Zanskar Valley is a very old place in the mountains of Ladakh. Long ago, it was home to small groups of people who lived by farming and herding animals. Later, people from Tibet came here and brought Buddhism with them.
They built beautiful monasteries like Karsha, Phugtal, and Read More
🏞️ Zanskar is surrounded by tall snowy mountains
All around Zanskar, you will see huge mountains covered with snow. These mountains make the valley feel like a peaceful, hidden world.
🏘️ People live in small villages with stone houses
The local people build their homes using stones and mud. These houses keep them warm in cold weather. Most homes are close to farms and animals.
🛕 Very old monasteries are found here
Zanskar has many beautiful Buddhist monasteries like Karsha, Phugtal, and Stongdey. Monks live here, pray every day, and take care of the old buildings.
❄️ In winter, the river turns to ice and becomes a walking path
When it gets very cold, the Zanskar River freezes. People and trekkers walk on this ice road, which is called the Chadar Trek. It looks magical and very cold.
🐐 You will see yaks, sheep, and goats
People here raise animals like yaks and goats. These animals give them milk, wool, and meat. Yaks also help carry loads on mountains.
🧘 Monks live quiet lives and pray in silence
The valley is peaceful because monks follow a simple and silent way of life. They chant prayers and study holy books in monasteries.
🌌 The night sky is full of stars
Zanskar has no big cities or street lights, so the sky is very dark at night. You can clearly see thousands of stars and even the Milky Way.
🍑 Apricots grow here in summer
Zanskar is famous for sweet apricots. People dry them and make jam or eat them as snacks. You can buy them from local homes and shops.
🛣️ It is open only in summer months
Because of snow, roads to Zanskar close for many months in winter. You can visit safely only between June and September.
🚗 Very few tourists visit
Zanskar is far and quiet. Not many people come here, so it still feels pure, natural, and peaceful — like a place lost in time.
June to September – passes are open and weather mild
Zanskar Valley is a very old place in the mountains of Ladakh. Long ago, it was home to small groups of people who lived by farming and herding animals. Later, people from Tibet came here and brought Buddhism with them.
They built beautiful monasteries like Karsha, Phugtal, and Stongdey, which are still standing today. These are places where monks live, pray, and learn. Some monasteries are built inside caves or on top of hills!
Zanskar was once its own little kingdom, but later it became part of Ladakh. Even today, many people live here in small villages with their families, animals, and farms. They follow the same old traditions and live simple lives.
Zanskar is called the "Virgin Valley" because not many tourists go there. That’s why it still feels very natural and peaceful.
🏞️ Zanskar is surrounded by big snowy mountains.
🏘️ People live in small stone houses and speak their own language.
🛕 It has very old monasteries with colorful flags and wall paintings.
❄️ In winter, people walk on the frozen river – this is called the Chadar Trek.
🐐 You can see yaks, goats, and wild animals here.
🚗 Roads are only open in summer. In winter, it gets covered with snow.
🧘 Monks live here and spend time praying and meditating.
🍯 Apricots grow here in summer – very sweet and tasty.
🌌 The sky is full of stars at night because there are no big lights.
1. The Frozen River Walk
In winter, the river in Zanskar becomes hard like ice. The people who live here walk on this frozen river to reach other towns. It is cold and slippery, but they know the path well. Today, many adventurers come here to try this walk. It is called the Chadar Trek, and it feels like walking on a glass road between big mountains.
2. The Cave Monastery
Long ago, a great monk found a big cave in the hills. He cleaned it and turned it into a monastery. That monastery is now called Phugtal Monastery. It looks like a honeycomb on a cliff. Monks still live and pray there. You have to walk many hours to reach it, but it’s very beautiful and peaceful.
The Himalayan Mountains are a majestic mountain range in South Asia, spanning five countries. They boast the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest. These young, growing mountains feature rugged, snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and glaciers. The Himalayas influence regional climate, harbor unique biodiversity, and hold cultural and spiritual significance. They attract adventurers, nature lovers, and spiritual seekers from around the world.