Mystical Light in Zanskar

Mystical Light in Zanskar, originally uploaded by The Wandering Hermit.

The Old Zangla Castle, Zanskar Ladakh

.The old castle now in ruins except for a small chapel and nearby nunnery , it sits on a precarious aerie overlooking the valley below and offers some spectacular views on the surrounding countryside. Sometimes it seems that it has become as much a part of the rocks on which it stands. (there are around 34 Chortens around this castle spread all over the route to the top)

Until 1989, Zangla had its own ruler but for more than a century prior to that the king had held only a nominal title, his lineage was traced back to when the royal lineage in Zanskar was split. One side of the family ruled from Padum(the old capital some 35 kms away), and the other from Zangla

Both factions were able to reach an accord which allowed the King of Zangla to retain a nominal rule over the nearby villages of Honia and Chazar, and the villages of Hanumil, Pidmu and Pishu on the far side of the valley.

The head monk at Spitok is related to this family, and also administrators the Zangla monastery, which is situated in the nearby village of Tsa-zar & houses some exquisite frescos dating from the 16th century and some refurbished in the 18th century . The monastery is run my monks of the Gelugpa sect. This village lies mid-way between Thongde (Stongdey) and Zangla.