Zangla Tourism

The Untouched Centre of Tibeto-Buddhist Culture.

Nestled in the snow-clad Himalayas, Zangla is a gorgeous destination dotted with uplands, barren cliffs and plateaus. The village of Zangla can be reached after a 5 hour walk from Tonde, along the right bank of the river Zanskar. Ruled by a titular king till 1989, Zangla lies to the north of Zanskar, 35 km from Padum. The time period of June to early November is considered the best for visiting Zangla.

Major Attractions

Situated at an altitude of about 3,370 m, the village and the nearby valley is an ideal spot for trekking. The Padum-Markha Valley Treks starting from Zangla are very popular among adventure enthusiasts. The famous trek route 'Padum-Stongdey-Zangla-Karsha-Padum' covers almost all the natural and cultural sites of Zanskar.

There is a ruined fort of the titular king of Zangla. Near the fort, lies a beautiful monastery,?home to more than 150 lamas and adorned with some exquisite wall paintings and frescos. One can also find an old Nunnery at Zangla, which is worth a visit for the life style of the monastic community of nuns.

How To Get There

Zangla is easily accessible from Kargil as well as Padum. The route is open from around mid July to early November. The J&K SRTC (State Road Transport Corporation) operates a tri-weekly bus service from Kargil. Besides A-Class buses, Super-Deluxe buses, Jeeps and Gypsy taxis can also be hired at Kargil. In the months of June-July, Zangla can also be reached through the nearby trek routes.

Accommodation

The villagers provide rooms on rent to tourists for long stays. One can also find accommodation in the nearby monasteries. There are several private hotels and a Tourist Complex at Padum that offers well furnished rooms. Moreover,camping sites and tents in the region are also popular for adventurous stay.