The Zanskar Valley The Zanskar Valley is formed by the Zanskar River and its tributaries. The Doda stream originates from the Pensi La and meets the Lugnak near Padam to form the Zanskar River. The Doda Valley has glacial origins and hence is a fairly wide valley. On the other hand, the Lugnak forms a fantastic gorge for most of its course.

Zanskar Valley, from Lakong camping site. Credit: Jarkko Lavinen

The Zanskar Valley has open undulating plains surrounded by high mountains. River terraces have been brought under cultivation, both for cereals and vegetables. The people also grow fruits on a moderate scale. These are consumed locally and also sent to markets outside the Zanskar Valley. Usually one crop is raised every year, although sometimes two crops are also grown.

There are many settlements and places of various significance in this valley.

Shagma Karphu
This is the first village of Zanskar when approached from the Suru Valley. The Zanskar Valley opens into a broad undulating plain flanked by a long stretch of marshy land that is formed when the river overflows its banks due to the melting of the snow in the summer season. The Shagma Karphu offers a magnificent view of the Zanskar Valley with snow clad high mountain peaks forming the backdrop.

View of a valley between Lingshot and Yulchung, Zanskar Credit: Jarkko Lavinen

This flat plain stretches for a distance of nearly 15 km up to a place called Gilmatongas. Shagma Kharphu is a fairly small village inhabited by simple and docile Buddhists. They grow barley on the unproductive soils.

Six kilometers from Shagma Karphu lies the famous Rangdom Gompa .