Zangla Village in Leh-Ladakh: Complete Guide to travel in 2024

An Overview : Zangla Village which is an interesting place in the Zanskar, barren cliffs and plateaus, is the most isolated of all the trans-Himalayan valleys. The Zangla Village can be reached after a 5 hour walk from Tonde, along the right bank of the river Zanskar. 

Ruled by a titular king till 1989, Zangla Village lies to the north of Zanskar, 35 km from Padum. Tourists can take one of the many Leh Ladakh tour packages and take in the stunning views of the Zangla Village in Zanskar Valley.

Zangla in Ladakh is the departure point for the Padum-Lamayuru and the Padum-Markha treks, as well as for the chadar trek over the frozen Zanskar river to Nimu, which becomes feasible only during the middle of the winter. For Markha Valley Trek, Zangla Village is the base camp.

Places To Visit in Zangla :

Zangla Palace: The Zangla Palace also known as Zangla Rong, which dates back to the 17th century is one the amazing places to visit in Ladakh. The panoramic view from the palace engages many tourists to this spot every year.

 Zangla Monastery: Zangla Monastery, a Buddhist gompa is one of the most famous monasteries in Ladakh. This monastery is located in the nearby village of Tsa-zar, mid-way between Stongdey and Zangla village. The 240 km long Kargil-Padum road helps you reach the Zangla Monastery. Once you visit the monastery, you can admire the intricate murals, ancient artifacts, and serene atmosphere, which will surely be one of the top activities to do in Zangla Village.

Zangla Fort : Zangla Fort is a ruined fort of the titular king of Zangla. This ancient citadel which once served as a strategic stronghold in the region is also a tourist spot in Zangla Village.

 Zangla Nunnery : Zangla nunnery also known as Changchub Choling Monastery is located near the Zangla Village. Here you will be able to experience the life of the 18 nuns who live here. The nunnery has an impressive range of buildings, including an assembly hall, library, classroom, and adequate accommodations for the nuns, who each have two rooms.

Padum Valley : Padum in is situated at a height of approximately 3505 m. This valley serves as the administrative headquarters of the region. Padum is considered as the most populous settlement of Zanskar with a population of nearly 1500.

Padum Valley is also one of the best places to visit in Zangla as it offers numerous opportunities for trekking. The Zanskar trek is one of the best things to do in Zangla. It takes ten days to complete as it passes through small villages, historic monasteries, and stunning scenery throughout the Zanskar range on this route from Padum to Lamayuru. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best places to visit in Zangla.

 Zanskar River : The Zanskar river flows through Zangla in Leh, offering immense opportunities for adventure lovers. Tourists can embark on river rafting, kayaking, and scenic boat rides especially between Chilling to Nimmu.

Winter in Ladakh especially Zangla Village brings the thrilling experience of walking down along the Zanskar river, which is known as the ‘Chadar Trek’. Numerous international hikers visit the valley to experience the trek on the ice sheet of Zanskar River, making it one  beautiful places to visit in Leh Ladakh.

Local Villages :Exploring the nearby villages such as Pishu, Sumdo, and Karsha will be one of the best things to do in Zangla. A short trip to these villages will help you understand their traditional architecture, cultural heritage and some of the best festivals of Zangla in Ladakh.

Best Time to Visit in Zangla Village :

The best time to visit Zangla Village is between June to September. During this time the sky will remain clear and the weather will be pleasant. The high-altitude mountain passes remain open at this time.

But considering the ‘Chadar Trek’, winter is also a good option to visit the Zangla in Leh. If you want to know more about when to visit Zangla Village in Zanskar Valley, then check out our guide for the ultimate trip to Leh.

Hotels in Zangla Village:

One can find accommodation in the nearby monasteries. The Tourist Complex at Padum also has furnished rooms. There is catering arrangement within the complex and a camping place nearby for tourists traveling with personal tents.

At Karsha, basic accommodation is available in guest houses. These guest houses provide essential amenities like beds, blankets and meals.

Zangla Village Homestay:

There are few homestays in Zangla in Ladakh having accommodation. Since there are not too many eateries here, having home cooked food in these homestays is a good option. And staying at these homestays gives a chance to interact with the local families.