Zanskar Pilgrimage (Monastery) tours
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Duration
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Explore Tours
Zanskar or Zangkar, ( white copper) covers an area of some 7,000 square kilometres (2,700 sq mi), at an elevation of 3,500-7,135 metres (11,500–23,409 feet). It consists of the country lying along the two main branches of the Zanskar River. The first, the Doda River, has its source near the Penzi La 4,400 metres (14,400 ft) mountain-pass, and then flows south-eastwards along the main valley leading towards Padum, the capital of Zanskar.
The second branch is formed by two main tributaries known as Lakhang chu (also known as Kurgiakh river), with its source near the Shinku La 5,091 metres (16,703 ft), and Tsarap River, with its source near the Baralacha-La and Lingti Chu. These two rivers unite below the village of Purney to form the Lungnak river (also known as the Lingti or Tsarap river). The Lungnak river then flows north-westwards along a narrow gorge towards Zanskar’s central valley (known locally as jung-khor), where it unites with the Doda river to form the Zanskar river.
One of the first Tibetologists to spend an extended period in the region was Hungarian scholar Sándor Csoma de Kőrös who spent over a year living in the Zanskar region in 1823. He spent two year at Phuktal Gonpa from 1824-26. Also spent few years at Zangla.
Detail itinerary
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Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
Early morning transfer to Domestic airport to board one of the most spectacular Trans Himalayan flight to Leh. Welcome on Leh airport and transfer to hotel. Half day rest at hotel for high altitude acclimatization. In the afternoon proceed to visit Sankar monastery, Shanti Stupa and a short of the Leh market.
After early breakfast full day sightseeing of Shey, Thiksey & Hemis. Shey was the summer Palace of Ladakhi Kings and is where you can see the 36Ft. high statue of Buddha made of copper and covered with gold. Thiksey : The twelve storied monastery of Thiksey is situated in the most prominent of positions, lies on an island Mountain. Finally visit; Hemis : Farthest away from Leh, this is the wealthiest Monastery in Ladakh belonging to the Red Sect - it is here each summer that plays are held and Ladakhis from all parts of the country will visit Hemis. Evening Explore most famous Leh Palace and Musium and stay overnight.
Morning after breakfast proceeds towards Alchi (68 km) from Leh. On the way visit Spituk and Basgo .Upon arrival check in at hotel and enjoy hot meal. Post lunch visit the famous 1000 years old Alchi gompa. Close by there is another small gompa with beautiful painting, Tsa Tsa puri. Visit Rizong monastery not so far from the main road, a bit drive. Make lunch stop at Lamayuru visit the magnificent 1000years Lamayuru monastery and enjoy the beautiful moonland view. overnight stay at Lamayuru
After Breakfast drive towards Zanskar. On road visit Lingshed gonpa
Nerak village, Zangla Castle and Nunnery, Stongde Gonpa Night at Padum Zanskar. Head quarter of Zanskar. Distance 230 km. drive 8 hours.
Night at Padum Hotel.
Sani Gonpa:- 7kms before reaching Padum this castle like monastery which unlike other monasteries of Ladakh, is built on level ground. According to a legend its origin is associated with Kanishka ( Kushan ruler of 2nd century AD), on account of the Kanishka Stupa, which stands in the backyard of the walled complex.
Karsha Gompa:- 9 kms from Padum this is the largest monastic establishment in Zanskar. The complex of white washed structures are imposing and can be seen from Padum. This complex houses 150 monks, eight temples, two assembly halls, valuable icons, artifacts, scrolls and thankas. The monastery was founded during th 14th century.
Zangkul Gompa:- The meditation retreat of famous Indian yogi Naropa (10th century AD) Zankul is situated in a side valley near Ating village and falls inroute Padum – Kishtiwar trek.
Drangdurung Glacier,
The average elevation of 4,780 meters (15,680 ft). The glacier is a long river of ice and snow that stretches for 23 kilometers (14 miles).
Explanation
Evening back to Hotel at Padum
On way visit ,Barden Monastery:- 12kms from Padum in the Lungnak valley is an isolated monastery perched atop a rock rising vertically from the river, The monastery holds prominent position among the Drogpa order monasteries of Zanskar. It was founded by Deba Gyatso during early 17th century. But it is famous as the seat of Lama Barapa.
Mune gonpa, on road side. Newly constructed Bhudha Padma sambhava statue, Guru rinpochey. On hilltop visit Icher Gyalwa Chamba, 106 feet hight.
After purney. Car will drop at road end and trek to Phugtal Gonpa. 5-6 km.
Phugtal Gompa:- This is one of the superb cave monastery of Zanskar and is picturesquely situated in Lungnak valley along the river bank of Tsarap . It was founded by Phagspa Sherab Zangpo by 2nd half of the 11thcentury.
After visit trek back to purne walk 2 hrs and pick up by car. Night at Guest house.
After breakfast drive towards Manali via Singkurla pass. Onway visit holy rock standing call GONBO RANGJON, means Mahakala in nature on Rock. Its was nature spectacular holy rock.”” Mount of GOD’”
On top of pass you have sight of alpine lake and Peaks above 6160 Mt. drive descending until Zanskar sumdo river.
Lunch at Jispa, explore view of Tandi, Sissu, Atal Tunnel. Reach at Manali. O/N hotel
Note ! ( Option drive back to Leh or trip to Srinagar via Kargil)
