Photoksar village
Photoksar : Leading the way to a new era of responsible tourism in Ladakh
Photoksar, perched high in the Zanskar range, was once a cherished stop for trekkers exploring the Great Crossing of the Zanskar trek. Many travel books and blogs still recount the awe-inspiring beauty that greeted travelers arriving on foot. However, since the road reached the village in 2020, trekkers have moved on, causing a significant loss of income for the community. The new road brought a different kind of tourist – those who pause only for a quick selfie while traveling from Lamayuru or Leh to Padum, without bringing any benefits for Photoksar.
In 2022, Himalayan Ecotourism partnered with Photoksar’s residents to reimagine tourism in the village, launching a successful pilot project that will soon be replicated in other parts of Ladakh facing similar challenges.
Photoksar has transformed into a destination worth exploring for several days. The village now boasts five homestays and offers a wide range of activities, from trekking along a new route to Tso Marpo (Red Lake) to visiting the renovated monastery. Visitors can take Ladakhi cooking classes, watch traditional dances, and participate in village discussions to better understand the unique Ladakhi way of life.
Photoksar is also a perfect spot for stargazing, wildlife observation, day hikes, and volunteer opportunities. There is electricity in Photoksar and there is a mobile tower (Jio) that offers a decent connectivity to the internet.
You can contact us to plan your trip to Photoksar. We collaborate closely with the Photoksar Tourism Development Committee, which manages and monitors all tourism-related activities in the village. This partnership ensures that tourism contributes positively to the local community, helping to create a bright and sustainable future for Photoksar.
Contact us for planning a visit to Photoksar
Map of Photoksar in Ladakh
LADAKH – MAP SHOWING THE LOCATION OF PHOTOKSAR
Photoksar is located in the Western side of the Zanskar range and is accessible from Leh by taking the highway to Kargil, then turning left on the road to goes till Padum.
What to do in Photoksar ?
Photoksar offers a wealth of activities that immerse visitors in Ladakhi culture and its breathtaking natural surroundings.
- Tso Marpo Trek: Embark on an unforgettable trek to the remote Red Lake, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. See the details of the trek.
- Ladakhi Cooking Classes: Learn to make traditional dishes like momos and skew using locally sourced, organic ingredients, offering a genuine taste of Ladakh.
- Stargazing: The clear skies reveal the brilliance of the Milky Way, which can be captured by any camera with a tripod. You might also witness countless falling stars.
- Wildlife Observation: Spot Himalayan wildlife like wolves, brown bears, lynx, and ibex. For the lucky few visiting between December and March, there’s even a chance to spot the elusive snow leopard.
- Cultural Experiences: Visit the recently renovated monastery or attend a traditional dance performance in the village, all while staying at one of the five homestays.
- Day Hikes and Volunteering: Explore the surrounding mountains on hikes or contribute to local projects by volunteering.
Photoksar provides a unique blend of adventure, cultural exchange, and wildlife experiences, making it a destination worth spending time in.
Traditional dances
The youth club of Photoksar loves performing cultural programs for the visitors of their village.
Cooking class
Learning how to make Chutagi, a typical dish in the Ladakhi villages
Photoksar Gompa
You will simply love a relaxing visit to the old monastery of Photoksar at the sunset
Tso Marpo
One of the most stunning place of Ladakh to visit on foot !
The Photoksar Tourism Development Committee
Welcome to Photoksar
The Committee works on making their village a new destination of Ladakh
Since 2022, Himalayan Ecotourism has encouraged the villagers of Photoksar to come together to revitalize tourism for the benefit of the entire community. By 2023, they formally established the Photoksar Tourism Development Committee (PTDC) with Heco committed to promoting Photoksar and supporting the initiative.
The PTDC’s primary goal is to ensure that the income generated from tourism benefits the local villagers, with a system that guarantees a fair distribution of revenue among families. This helps preserve the village’s social harmony and protects it from the negative impacts of mass tourism. The committee records homestay stays and ensures a balanced rotation of guests, so each family has a fair opportunity to earn income during the tourist season.
Additionally, the PTDC has gained support from the local Panchayat and higher authorities to oversee the new trekking route to Tso Marpo, enforcing rules that preserve the fragile environment. Anyone wishing to trek to Tso Marpo must seek approval from the committee, which ensures that all ecological guidelines are respected, fostering sustainable tourism practices in Photoksar for the future.
Photoksar Tourism Development Committee – Core members
OTSAL DORJEY
As the former Sarpanch of Photoksar, the sustainable development of my village is a kind of mission in my life. I am confident that tourism can be a key to achieve this goal, provided, we, the people of Photoksar, hold the reins of the tourism development.
TASHI DOLMA
I never thought my life will take the direction of tourism, until in 2023, when I led with my uncle the first guided trek to the Tso Marpo for a French woman. This has opened my eyes about the tourism potentials in and around my village Photoksar. You can read my story here.
TSERING DOLKAR
As a member of the Youth Club of Photoksar, I have been working hard for the renovation of our monastery. Not only we are proud of it, but we also thought that it may bring tourists to our village. With the Tourism Committee and Himalayan Ecotourism, we are now so glad to bring visitors to our village, not only to our Gompa but also to our homes and to the Tso Marpo !
TSEWANG NESPHEL
I had an immediate interest in the initiative of the PTDC and Heco. I believe that tourism can do good to our village. I have served as trekking guide to the Red lake, the Tso Marpo, and I just loved it. The Nomadic camp project will make the experience even better !
PADMA TASHI
For me, trekking is a passion. I used to go for treks in other areas of Ladakh. But starting a trek with clients from home is something at another level. We feel like, on trek, we are at home. And all the money for our staff and night stays remains in Photoksar. I am so glad tourism is taking this shape. It is so good for our people, for the future of our village.
TSEWANG NAMGAIL
I am a member of the Youth Club of Photoksar, and now I am an avid member of the PTDC. I believe in the mission of the committee. It is our role to welcome tourists in our village and make their stay a unforgetable experience. But it is also our role to make sure our valley remains clean and beautiful. We don’t want to be the next Pangong lake, we want to benefit from tourism without suffering from environmental degradation.
How to get to Photoksar
From Leh, the journey to Photoksar takes about 5 hours by road. Begin by following the highway toward Khaltse, which is on the route to Kargil and Srinagar. Shortly before Lamayuru, take the newly constructed road on the left heading towards Padum. This scenic road follows the route of the historic trekking path that once connected Wanla to Padum.
On this drive, you’ll pass through Hanupatta village and cross the stunning Sirsir La Pass at 4,850 meters, offering breathtaking landscapes and where you might spot yaks and even herds of ibex. After crossing the pass, it’s a short 30-minute descent into the picturesque village of Photoksar.
As you descend into Photoksar, you’ll pass the valley leading to the beautiful Red Lake (Tso Marpo) on your right.
On the way to Photoksar
The journey to Photoksar is a wonderful experience in itself.
Youthful Efforts Revitalize Drigung Temple in Photoksar
In the picturesque village of Photoksar, a dedicated youth club has successfully led the renovation of the ancient Drigung temple, a three-story structure that was on the brink of collapse. This magnificent temple, adorned with exquisite mid-18th century wall paintings, has been restored to its former glory through the tireless efforts of the local youth.
Challenges Overcome
The temple’s murals had suffered significant damage due to water ingress through a decayed roof, leading to decay, structural issues, and deterioration of the decorative surfaces. The youth club faced numerous challenges, including:
- Accumulated surface deposits diminishing the vibrancy of the original colors
- Water damage causing paint loss, mud deposition, and staining
- Structural problems resulting in cracks, bulging plaster, and dislodged paint chunks
- Previous restoration efforts that inadvertently covered original paint areas
Renovation Success
Despite these obstacles and without significant government support, the youth club persevered, working in challenging conditions to restore the temple. Their dedication has ensured the preservation of this cultural treasure, and the Drigung temple now stands revitalized, its beauty and historical significance reclaimed for future generations.
A Testament to Community Spirit
The renovated temple complex, situated against the stunning backdrop of the mountain, is now accessible via a safe and renovated path. The three chortens marking the entrance to the temple complex symbolize the triumph of community spirit and determination. The youth of Photoksar have set a remarkable example, demonstrating that collective efforts can achieve the extraordinary.
More photos of Photoksar
Monastery of Photoksar
The old monastery of Photoksar was renovated in just a couple of years by the Youth club of the village
Inside the monastery
Although the gompa is very small, it features beautiful wall paintings
Homestay
View from the room in a homestay in Photoksar
Ladakhi stew
Proudly made exclusively with local ingredients from the village
Photoksar village
You can see the fields of barley irrigated by the river crossing the village
On the way to Tso Marpo
This is the valley where we set up the basecamp for the tso Marpo trek
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