Zanskar covers a vast area in the eastern half of the Kargil district. The valley is flanked by the Zanskar Range to the north and the Great Himalayan Range to the south, effectively walling the region off from the outside world. The physical geography is dominated by high-altitude cold desert features, with sparse vegetation largely confined to the valleys where glacial meltwater is available.
The lifeblood of the region is the Zanskar River, which is formed by the confluence of the Doda River (originating from the Pensi La pass) and the Tsarap River (originating near the Baralacha La pass). The river flows northward through a deep, dramatic gorge to eventually join the Indus River at Nimmu. Natural resources include limited deposits of copper—from which the valley may derive its name—along with building stone and glacial freshwater. The region is highly susceptible to the effects of climate change, as retreating glaciers directly impact the water supply.