Chadar Trek
The Chadar Trek is a one-of-a-kind and difficult trek in India. Depending on the weather, the multi day Chadar walk across the ice Zanskar River in Ladakh takes place from late January to late February or perhaps in March. It's a once-in-a-lifetime sensation to walk on the thick glass of an icy river with great mountains on either side.
The thick blanket of ice formed by the Zanskar river resembles a white blanket known as 'chadar' in the local language. lWith an elevation of 11,150 feet, the Chadar Trek feels like a trip to the North Pole. Temperatures plummet to 30 degrees at night, all food and drink must be brought in on sleds, and caves must be sought for shelter. Many people's bucket lists include completing The Chadar Trek, especially thrill-seekers who prefer hard hikes.
Best time to visit- Mid January to the end of February is perhaps the best time to trek here.
Location- Ladakh region
Click Here to Book: Leh Ladakh Bike Trip
Suru Valley
Suru Valley is one of the popular places to visit in Zanskar due to its breathtaking beauty, which you may explore on foot while also enjoying photography. Picnic sites such as Parkachik, Damsna, and Thulus are also available for a day out.
You can go to Sankoo, which is known as one of Ladakh's greenest grasslands and is sprinkled with wild roses and plantations. At nearly 3000-meters height, it is the greenest valley of the Greater Himalayas, which is such a massive shock. Remember to savour every bit of greenery, especially if you're on your way to Zanskar, because you won't see any for long stretches of your journey!
Best time to visit- May to September
Location- Kargil, far west of Ladakh
Also Read: Manali to Leh Ladakh Highway Guide
Shafat Glacier
It's a 14-kilometer-long glacier in Suru Valley that gives rise to the Nun and Kun peaks and serves as a foundation for climbing these two peaks.
The water from this glacier flows into a stream known as "Shafat Nala," which contributes to the Suru river's flow. Because of global warming, a shattered, ice-falling glacier is dissolving at an alarming speed.
Best time to visit- October to February
Location- Himalaya Range, Zanskar Range, Kargil, Ladakh
Also Checkout & Book: Manali to Leh Bike Trip Package from Delhi
Parkachik Glacier
Parkachik Glacier happens to be one of the best places to visit in Zanskar that lets you witness a spectacular mass of ice sliding slowly down the slopes of Nun and Kun peaks, located a short distance from Parkachik. A suspended footbridge across the Suru river leads up to the glacier.
Huge ice slabs occasionally peel off Nun Kun's 300-foot front wall and fall into the Suru River, affording a spectacular vista of the massive ice-fall. After passing the suspension bridge across the river and following the well-trodden trail, you can trek up to the glacier. There are no signs or anything, so if you are unsure about your geography skills, you can hire a local from the area to guide you.
Best time to visit- Mid June to mid September
Location- Kargil, Ladakh
While in leh Must Visit Best Tourist Places in Leh
Drang Drung Glacier
This 23-kilometer-long glacier is the largest tourist-accessible glacier in Ladakh. Drang Drung may also be seen from Pensi La, where it appears as a flowing river of ice encircled by the scenic Himalayan mountains; the view is truly beautiful to see. The source of the Doda and Stod rivers is one of India's greatest glaciers.
The Drang Drung Glacier walking trail is brimming with natural wonders such as beautiful glaciers, breathtaking mountain ranges, and even sections of fruit orchards. This major destination in the Zanskar Region is reached after a three-day tough but thrilling walk from Padum. It is, in fact, one of the best trekking expeditions in Ladakh for adventure seekers.
Best time to visit- July to September
Location- Near Pensi La on Kargil-Zanskar Road
Explore More: Trekking in Ladakh
Parkachik La
A simple trek from Panikhar which is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Zanskar for adventure seekers is the only method to access this pass. If you're staying in Panikhar for the night, you'll walk up to the pass and back in the evening.
Another option is to start from Panikhar, traverse the pass, and then descend the other side to Parkachik. This pass offers spectacular views of the Nun - Kun mountain. Other peaks in the main Himalayan range between Kashmir and Ladakh can also be seen.
Best time to visit- October to February
Location- Ladakh
Also Checkout the Detailed Guide of Best time to visit Leh Ladakh
Pensi La
This mountain pass is known as the Zanskar Gateway. When compared to other passes in Ladakh, Penzi La is a very short pass to cross, you'll be at the top of the pass before you realise you're ascending.
The descent from Penzi La to Zanskar Valley is steeper than the ascent from Rangdum, but it is not very difficult. Penzi La, at 14,436 feet above sea level, connects the Suru Valley and Zanskar Valley districts. The glittering white Drang Drung glacier may be seen from the summit of Penzi La pass.
Location: Ladakh, India
Best time to visit: July to September
Must Checkout: Jammu to Leh Distance and Route Map - Travel Guide
Pensi La
This mountain pass is known as the Zanskar Gateway. When compared to other passes in Ladakh, Penzi La is a very short pass to cross, you'll be at the top of the pass before you realise you're ascending.
The descent from Penzi La to Zanskar Valley is steeper than the ascent from Rangdum, but it is not very difficult. Penzi La, at 14,436 feet above sea level, connects the Suru Valley and Zanskar Valley districts. The glittering white Drang Drung glacier may be seen from the summit of Penzi La pass.
Location: Ladakh, India
Best time to visit: July to September
Must Checkout: Jammu to Leh Distance and Route Map - Travel Guide
Umasi La
The Umasi La is one of the most sought after places to visit in Zanskar as it provides breathtaking views of Himachal Pradesh's Pir Panjal run. The Umasi La, located between Kishtwar and Zanksar in the Great Himalayan Range, is also the southern entrance to Zanskar.
This walk takes you on one of the most beautiful routes. Spend the night in the opposite direction of the pass, at the glacier. On the margins of the Pardar River, the route skirts the Kishtwar shivling. The trail takes you from the parched Zanskar plateau to verdant hills with deodar and conifer forests. The climb to the pass, which is one of the most remote and challenging climbs, is high and may require ropes and ice axes depending on the weather.
Best time to visit- April to August
Location- Kargil
Click Here to Book: 6 Days Leh Ladakh Sightseeing Tour
Shingo La
Shingo La is a mountain range pass located on the boundary of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 5.091m (16,703ft) above sea level. The climb is dreadful, with a well-known paucity of oxygen that puts the organisms to the test, as well as a high degree of steepness.
At an altitude of 2,500 - 2,800 metres, most people get altitude sickness and the road is quite tough to traverse. Avalanches, large snowfalls, and landslides can happen at any time, and they are highly dangerous due to the presence of ice patches.
Best time to visit- July to September
Location- Border of Jammu and Himachal Pradesh
Also Checkout: Manali to Sarchu A Detailed Travel Guide
Umba La
Umba La is a high mountain pass in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, at an elevation of 14,750 feet above sea level. The route to the summit, commonly known as Umbala Top, was asphalted recently.
This is a steep road with hairpin twists and frightening drop-offs, so drive carefully. Sankoo to Drass can be reached faster by using the high mountain road over the pass. Avalanches, large snowfalls, and landslides can happen at any time, and they are highly dangerous due to the presence of ice patches.
Best time to visit- June to October
Location- Ladakh
Click Here to Book: Ladakh Honeymoon Package from Delhi
Nun-Kun Massif
This mountain in Suru Valley, at an elevation of 7135 metres, looks out over the entire Zanskar region.
Mount Nun, the taller peak in the Nun-Kun massif, could be felt from the moment you stepped foot in Leh, with the twin peaks shining brightly along the route to Kargil. Mounting this peak requires true guts and daring.Intensive glacial structures, icefall slopes, deeply crevassed surfaces, knife-edge cliffs, vertical ice walls, and erratic rainfall provided thrills aplenty for the trip to Nun.
Best time to visit- July to September
Location- Ladakh
Also Checkout & Book: Manali to Leh Ladakh Bike Trip from Delhi
Ta Tso and the Lang Tso lakes
Lang Tso and Stat Tso, the twin lakes, are located close around the corner of the Pensi La Pass, which connects Zanskar Valley with Zuru Valley. Their breathtaking beauty, which you must see to believe, has made them a popular tourist attraction in Ladakh.
These two breathtakingly magnificent lakes are so pristine and crystalline that the snow-capped peaks of Zanskar may be seen reflected in the water. You can also have a nice time camping near the lake. You can also take as many shots as you like while enjoying the tranquillity of the surroundings. This is one of the best places to visit in Zanskar.
Best time to visit- July to September
Location- Ladakh
While in Ladakh Must Checkout: Leh Ladakh Safari
Rangdum Gompa
This gorgeous place in Zanskar's emblematic valley is adorned on one side by mesmerising and bright tops, while on the other side by astounding glaciers and formidable mountains. The main attraction here is a huge eighteenth-century monastery known as 'Rangdum,' which holds 40 monks.
It is clinging to the side of a mid-rising hill and hidden away by an isolated course of a mountain stream, giving it the appearance of an antique fortification for guarding an enchanted mountain. Rangdum is the most excellent area to loosen up, relax, and get rejuvenated while having a tryst with the attractive splendour of nature, which is isolated from city life's monotonicity.
Location:29PF+P49, Rangdum, 194109
Best Time: April to September
Checkout the Best Ladakh Weather Guide
Zangla Fort or Palace
Zangla is one of the most unique places to visit in Zanskar that is worth stopping by on your Padum and Karsha tour. The village's only feature is the Zangla Palace, which is set atop a hillside. It is frequently referred to as a Zangla Monastery, owing to the fact that it contains a temple and is home to some monks.
The vista from the castle is extremely breathtaking, therefore this tourist attraction should not be missed. The ancient monastery at Tsa Zar, on the other hand, should be explored for its exquisite frescoes.
Best time to visit- July to September
Location- Zangla village, Ladakh
Click Here to Book: Leh Ladakh Package For Couple
Doda River
It's also known as the Stod river, and it's a 79-kilometer-long river that runs through Zanskar's Stod valley. This river is known for adventure sports, and rafting competitions are held over its whole length. It provides an enthralling perspective as you travel through it.
Definitely worth a visit when in the Zanskar Valley. Rivers are serene, sparkling, gleaming, and calming. Who doesn't enjoy visiting a river and taking in its atmosphere? It's undoubtedly a must-see!
Best time to visit- July to September
Location- Zanskar Valley
Also Checkout & Book: Ladakh Tour Package From Kolkata
Zanskar River
The thrill is amplified by the downstream promise of sandy beaches, stunning canyons, and beautiful white water to enhance the journey. The Zanskar River, located in the pristine northeastern region of India known as Ladakh, pushes off amid snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
The whitewater is large, moderate, and enjoyable. The river canyon is steep and deep, with large sandy beaches where you can camp beneath the stars. Unquestionably a classic, this is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in exotic environment, traditional Himalayan culture, and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Best time to visit- April to August
Location- Zanskar, Ladakh
Check out the amazing stay experience at Leh Hotels.
Suru River
.jpg?gravity=center&width=752&height=450&crop=fill&quality=auto&fetch_format=auto&flags=strip_profile&format=jpg&sign_url=true)
You will be travelling along the banks of the Suru river for most of your trip through Suru valley. The river offers a variety of rafting opportunities, which are popular throughout the summer.
The Zanskar valley is said to hold the world's longest continuous Buddhist legacy of any place. Buddhism is thought to have entered Ladakh through Zanskar. Here are some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries, which are well worth a visit.
Best time to visit- July to September
Location- At Pensi La pass near the Drang Drung Glacier
Also Read: Festivals in Ladakh
Sani Monastery
Sani Monastery is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastic organizations in Ladakh and Zanskar. It is located on the road to Kargil, 6 kilometres from Padum, at the intersection of Stod Valley and Zanskar.The Monastery is situated in the heart of the village, on a flat area.
A vibrant collection of statues of Buddhist gods and Kargud-Lamas pa’s adorns the Monastery. Sani monastery also features a crematorium outside of its courtyard, which is recognised as one of Tibetan Buddhism's eighth-most important cremation grounds.
Best time to visit- April to August
Location- Zanskar, Ladakh
While in Ladakh Must Visit Monasteries in Ladakh
Bardan Monastery
The Lungnak valley's Bardan monastery, 12 kilometres from Padum, is perched atop a steep cliff. The Monastery is one of Zanskar's most important Drogpa order monasteries. It was founded in the early 17th century by Deba Gyatso. A large Dukhang assembly hall may be found at Bardan Gompa.
The Dukhang serves as the focal point for the Monastery's other structures. The hall houses some of the most magnificent Buddhist deity statues, as well as tiny stupas made of clay, metal, wood, and copper.
Best time to visit- July to September
Location- Lungnak Valley, Padum
Must Read : Chandigarh to Leh Ladakh - A Detailed Travel Guide
Zongkhul Monastery
The Zongkhul Monastery is built on a stone face with two caverns in Stod Valley, and from afar it seems like a swallow's nest on the rock face of Ating Valley. The Monastery houses renowned Drukpa lamas' images and thangkas, as well as beautiful murals on walls of caves painted by Zhadpa Dorje, who resided at the Monastery 300 years ago.
A valuable collection of antiquities, including an ivory picture of Samvara, a crystal stupa, and religious chants and biographies, can be found in the gompa.
Best time to visit- July to September
Location- Ating Valley, Ladakh
While in Ladakh Must Visit Hemis National Park
Karsha Monastery
It is Zanskar's largest monastery, with a community of 120 monks. Karsha is located above the babbling Stod River in the Padum Valley. In the eleventh century, the renowned interpreter Phagspa Sherab established a portion of the Gelugpa series. The whitewashed devoted quarters tower dramatically above the village on a mountainside.
The complex, which contains eight chapels, chortens, private rooms, and meeting lobbies, is reached via steep ascents. This complex contains eight covers, two meeting corridors, important symbols, relics, scrolls, and thangkas. The Monastery is managed by the younger brother of the 14th Dalai Lama.
Best time to visit- July to September
Location- Padum Valley
Everything You Should Know about Manali to Leh by Bus
Pibiting Monastery
Pibiting Monastery, located in the village of Pibiting near Padum, is steeped in folklore. The monastery's stunning architecture is well-known. It is situated at the top of a hill and is erected in the shape of a chorten or Stupa.
The monastery is thought to have been built in the 2nd century by Kanishka, a powerful king of the Kushan empire. It provides panoramic vistas of natural beauty. The monastery is surrounded by a serene and peaceful environment. The monastery's surroundings are perfect for hiking and photography. Padum has established itself as a significant trekking destination.
Best time to visit- July to September
Location- Village of Pibiting, near Padum
Also Checkout: Pattharsahib Gurudwara
Stongdey Monastery
The Stongdey Monastery in Zanskar is the second-largest monastic monastery, with about 60 Gelugpa monks. The seven temples of Stongdey Monastery are each a reservoir of the state's glorious Spartan heritage.
The Tshogs-Khang is one of the seven, and it is adorned with magnificent goddess portraits.The artistry in the temple is set on a black backdrop with gold borders. One of the well-known sanctuaries is Gon Khang, which is the shrine of the custodian deities.
Best time to visit- July to September
While in Ladakh Also Visit: Leh Palace
Phuktal Monastery
Phuktal, one of Zanskar's most beautiful cave monasteries, is scenically ensconced from the farthest curvature of Lungnak valley in the valley's south-eastern section. From afar, the fact that it is built into or around a cave system on the overhang gives it the appearance of a giant honeycomb.
It contains roughly 40 monks and has a sanctuary, a treasury with holy scriptures, a camboose, learning centres, prayer rooms, housing spaces, and a sacred spring.
Best time to visit- June to October
Location- Zanskar
Also Checkout & Book: Manali Leh Manali Jeep Safari
_jpg_auto_x2_colored_toned-transformed.jpeg?w=305&h=230&dpr)
.jpg?gravity=center&width=255&height=270&crop=fill&quality=auto&fetch_format=auto&flags=strip_profile&format=jpg&sign_url=true)
