The Kingdom of Heaven
Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas in the extreme north of India, Zanskar is constituted by several valleys made of sumptuous lunar landscapes, rising to heights from 3600 m to 4500 m (11’800 ft to 14’800 ft).
Harsh climatic conditions and rarity of water do not allow intensive farming. The villagers live thanks to the cultivation of barley and vegetable gardens set up in small irrigated oasis, with their herds of yaks, goats and sheep.
Even though Zanskar is situated on the Indian territory, it has the ethnic and cultural characteristics of nearby Tibet. The 15000 or so Zanskarpas have the same agricultural subsistence and pastoral means, a close language and a common Buddhist culture.
