Travels to Zanskar & Ladakh: 2, Zanskar

This the the second part of a three part article on a jeep safari to Zanskar and Ladakh. We pick up at: Day 5. Kargil is a rough, tough town situated between Shrinagar and Leh. It is near the Pakistan border so it is very well guarded with military men all about, including sand bag posts from which one sees the barrels of guns pointing out in various directions. From Kargil we head south following along the Zanskar Valley to Padam, the end of the road. This road through the region of Zanskar was built some twenty years ago and until ... (more)

24.Village scene
This marks the entrance of Zanskar Valley. When we drive by everyone stops to...

25. Women in the field
This is a group of women who indicated that I could take their...

26. Kun La
In the background you can see Kun La, at 7067m., one of the two highest...

27. Islamic girls
As we picnicked along the river these two girls came up to see what we...

28. Mountain view
This is a view as we approach the end of the day. Thus the contrast of...

29. Yak
This yak was frolicking along the roadside, jumping, and running along.

30. Mountain road
This scene is even later in the day but just up the mountain enough to...

31. Dwelling at the campsite
Just north of our campsite is this stonewall and dwelling complex....

32. Islamic boys
These boys came to see us at the campsite. They are posing for their picture.

33. Campsite at Parkachik, 23,000 ft.
David and I camped in the tent on the far right and Will was across...

34. Will feeding the donkeys
In the morning these donkeys came near the camp. Will fed them some old mangos.

35. Glacier
Just over the hill from the campsite, is one of a number of glaciers...

36. Check point at Rangdum
Although Rangdum is considered a large town along the Zanscar road, it is a...

37. Rangdum Monastery
A few miles from Rangdum, Rangdum Monastery is seen situated on the top of a...

38. Pense La,14,500ft.
This is the pass that marks the beginning of Buddhist territory in Zanskar...

39. Pense La, group photo
This is a photo of us all as we enter Buddhist territory. will is at...

40. Durung Drung Glacier
This glacier feeds the Stod River which flows down and east to Padam.

41. Scagam
A small village about 20 kilometers from Padam, 12,000 ft. We stop...

42. Rig Jens mom in the kitchen

43. Tibetan boy
This is a young relative of Rig Jens. He is in the kitchen, which is the main...

44. Grandma
This is Rig Jens grandmother. She is leaning on the stonewall that surrounds...

45. Three neighbors.

46. Zangla Palace
This was the home of the local, royal family. Later a monastery was...

47. View from the Zangla Palace
In the lower valley there are crops growing. As you look across you see the...

48. View of the nunnery.

49. The main building of the nunnery.

50. Thonde Monastery.
This is a prosperous monastery with many buildings. All of them in good...

51. Thonde Monastery, main temple

52. Thonde Monastery from the temple.
Here we are looking back over the larger temple complex.

53. Sunset from Thonde
The river in the background to the right is the Stod which in joining...

54. Thonde Monastery
This is taken at sunset from the main road below as we were leaving.

55. Zangkhul
This is a temple and small monastery located at the site of a cave...

56. Zangkhul
This is the upper part of the complex where the mouth of the cave is...

57. Cave mural
Paintings cover the cave walls, depicting historical scenes,...

58. The alter inside the cave.

59. Zangkhul
This is a view of the complex looking up the valley to the south where a vast...

60. Karsha
Karsha is located north and across the river from Padam. It is the largest...

61. Festival dancers
This is an annual festival, which we were lucky enough to take in. This takes...

62. Festival dancers
This is a view to the east of the area and in the background you see one monk...

63. Festival dancer

64. Traditional Tibetan Headdress
There were two women in the crowd who wore this traditional type of hat. they...

65. Festival dancers
Looking straight ahead is the north wall. Many young monks are seated...

66. Festival dancer
Here you can see the northeast corner where the band is sitting playing their...

67. Festival dancers
This is the northwest corner of the area. You can see the young monks...

68. Stupa at Sani Monastery
This Stupa dates from the 2nd century a.d.

69. Sunrise on the Stod River
This was taken just a few miles out of Padam as we wer leaving the area.

70. Women working
As we leave Padam we pass by these women who have a business of mixing...

71. View of the glacier, leaving Zanskar

article published 9/27/2004

bookmark with del.icio.us

Comments

Add a comment

Superb!!
No Doubt, great pics .. woould like to travel to Leh. Just came from Lahaul & Spiti Districy in Himachal Pradesh, hope it come soon!! Cheers!
— Deepak Thukral, October 12, 2005

Good to see you, even if in photos. I will copy some of these, with commentary, and send them on to Mom. She really looks forward to staying in touch with you through your travels by your email notes and photos like these.

Love,

DW
— Dale Hendricks, September 30, 2004

I agree with Maia - This installment of pictures is the best so far! I, too would like to see some pictures with all of you in them. Thank you for sharing your pictures with everyone.
— Lisa, September 29, 2004

Each instalment gets more and more exciting...I can't wait to come see you three! I know we all would like to see a picture of you up close. Sharon, David, and Will. Breathtaking! With LOVE, m
— maia, September 27, 2004

Dear Sharon! Thanks so much for sharing your terrific pix with us!!!
— ellie robb, September 27, 2004