Zanskar Overview

Zanskar lies South of Kargil - South West of Leh and west of Manali. Covering an area of 7000 sqm., at an elevation 3500 – 7135 meters, Zanskar lies around two main branches of Zanskar River! Doda River originating Pensila (4400 mtrs) and second branch formed by two main tributaries known as Kargyak river with its source at Shingo– la (5091 mtrs) and Tsarap River with its source near Baralachala.

These two Rivers confluence near Purne to form Lungnak River. Lungnak river (is also known as Lingti or Tsarap River) flows north – west along a narrow gorge towards central Zanskar (known as Zhungkhor), where it unites with Doda River to form Zanskar River. Zanskar River then takes a north eastern course until it joins the Indus in Nimoo. Buddhism gained its influence over Zanskar in the 8th century, so it’s dotted with ancient monasteries of Stongde, Karsha, Dzongkul, Sani, Bardan, Mune, and most spectacularly built and located monastery of Phukthal.