Places to Visit in Zanskar

Top attractions and must-see spots in Zanskar

Bardan Monastery
A hilltop Drukpa Kagyu monastery on the road to Phugtal, known for dramatic canyon views.
Drang-Drung Glacier
One of Ladakh''s largest glaciers, visible directly from the road near Pensi La without any trekking.
Karsha Monastery
Zanskar''s largest and oldest monastery, perched above Padum with over 100 monks and centuries old murals.
Pensi La
The 4,400 metre gateway pass connecting Suru Valley to Zanskar, with views of Drang-Drung Glacier and two small lakes.
Phugtal Monastery
A 12th century cave monastery built into a cliff in the remote Lungnak Valley, reachable only by trekking.
Pipiting Gompa
A small monastery and stupa near Padum, visible from Karsha, tied to Dalai Lama era sermons.
Sani Lake
A small lake beside Sani village with a Padmasambhava statue at its centre and resident Himalayan trout.
Sani Monastery
Zanskar''s oldest religious site, built around the ancient Kanika Stupa on flat ground near Padum.
Stongdey Monastery
Zanskar''s second largest monastery, perched on a rocky outcrop 18 km from Padum with sweeping valley views.
Zangla Palace
Ruined royal palace and fort of the old Zanskar kingdom, linked to scholar Alexander Csoma de Koros.
Zanskar River Rafting Point Karsha
A Class II rafting stretch through Zanskar''s dramatic gorge, ending near Karsha village.
Zongkhul Monastery
A remote cave monastery associated with the yogi Naropa, reached by trek near Ating village.