The majority of Zanskaris are of mixed Tibetan and Indo-European origins; notably Dard and Mon. The latter are in fact ethnically Dard, but "Mon" is used in order to distinguish them from later Dard settlers. The earlier areas like Panikher of Zanskar valley are Muslim dominated.

Zanskaris' main occupations are cattle rearing and cultivation; though land for cultivation is scarce and is restricted to mostly to terraces. Cultivated land is a rarity above 4000 mts. Despite all the hardships, Zanskaris have developed a system of agriculture supported by complex irrigation systems to produce enough food in these conditions. The circumstances have given rise to a tendency towards stable zero growth population. An efficient birth-control system in Zanskar has historically been achieved by the common practice of polyandrous marriage, in which several brothers are married to the same wife, and the widespread adoption of a celibate religious life. A high infant mortality rate also contributes to population stability.

Most of the people living in Zanskar are well versed in several languages including the local Dardic languages, Hindi, and often Tibetan, and many know enough of other languages like English, etc., to be able to communicate with tourists.