Housing a large population of Tibetan Buddhists, the daily life of Zanskar revolves around monks and Buddhist monasteries. While the locals generally speak in Zanskari, they are also fluent in Hindi, Ladakhi and Urdu. Some of them also speak in Tibetan and English.

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Zongkhul, on the Padum-Kistwar trekking trail is famous for its beautiful cave monasteries and is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Zanskar. Home to the Gelukpa monks, the Stongdey monastery, the second largest Buddhist shrine in Zanskar is another tourist favorite.

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The Drang-Drung Glacier is one of the biggest glaciers of the country and offers picturesque views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. A winding river of ice, the glacier can be seen from Pensi La and the trek to it from Padum is one every trekker worth his salt must take. Trainers and paragliding equipment are available in Zanskar.

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One of the most challenging gorges in the world, rafting in the Zanskar river is a dangerous but an exciting activity. Rafting trips on this route can take up to 12 days and camping on the banks of the river at night is almost as exciting as the rafting itself. However, since the water in the river is almost always cold, it is advisable to wear a wet suit while rafting.