What to See in Zanskar

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The valley of Zanskar is the most isolated one of all the trans-Himalayan valleys. It is across the Suru Valley over the Pensi la in the region of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. Zanskar can be visited when it is summer season as it is accessible during this season only. It is interesting to note that during winters the water of river Zanskar freezes and throughout the winters the frozen river Zanskar acts as Chador road. There are many more interesting places in Zanskar that are worth visiting. If you want to know what to see in Zanskar, the following account will help you-

Drang-Drung Glacier

It is a long and winding river of snow and ice. This glacier is supposed to be the largest glacier in Ladakh that is outside the Siachen formation. The Stod or Doda tributary of river Zanskar rises from the cliff-like snout of this widespread glacier.

Karsha

Karsha is the monastery which is the largest one in Zanskar. It is a complex of neat white building blocks that comprise many chapels. Its central building is a colossal assembly hall. There are three adjacent chapels that have many art objects and statues amongst them copper and silver chortens are very beautiful. There is also the facility of accommodation for about 150 lamas. The monastery is built above Karsha village.

Stongdey

This monastery lays 18 kms to the north of Padum. It is an old foundation associated with the Tibetan Yogi Marpa. This milky compound has many temples. Climb to this monastery from the roadside is fairly arduous. The climb is rewarded by the spectacular scenery of the Zanskar valley from here.

Phugthal

Phugthal monastery complex spills out of the mouth of a cave. Its foundation is as old as early 12th century. This monastery is reachable from Padum-Manali trekking route. Phugthal monastery was a resident community of about 40 Geluks-pa-lamas.

Zangla

Zangla is located 35 kms ahead of Padum in the north of Zanskar. Most of the part of the old citadel is wrecked. In a village nearby, an old monastery is worth visiting that has delicate frescoes. An old Buddhist nunnery is also close that demands a visit.

Zongkhul

Zongkhul is a cave monastery of Zanskar on a rock face in the Ating gorge. The old frescoes on the cave wall reflect great artistic achievement. These frescoes are held to be the original murals that were executed by scholar-painter of Zanskar-Zhadpa Dorje.

Padum

It is the current administrative centre of Zanskar. It was once the capital of ancient kingdom of Zanskar. Its older section has many chortens, adobe houses and a hillock that is a spot of the then palace and fort. The new township is taken to be the most populous settlement of Zanskar.

Sani

This is a picturesque village that is 6 kms west of Padum. Its castle like monastery is its main attraction. Its origin is linked to Kanishka (Kushana King who was there in 2nd century A.D.) on account Kanishka Stupa that stands in the walled complex's backyard. Its main building has a colossal multi-columned prayer hall. It has many statues of Buddhist divinities and Kargud- pa high lamas. Frescoes and thangkas adorn the walls. Cemetery outside the monastery shows Indian art. It has the legend linked to the Indian yogi Naropa.

Bardan

This monastery was founded in 17th century. It has divine statues and small stupas.

The above account must have aroused your curiosity to see these places. Now you know what to see in Zanskar, so plan your vacations to be spent in Zanskar this vacation.