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Zangla Travel Information
Zangla
is situated in the northern arm of Zanskar at the end of the 35
km.. The old castle now in ruins except from a small chappel,
occupies a hill, overlooking the desertic valley below. Nearby
is the old Nunnery worth a visit for the austere life style of
the small monastic community of nuns. An old monastery situated
in the nearby village of Tsa-zar has exquisite frescos that should
be missed.
The village lies mid-way between Stongdey and Zangla. Zangla is
the nodal point on the popular Padum-Strongdey-Zangla-Karsha-Padum
round trip, which covers most of the cultural sites of Zanskar.
The old rope suspension bridge spanning the tumultuous Zanskar
near Zangla- a rare feat of folk engineering - is no more in use,
but still visible.
The river is now crossed by a temporary footbridge for approaching
the left bank along which the trail to Karsha follows. Zangla
is also the take-off point for the Padum-Markha valley treks.
How to Reach ?
The 240 km long Kargil-Padun road, of which the first 90 km stretch
is paved, remains opened from around mid July to early November.
The J&K SRTC operates a thrice weekly B-class bus service
from Kargil.
However groups can charter A-Class or even Super-Deluxe buses
to visit Zanskar, including the interior places of interest like
Strongdey, Zangla and Karsha.
Jeeps and Gypsy taxis can also be hired at Kargil. During June
and early July, prior to opening of the road, it is recommended
to walk into Zanskar from panikhar or Parkachik onwards.
In June, the summer is at its height in the region and the climate
is ideal for trekking along the route free from vehicular traffic
of any kind and when the countryside is freshly rejuvenated into
life after months of frigid dormancy
