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Zangla
Lying deep in the northern
arm of Zanskar at the end of the 35 km. Long rough road from Padum, Zangla
was being ruled by a titular king till his death a few years back. 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.
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. 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.
The tourist Complex at Padum
provides furnished rooms. There is catering arrangement in the complex,
while camping place nearby is available for budget tourists travelling
with personal tents.
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