Derived from the Tibetan words “Zan” meaning copper and “Skar” meaning valley, Zanskar is a beautiful tehsil belonging to the Kargil district in Jammu and Kashmir. This tehsil is renowned for the Zanskar mountain range that is elevated at an altitude of 19,700 feet above sea level. This magnificent mountain range also facilitates the separation of Kinnaur district from Spiti located in Himachal Pradesh. In addition, some of the highest peaks of Himachal Pradesh can be found in this mountain range.
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How to reach Zanskar
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Zanskar Map
- By train
The closest railway station to Zanskar is located in Jammu. The Jammu Railway Station is well connected to major cities in the country. There is a number of bus services available from this station to Zanskar that travels via Kargil.
- By road:
If you intend to drive down to Zanskar then the ideal way is to begin the journey from Srinagar using NH-1 and NH-301 route. This route includes Sonamarg, Baital, Dras, Kargil, and finally Zanskar.
- By air:
The nearest airport to Zanskar is located in Leh. The Leh Airport is well connected to major cities such as Jammu, Srinagar, and Delhi. An alternate option would be the Srinagar Airport also well connected to major cities in the country.
Climate and best time to visit Zanskar
The summers in Zanskar which begin in April and end in September are extremely pleased with the temperature ranging from a maximum of about 33 degree Celsius to a minimum of 4 degree Celsius. There is no particular monsoon season that exists in this region. While the winters are extremely “harsh” with the mercury dropping to a low of -10 degree Celsius and a high of -14 degree Celsius. So the ideal time to visit this place is from April to September during the pleasant summers.
Places To Visit Around Zanskar
There are a number of places in and around Zanskar worth visiting. They are as follows
- PhuktalGompa
The PhuktalGompa is a 14th-century Buddhist monastery located in this region. This monastery is renowned for mural fragments that are about 700-years-old. It is also surrounded by exquisite scenic beauty, and hence a major tourist attraction. In addition, it also possesses a guest house that comprises of four double rooms.
- KarshaGompa
The KarshaGompa is considered to be the largest Buddhist monastery in this region. It was apparently constructed during the 10th century. The prayer hall located inside this Gompa comprises of beautiful old murals and wooden columns. In addition, this monastery provides for picturesque views of the entire Karsha village located in close proximity.
- Penzella Pass
The Penzella Pass is an excellent vantage point located in this region that provides for magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and beautiful countryside. In addition, this pass also helps divide the Zanskar Valley to Suru Valley.
- Panikhar:
Panikhar is yet another important tourist spot located in this region. The famous fort called “Zorawar Singh” is located over here, and is a major tourist attraction.
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