Zanskar Package
13 Days 12 Nights

Zanskar Package

Delhi - Manali - Purne - Padum - Kargil - Leh - Nubra - Turtuk - Pangong - Hanle - Umling La - Tso Moriri - Manali - Delhi

About this Trip

This unforgettable 13-day Zanskar Package begins in Delhi with an overnight journey to Manali, traversing scenic valleys and winding mountain roads. From Manali, the adventure leads to Jispa via the iconic Atal Tunnel and the tranquil village of Sissu, gradually introducing trave...

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Itinerary

  • Your journey will commence from Delhi at night, either by Volvo bus or cab. 

  • After a scenic 12 to 13-hour drive through the beautiful valleys of Himachal Pradesh, you'll reach Manali the following day.

Meals: Nil

Night: Overnight Journey by AC Volvo Bus

  • Upon arriving in Manali, you’ll check into your hotel. 

  • Today we will stay in Manali for acclimatisation before leaving for Purne. 

  • Later in the afternoon, a cab will take you to visit popular attractions, including Mall Road, Hadimba Temple, Van Vihar, Old Manali, the Museum, and the Clubhouse.

Meals: Dinner

Night: Stay at the hotel in Manali

  • Today, we depart from Jispa and journey toward Purne, traversing the high-altitude Shinku La Pass, which rises to an impressive 5,160 meters (16,580 feet). 

  • En route, the awe-inspiring peak of Gonbo Rangjon reveals its towering, pyramid-like form, standing like a silent guardian, ushering us into the remote and mystical valleys that lie ahead.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Night: Stay at the hotel in Purne

  • We begin our day early with a trek to the ancient Phugtal Monastery, a breathtaking structure dramatically perched on a cliffside deep in the heart of Zanskar. 
  • This journey is more than a physical trek; it’s a spiritual passage through rugged terrain and along the banks of a winding river, offering a glimpse into the profound tranquillity of one of the most remote monasteries in the Himalayas.
  • The 1.5-hour hike takes us through narrow mountain paths and rocky outcrops, tracing the river's serpentine course. 
  • As we round a final bend, the monastery suddenly comes into view, clinging to the cliffs as though carved from the mountain itself. 
  • Built within a massive natural cave, Phugtal Monastery is both a spiritual sanctuary and an architectural wonder, seamlessly blending into its dramatic surroundings
  • Later, we will leave for Padum and visit the serene Shila Waterfall.
  • In the afternoon, we delve into the region’s rich spiritual heritage by exploring the ancient monasteries around Padum. 
  • Our first stop is Karsha Gompa, the largest monastery in Zanskar, known for its stunning hilltop location and historic murals.
  • From there, we continue to Stongde Monastery, perched dramatically on a hilltop with sweeping views of the valley below, a true photographer’s delight.
  • As evening falls, take time to stroll through the charming Padum market.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Night: Stay at the hotel in Padum

  • Today, we travel along the scenic Padum–Kargil road, passing some of Zanskar’s most iconic sights.

  • Just outside Padum lies Sani Lake, home to a sacred statue of Guru Padmasambhava. Further ahead, we encounter the mighty Drang-Drung Glacier, stretching over 23 km, an unforgettable sight.

  • We then reach Pensi La Pass, the gateway to Zanskar, adorned with the stunning Lang Tso and Stat Tso twin lakes.

  • We then proceed to the historic Rangdum Monastery, a remote and peaceful site steeped in centuries of spiritual practice.

  • After reaching Kargil, you will check into the hotel and relax.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Night: Stay at the hotel in Kargil

  • After an early breakfast, you’ll visit Drass, one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth and the Kargil war memorial.

  • On the journey to Leh, you'll explore several cultural and scenic highlights, including Mulbekh, known for its ancient rock-carved Buddha, Lamayuru, home to one of Ladakh’s oldest monasteries, and Fotu La Pass.

  • By evening, you’ll arrive back in Leh and check into your hotel for some well-deserved rest.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Night: Stay at the hotel in Leh

  • Enjoy breakfast and set out for a full-day local tour. 

  • Visit the Hall of Fame, Spituk Monastery, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Sangam (Indus-Zanskar Confluence), and the Rafting Point. 

  • Return to the hotel by evening.

 Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Night: Stay at the hotel in Leh

  • Today, drive to Nubra Valley crossing the famous Khardung La Pass, one of the world’s highest motorable roads.

  • Explore the Hunder sand dunes and enjoy a double-humped camel ride. Visit Hunder Village, Diskit Village, and the Diskit Monastery, known for its giant Buddha statue overlooking the valley.

  • In the evening, check into your stay in Hunder.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Night: Stay at the hotel/camps in Hunder

  • Post breakfast, embark on an excursion to Turtuk (approx. 85 km). 

  • Surrounded by apricot orchards, waterfalls, and stunning views of K-2 peak, this Balti village offers a unique cultural experience. 

  • Spend the day exploring before returning to Nubra in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Night: Stay at the camps in Hunder

  • Start the day with peaceful views of the Karakoram Mountains. After breakfast, proceed towards the spectacular Pangong Tso, famous for its shifting blue hues and dramatic setting.

  • The route takes you through Shayok Village, Durbuk, and Tangtse, offering glimpses of Ladakh’s remote charm.

  • Arrive at Pangong Lake and settle into your lakeside cottage or camp.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Night: Stay at the hotel in Pangong

  • After breakfast, drive to Hanle, a remote village known for its tranquil atmosphere and clear skies.

  • Cross the scenic Tsaka La Pass, then visit the Hanle Monastery, a centuries-old gompa offering panoramic valley views.

  • In the evening, visit the Hanle Observatory, one of the highest in the world, for an unforgettable stargazing experience.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Night: Stay at the hotel in Hanle

  • Today, embark on a day trip to Umling La Pass, the world’s highest motorable pass at over 19,000 feet.

  • Located near Demchok, Umling La offers stunning views of remote valleys and high-altitude landscapes.

  • After soaking in the views, we will leave for Tso Moriri Lake.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Night: Stay at the hotel in Tso Moriri Lake

  • After breakfast, Ride through Polo Kongka La (4,940 m) and Namashang La (4,800 m)

  • Stop at Tso Kar Lake and cross Lachung La (5,059 m) & Nakee La (4,739 m)

  • Drive via Gata Loops (21 hairpin bends).

  • After reaching Manali, you will leave for Delhi in an AC Volvo Bus.

Meals: Breakfast

Night: Overnight journey by AC Semi Sleeper Volvo Bus


Inclusions

Meals as per the itinerary.

Stay on dual/triple sharing.

Vehicle for sightseeing & excursions as per the itinerary.

Pick-up and drop-off services from Delhi/Manali.

Driver Charges, Toll Tax, Parking Charges, etc.

Inner Line Permits (ILPs) for visiting restricted areas.

Ladakh environment fee and applicable taxes.

Entire travel from Manali to Manali by 4X4.

Oxygen cylinder.

Dedicated Tour Guide.

Exclusions

GST 5%.

Fees for any adventure activity.

Any entrance fee to the monastery and monuments.

Any kind of personal expenses.

Any additional use of vehicles beyond the planned itinerary will incur extra charges.

Any kind of drink (alcoholic, mineral water, aerated).

Heater Charges.

In the Ladakh region, AC will not be operational in the cab.

Additional costs due to itinerary or stay changes caused by flight cancellations, bad weather, health issues, roadblocks, or other uncontrollable factors.

Anything not mentioned under the head.

Room Heater and Bonfire

No fuel for Self own Vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Zanskar Package is an adventure tour that explores the remote Zanskar Valley in Ladakh, known for its rugged terrain, monasteries, high passes, and the Zanskar River. It often includes trekking, overland journeys, and river rafting.

This expedition typically begins in Leh, traverses Ladakh's high-altitude deserts, and ventures deep into the Zanskar Valley, covering destinations such as Kargil, Padum, Pensi La, and various ancient monasteries.

A standard itinerary lasts 8–14 days and please check the above itinerary.

Group tours Overland jeep expeditions Trekking expeditions Rafting tours Photography & cultural tours

Transport (4x4 vehicles or tempo traveler) Accommodation (hotels, guesthouses, camping), Meals Permits Guide and support staff

This adventurous circuit links Spiti Valley (Himachal Pradesh) to Zanskar, often via Shinku La or Phuktal. It includes spectacular terrain but requires a robust vehicle and good acclimatisation.

Yes, several travel companies offer fixed-departure group tours, especially during the summer (June–September).

By road: Chandigarh - Manali - Keylong - Shinku La - Padum (Zanskar) Or via Srinagar - Kargil - Pensi La - Padum By air: Chandigarh - Leh (by flight), then travel by road to Zanskar

This is a broader term for trips involving overland travel, cultural exploration, and trekking through Zanskar Valley, including remote villages and high-altitude passes.

A tour starting from Leh that ventures into Zanskar Valley, often completing a loop via Kargil or Darcha (Himachal Pradesh), depending on the route.

his is a multi-day white-water rafting trip on the Zanskar River, navigating Class III–IV rapids through steep gorges, typically from Remala to Nimu.

Yes, if done with experienced operators. It requires: Good physical fitness Ability to handle cold water and altitude Participation in safety drills

Pensi La (4,400 m) – Gateway to Zanskar from Kargil Shinku La (5,091 m) – Connects Zanskar with Himachal (Manali side) Umasi La and Phirtse La – Popular trekking passes

Route 1: Leh - Kargil - Rangdum - Pensi La - Padum Route 2 (if open): Leh - Upshi - Tsomoriri - Sarchu - Darcha - Shinku La - Padum

The Zanskar River confluence (at Nimu) is about 35 km from Leh. To reach Padum (Zanskar’s main town), it’s around 450 km via Kargil and Pensi La.

The Zanskar Valley Trek is a high-altitude adventure route through remote Himalayan terrain. Popular treks include: Lamayuru to Padum Trek Phuktal Monastery Trek Zanskar Chadar Trek (winter only – on frozen river) Darcha to Padum Trek via Shinku La

A typical trip includes: Overland journey from Leh or Manali Visits to key villages and monasteries Optional activities like rafting or short treks Cultural immersion in Tibetan-Buddhist traditions

Leh to Padum (Zanskar's main town): ~450 km Takes 2 days by road via Kargil, Suru Valley, and Pensi La Roads open from June to early October

It typically includes: Road trip from Leh or Manali Visits to Phuktal, Karsha, Zangla, and Stongdey Monasteries Cultural interactions in villages like Padum, Sani, Rangdum Scenic drives through Pensi La, Suru Valley, Drang Drung Glacier

Yes, you’ll find: Private and group tours (7–12 days) Custom packages (trekking, photography, spiritual) Operators include The Wander Yak

June to September is ideal: Roads are open, the weather is pleasant October to May: Heavy snow, routes are closed, except for the Chadar Trek (Jan-Feb) for experienced trekkers only

From Leh: Leh - Kargil - Rangdum - Pensi La - Padum From Manali: Manali - Darcha - Shinku La - Padum

Phuktal Monastery (built into a cave) Karsha Monastery (the largest in Zanskar) Stongdey and Zangla Monasteries Drang Drung Glacier (near Pensi La

Phuktal, Karsha, Stongdey, Sani Monastery monastry, Gonbo Rangjon and more

Attractions

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