions must be kept in mind while choosing the trek.
