3 Days in Zanskar for a Slow-Paced Getaway

Start your Zanskar adventure with its most iconic sights, from ancient monasteries to breathtaking landscapes. Take it slow to soak in the serene vibes of this remote Himalayan valley.

Activities

Visit Karsha Monastery

Karsha Gompa is Zanskar's largest and most active monastery, perched dramatically on a hillside. Wander through its prayer halls adorned with vibrant murals and ancient thangkas. The morning prayers around 7 AM are magical, with monks chanting and butter lamps flickering.

Karsha Village, about 10 km from PadumMorning (7 AM - 10 AM) to catch prayers₹100-200 entry fee

Tips:

• Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering shrines
• Ask permission before photographing monks

Stroll around Padum Town

Zanskar's main settlement is a charming mix of old-world Ladakhi culture and rugged mountain life. Visit the tiny market for local handicrafts, stop by the 10th-century Padum Gompa ruins, and watch villagers go about their day against a backdrop of stark peaks.

Padum town centerLate morning before lunch crowdsFree (shopping extra)

Tips:

• Try the tiny bakery near the market for fresh bread
• Look for traditional Zanskari wool socks in shops

Sunset at Stongdey Monastery

This 11th-century monastery glows golden in the evening light. The climb up rewards you with panoramic views of the Zanskar Valley. Time your visit for the 5 PM prayer session when the sound of horns and drums echoes through the mountains.

Stongdey Village, 18 km from PadumLate afternoon (4-6 PM)₹50-100 donation

Tips:

• Wear sturdy shoes for the steep approach
• Bring a scarf - it gets windy at sunset

Must Try Foods

A mix of spiritual sites, local culture, and stunning landscapes, with time to savor Zanskar’s unique flavors.

Activities

Morning at Bardan Monastery

Start your day with the peaceful vibes of Bardan Monastery, perched on a hill with sweeping views of the Zanskar Valley. This 17th-century monastery is less crowded than others, offering a serene atmosphere. The murals and ancient manuscripts here are fascinating, and if you’re lucky, you might catch the monks chanting.

Bardan Monastery, about 12 km from Padum8:00 AM - 10:00 AMFree (donations welcome)

Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes for the short climb up
• Ask permission before photographing the monks

Explore Zangla Village & Palace

Head to Zangla Village, a charming spot with a rustic feel. The highlight is the old Zangla Palace, a crumbling but photogenic ruin with a rich history. The village itself is a great place to see traditional Zanskari life—think barley fields, prayer flags, and friendly locals. Don’t miss the tiny nunnery nearby.

Zangla Village, roughly 35 km from Bardan Monastery11:00 AM - 2:00 PMEntry to palace: ~INR 50

Tips:

• Pack a picnic—there are few eateries here
• The road to Zangla can be bumpy, so take it slow

Evening Tea & Momos at a Local Home

Wrap up the day with a visit to a Zanskari family’s home for butter tea and homemade momos. It’s a warm way to connect with locals and learn about their daily life. The momos here are heartier than elsewhere, often stuffed with local greens or yak meat.

A local homestay in Padum (arranged through your guesthouse)5:00 PM - 6:30 PMINR 200-300 per person

Tips:

• Bring a small gift like biscuits or fruit as a gesture
• Ask your host to teach you a few words in Zanskari

Must Try Foods

A slower-paced day to soak in Zanskar's hidden gems and local culture, with a mix of offbeat sights and authentic experiences.

Activities

Morning at Phugtal Monastery

Hike to the stunning Phugtal Monastery, one of Zanskar's most remote and dramatically set monasteries, clinging to a cliffside like a honeycomb. The 2-3 hour trek from the nearest road is rewarding, with breathtaking views of the Tsarap River valley. The monastery itself feels frozen in time, with ancient murals and a peaceful atmosphere.

Phugtal Monastery, Lungnak ValleyStart by 8 AM to avoid afternoon heatFree (donations welcome)

Tips:

• Wear sturdy shoes - the trail is rocky
• Carry water and snacks - no facilities en route

Local Lunch at a Farmhouse

Visit a traditional Zanskari farmhouse for an authentic meal. Many families in villages like Ichar or Pishu welcome visitors for simple, hearty lunches featuring homegrown barley, local cheese (chhurpi), and seasonal vegetables. It's a chance to see traditional mud-brick architecture and hear stories of rural Zanskar life.

Ichar or Pishu village1-3 PM (flexible, arranged through homestays)300-500 INR per person

Tips:

• Ask your homestay host to arrange this in advance
• Try the butter tea - it's an acquired taste but very local

Evening Walk & Folk Music

Spend your last evening strolling Padum's back lanes as locals return from fields with their herds. If you're lucky, your homestay might arrange an informal session of Zanskari folk music - haunting throat singing and lute-like instruments. Otherwise, simply enjoy the golden light over the Stod Valley with a cup of seabuckthorn tea.

Around Padum or your homestay5-7 PM (best light)Free (or small tip for musicians)

Tips:

• Seabuckthorn products make great souvenirs
• Evenings get chilly - carry a light jacket

Must Try Foods