Indian States
Jammu
& Kashmir
Ladakh
( Places To See )
(
Zanskar )
About
20 kms. South of Rangdum stands the Pazila watershed across
which lies Zanskar, the most isolated of all the trans Himalayan
Valleys. The Panzila Top (4401 m) is the picturesque tableland
adorned with two small alpine lakes and surrounded by snow
covered peaks. As the Zanskar road winds down the steep
slopes of the watershed to the head of the Stod Valley,
one of Zanskar's main
|
|
tributary
valleys, the majestic "Drang-Drung" glacier looms
into full view. A long and winding river of ice and snow,
the Drang-Drung" is perhaps the largest glacier in Ladakh,
outside the Siachen formation. It is from the cliff-like snout
of this extensive glacier that the Stod or Doda River, the
main tributary of river Zanskar, rises. |
Zanskar
comprises a tri-armed valley system lying between the Great Himalayan
Range and the Zanskar mountain; The three arms radiate star-like
towards the west, north and south from a wide central expanse where
the region's two principal drainage's meet to form the main Zanskar
River. It is mainly along the course of this valley system that
the region's 10,000 strong, mainly Buddhists population lives. Spread
over an estimated geographical area of 5000 sq. kms. High rise,
mountains and deep gorges surround Zanskar. The area remains inaccessible
for nearly 8 months a year due to heavy snowfall resulting in closure
of all the access passes, including the Penzi-la. To-day, Zanskar
has the distinction of being the least interfered with microcosms
of Ladakh, and one of the last few surviving cultural satellites
of Tibet. Within the mountain ramparts of this lost Shangrila stand
a number of ancient yet active monastic establishments. Some of
these religious foundations have evolved around remote meditation
caves believed to have been used by a succession of famous Buddhist
saints for prolonged meditation in pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment.
How
to Reach
The 240 km long Kargil-Padun road, of which the first 90 km
stretch is paved, remains opened from around mid July to early November.
The J&K SRTC operates a thrice weekly B-class bus service from
Kargil. However groups can charter A-Class or even Super-Deluxe
buses to visit Zanskar, including the interior places of interest
like Strongdey, Zangla and Karsha. Jeeps and Gypsy taxis can also
be hired at Kargil. During June and early July, prior to opening
of the road, it is recommended to walk into Zanskar from panikhar
or Parkachik onwards. In June, the summer is at its height in the
region and the climate is ideal for trekking along the route free
from vehicular traffic of any kind and when the countryside is freshly
rejuvenated into life after months of frigid dormancy.
Where
to Stay
The tourist Complex at Padum provides furnished rooms. There
is catering arrangement in the complex, while camping place nearby
is available for budget tourists travelling with personal tents.
Padum town has several private hotels where rooms with basic facilities
are available. At karsha dormitory accommodation is available in
the newly build inn where basic vegetarian food is also provided.
In the distant villages like Strongdey, Zangla, Sani etc.,
|
