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.
