Tsarap River Valley
The grand canyon of Zanskar, the Tsarap river valley has eroded deep into its surrounding landscape on its way from Baralacha La to Padum. The erosion of the high altitude desert of lose rocks and soil gives form to a surreal landscape
Tso Mesik
Ghost towns in the remote Tsarap river valley of Ladakh. People deserted their beautiful hamlets in temptation of comforts of city
Tsarap Valley
The trail proceeds on the right side (downstream) of the Tsarap river as it winds its way through an unearthly high altitude desert landscape
Bridges
Deserted settlements on both sides of the Tsarap river valley are connected using primitive bridges made from local materials
Ghost Settlements
Located along the Tsarap river in one of the most remote parts of Zanskar, Ladakh one can find several small hamlets which appeared to be once vibrant settlements but have since recent years turned into ghost towns with people leaving everything behind. Did climate change dry up the glacial streams required for cultivation or did people simply leave the hardship of living in these remote arid areas for the comfort of cities?
Earth 3D View
The Tsarap river originates from the Baralacha La and flows North along the Manali-Leh highway until it diverts towards Zanskar, Ladakh in a remote valley till it joins the main Zanskar valley near Cha and Purne. There is a regularly used hiking trail along the Tsarap from Gata Loops to Phugtal gompa. At regular distances you can find ancient settlements built from rocks and wood which have all been deserted.
Topomap
The Tsarap river valley has a very slight gradient as it flows from Gata Loops (4150m) till the base of the Gotunta La (3900m). The trail follows the right side of the river (upstream) except for the middle section where it climbs up 200-300m above the river.
There are a few primitive bridges that connect both sides of the valley. The trail in the final section is non existent so hikers have to climb up across the Gotunte La and Nialo Konste La to reach Phughtal
One dangerous part is the crossing of a fairly big side-stream flowing from North which can be crossed near the joining point with the main Tsarap valley. Also a new bridge has been constructed a few hundred meters upstream.
