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In this travel guide, we tell you about tourism in Zongkhul/ Zonkhul, a city of Ladakh, India.


Zongkhul

Location: On Padum-Kishtwar Trek
How to Reach: The nearest road is 240 km long Kargil-Padum road, which remains opened from around mid July to early November. B-class buses operate thrice, weekly, from Kargil. However groups can charter A-Class or even Super-Deluxe buses also. Jeeps and Gypsy taxis can also be hired at Kargil.
Best Time to Visit: July to Early November
How to spend Time/Attractions: Visiting Cave Monastery and Trekking
Accommodation: Tourist complex, private hotels and camping places at Padum, dormitory at Karsha, etc

Situated on the Padum-Kishtwar trekking trail, Zongkhul city of Ladakh lies just before the ascent of Omasi-la Pass. The location of the city is such that it looks like a swallow's nest on the rock face of the Ating George. The major attraction of Zonkhul is its cave monastery. Legend has it that Naropa, the famous Indian Yogi, used the caves present in the monastery, for his solitary meditation. The stone near the ingress of the lower cave bears a footprint, said to be that of the yogi.

The Cave monastery of Zongkhul is adorned with some very beautiful wall paintings. It is believed that these paintings are the original works of Zhadpa Dorje, the celebrated scholar-painter of this monastery only, who was active about 300 years ago. For more, you will have to visit this village and feel the magic yourself!