Zangla Village

Zangla Village is a historic settlement in Zanskar Valley, Kargil district, Ladakh, located on the banks of the Zanskar River about 35 km from Padum. Once the capital of the Zanskar kingdom, it is known for the ruined Zangla Palace, Zangla Monastery and traditional Ladakhi houses. Surrounded by stark mountains and river plains, the village offers insight into Zanskari culture and serves as a base for treks and cultural exploration.

Visitors can expect a remote, traditional Zanskari village set against arid mountains and the Zanskar River plain. The settlement features mud-brick houses, chortens and prayer flags, the ruined Zangla Palace on a hillock, and the small Zangla Monastery (nunnery). Visitors can walk through village lanes, observe daily rural life, visit the palace ruins and monastery, and enjoy wide valley views. Facilities are basic with homestays and small shops.

Zangla was the former capital of the Zanskar kingdom. The Zangla Palace, now in ruins on a hill above the village, served as the royal residence. The village reflects centuries of Zanskari royal history and Buddhist heritage in the Zanskar Valley.

Predominantly Tibetan Buddhist village with an active nunnery (Zangla Monastery), chortens, prayer flags and traditional architecture. It preserves Zanskari lifestyle, agricultural practices and monastic traditions and offers insight into the culture of remote Zanskar.