Leaving the monasteries behind, we continued towards Testa Village, where the focus shifted from religious life to the everyday rhythms of the people who call Zanskar home.
Traditional mud-and-stone houses stood alongside neatly cultivated fields fed by glacial streams flowing down from the surrounding mountains. Despite the harsh climate and short growing season, the villagers have developed sophisticated irrigation systems that allow agriculture to flourish during the summer months.
As we walked through the village, we saw fields of barley and peas stretching across the valley floor. Poplar and willow trees provided welcome shade, while children played along narrow lanes between family homes. Prayer flags fluttered from rooftops, reminding us that Buddhism remains deeply woven into every aspect of village life.
What struck us most was the remarkable harmony between the village and its surroundings. The homes seemed to blend naturally into the landscape, using locally available stone, mud, and timber to withstand the long Himalayan winters. Life here continues at a pace determined by the seasons rather than modern schedules.
