The Zanskar Valley, while it’s one of the most beautiful destinations in India it’s also one of the remotest. Every year, the daring, most excited explorers make Zanskar their escapade. With hope in their eyes and fire in their hearts, they set out on a journey to make it to Zanskar Valley, especially to witness the meeting of the two pristine rivers —Indus and Zanskar— amid snowcapped mountains. And if we’ve piqued your curiosity towards the Union Territory in the Trans-Himalayan region of India, then boy, are we glad! So, adventurers, let’s tell you how you reach Ladakh’s Zanskar Valley.
Zanskar Valley: India’s Remote Breathtaking Destination
Perched valiantly in the Kargil district of Ladakh, Zanskar Valley is 463 km away from Leh. The valley’s administration headquarter, Padum, itself sits at an elevation of 3669 m. What’s in it for you at Zanskar Valley? Well, it’s unending magnificent views of snowcapped mountains in the Himalayas, crystal clear lakes, and fresh air which will envelop your senses. In short, yes it is 100 per cent worth the journey to the remotest place in India. More importantly, the journey is as beautiful as the destination.
Also Read: 8 Interesting Facts About Ladakh
Things To Keep In Mind About Travelling Here
The very aspects of Zanskar Valley that make it beautiful— mountains and rivers—are the very things that make travelling there so complicated.
- Zanskar Valley is cut off from the rest of Ladakh between December to April.
- During this time, the only way to reach Zanskar is via Chadar trek trail which goes over the frozen river of Zanskar
- From the months of May to November, you can have access to the Kargil to Zanskar road.
- But travelling through this road would need you to be extra careful as there will be rocks and debris.
- There are also helicopter services to reach Zanskar valley provided by the UT Ladakh government. But these are mainly rescue and emergency choppers. So they aren’t available to tourists.
Also Read: Ser Bhum Tso Resort In Ladakh Offers Mesmerising Views Of The Pangong Lake
How To Reach Here?
Travelling to Zanskar would certainly need you to be ready for an arduous nevertheless fruitful journey. A spectacular road journey awaits you during the peak season From June to September.
- You can fly to Leh and then stay for a night. It’s important to acclimatise yourself to the freezing weather. The next day hitch a shared taxi travel down 5 to 6 hours to Kargil.
- After you reach Kargil, once again, stay overnight. Resting in intervals is absolutely a must as your body needs adequate rest amid the chilly temperatures.
- The next morning have a good breakfast, arrange for a taxi and travel to Padum in Zanskar Valley.
- You can also choose to fly from Delhi to Srinagar. And then travel by road on the Srinagar-Leh highway to Kargil. After a day’s rest in Kargil drive down the next 250 km to Padum on the Kargil-Padum road.
Well, these are some of the ways you can make it safely to the most beautiful place in India. We hope you have a travel experience like no other!
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons