The Zanskar River is the first major tributary of the
Indus River, equal or greater in volume than the main river, which flows entirely within
Ladakh
Ladakh () is a region administered by India as a union territory which constitutes a part of the larger Kashmir region and has been the subject of dispute between India, Pakistan, and China since 1947. (subscription required) Quote: "Jammu a ...
, India. It originates northeast of the
Great Himalaya
The Great Himalayas or Greater Himalayas or Himadri is the highest mountain range of the Himalayan Range.Hussain, MajidGeography of India/ref> The world's highest peak, Mount Everest, as well as other "near−highest" peaks, such as Kangchenjunga, ...
n range and drains both the Himalayas and the
Zanskar Range within the region of
Zanskar. It flows northeast to join the Indus River near
Nimo.
Etymology
Zanskar (''Zangs-kar'') means "white copper" or brass.
Course
In its upper reaches, the Zanskar has two main branches. First of these, the
Doda, has its source near the
Pensi-la mountain-pass and flows south-eastwards along the main Zanskar valley leading towards
Padum, the capital of
Zanskar. The second branch is formed by two main tributaries known as Kargyag river, with its source near the
Shingo La , and
Tsarap river, with its source near the Baralacha-La. These two rivers unite below the village of Purne to form the Lungnak river (also known as the Lingti or Tsarap). The Lungnak river then flows north-westwards along a narrow gorge towards Zanskar's central valley (known locally as gzhung khor), where it unites with the Doda river to form the main Zanskar river. This river then takes a north-eastern course through the dramatic
Zanskar Gorge until it joins the
Indus near "Nimmu" in
Ladakh
Ladakh () is a region administered by India as a union territory which constitutes a part of the larger Kashmir region and has been the subject of dispute between India, Pakistan, and China since 1947. (subscription required) Quote: "Jammu a ...
.
Tourism
Lower (northern) sections of that gorge are popular in summer with tourists making rafting trips, typically from Chiling to Nimmu. In winter when the road to Zanskar is closed by snow on the high passes, the only overland route to Padum is by walking along the frozen river, a multi-day hike that is now sold as an adventure activity called the
Chadar ('ice sheet') Trek. This trek will eventually be rendered obsolete once the road from Chiling to Padum is completed.
''Trekking in the Indian Himalaya'' by Garry Weare
Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet is a travel guide book publisher. Founded in Australia in 1973, the company has printed over 150 million books.
History Early years
Lonely Planet was founded by married couple Maureen and Tony Wheeler. In 1972, they embark ...
guide, page 71
See also
* Shyok River
The Shyok River is a tributary of the Indus River that flows through northern Ladakh and enters Gilgit–Baltistan, spanning some .
The Shyok River originates at the Rimo Glacier, one of the tongues of Siachen Glacier. Its alignment is ver ...
* Suru River
References
Bibliography
*
*
*
External links
Zanskar River basin
OpenStreetMap, retrieved 18 December 2020.
Doda River
OpenStreetMap, retrieved 18 December 2020.
Lunknak River
OpenStreetMap, retrieved 18 December 2020.
Tsarap River
OpenStreetMap, retrieved 18 December 2020.
{{Authority control
Tributaries of the Indus River
Rivers of Ladakh
Rivers of India