Zanskar Tour
08 Days 07 Nights

Zanskar Tour

Delhi - Manali - Jispa - Purne - Padum - Jispa - Manali - Delhi

Group Packages Group Tour Share
Stay
Stay
included
Travelling
Travelling
included
Breakfast and Dinner
Breakfast and Dinner
included
Trip Leader
Trip Leader
included
Sightseeing
Sightseeing
included
About this Trip

This 8-day journey through Zanskar leads you into the heart of one of the Himalayas’ most secluded and stunning landscapes, with Manali as both the starting and finishing point. The journey begins with an overnight drive from Delhi to Manali, followed by a scenic route towards ...

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Itinerary

  • Your journey begins at night from Delhi, travelling by a Volvo bus or a cab.

  • After a scenic 12 to 13-hour drive through the picturesque valleys of Himachal Pradesh, you will arrive in Manali the next day.

Meals: Nil

Night: Overnight Journey by AC Volvo Bus

  • We set out on the legendary Manali Leh highway, making our way toward Jispa. 

  • Crossing the Atal Tunnel, famously the world’s highest highway tunnel at over 10,000 feet, we watch the scenery shift dramatically. 

  • The dense, green hills of Manali recede behind us, giving way to the stark beauty of barren mountains and rocky plains.

  • We take a break at the scenic village of Sissu, enjoying its peaceful atmosphere, before continuing to Jispaby in the afternoon. 

  • The day is kept deliberately easy to help our bodies adjust to the high-altitude environment.

Meals: Dinner

Night: Stay at the hotel in Jispa

  • Today, we set out from Jispa towards Purne, crossing the high-altitude Shinku La Pass at an impressive 16,580 feet. 

  • Along the way, the majestic peak of Gumbok Rangan comes into view, standing tall like a silent sentinel, welcoming travellers into the remote valleys beyond.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Night: Stay at the hotel in Purne

  • With an early start, we begin our trek to the ancient Phugtal Monastery, dramatically perched on a cliffside in the heart of Zanskar. 

  • This journey isn’t just about the physical adventure through rugged terrain along the riverbank, but also a rare opportunity to experience the profound serenity of one of the most secluded monasteries in the Himalayas.

  • The 1.5-hour hike follows the winding course of the river, leading us through narrow trails and rocky outcrops. 

  • As we round a bend, the sight of Phugtal Monastery suddenly reveals itself, clinging to the cliffs like a natural extension of the mountainscape. 

  • The monastery itself is built inside a massive cave, making it a truly unique spiritual and architectural marvel.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Night: Stay at the hotel in Purne

  • Today is a day to unwind and soak in the grandeur of the Zanskar Valley. We start with a visit to the scenic Shila Waterfall.

  • In the afternoon, we explore the ancient monasteries surrounding Padum. Our first stop is Karsha Gompa..

  • Our journey then takes us to Stongde Monastery, set high on a hill with breathtaking views of the valley below.

  • In the evening, you can stroll through Padum market, browse for local handicrafts, or relax with a warm meal at one of the cosy cafés.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Night: Stay at the hotel in Padum

  • Today, we set out on the Padum-Kargil road, a route that unveils some of the most awe-inspiring sights of the Zanskar region. 

  • Just minutes from Padum lies the sacred Sani Lake, home to a revered statue of Guru Padmasambhava, set against a serene backdrop of mountains.

  • Our journey continues toward the mighty Drang Drung Glacier, one of Ladakh’s largest glaciers, stretching over 23 kilometres. Its sheer scale and beauty are breathtaking. No photograph or description can truly prepare you for the moment you first see it.

  • Nearby, we reach Pensi La Pass, the gateway to Zanskar, which is adorned with the twin alpine lakes of Lang Tso and Stat Tso. 

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

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Night: Stay at the hotel in Rangdum

  • Today, we begin our drive toward Purne, navigating through some of the most rugged and dramatic mountain landscapes in Zanskar.

  • Along the way, we catch sight of the Bardan Monastery, gracefully perched atop a cliff beside the highway. 

  • We stop here to explore this ancient monastery before continuing onward to Raru village. 

  • From Raru, a short hike leads us to the peaceful Raru Lake, where snow-capped peaks surround the tranquil waters, offering a perfect moment of quiet reflection.

  • Before reaching Purne, we make one final stop at Ichar village to visit the Maitreya Buddha statue, a serene symbol of compassion carved into the remote mountainscape.

  • By evening, we arrive in Purne, where we settle in for the night, surrounded by the untouched beauty of Zanskar.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Night: Stay at the hotel in Purne

  • On the final day of our journey, we drive back to Manali, retracing our route over the Shinku La Pass and passing through Darcha and Jispa once again. 

  • The return drive offers one final opportunity to take in the untouched beauty of the landscape and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past week.

  • We expect to reach Manali by late afternoon. 

  • After reaching Manali, you will depart for Delhi.

Meals: Breakfast

Night: Overnight Journey by AC 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.

Entire travel from Manali to Manali by Cab.

Driver Charges, Toll Tax, Parking Charges, etc.

Inner Line Permits (ILPs) for visiting restricted areas.

Ladakh environment fee and applicable taxes.

Exclusions

Room Heater cost, Oxygen Cylinder, and Bonfire.

GST 5%.

Fees for any adventure activity.

Dedicated Tour Guide.

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.

Quick Links

Cancellation Policy

Important things to remember

Things to carry

Our liabilities and Limitations

Frequently Asked Questions

Zanskar, a remote valley in the union territory of Ladakh, India, is renowned for its rugged mountains, ancient monasteries, vast glaciers, and rich Buddhist heritage, offering travellers a rare mix of adventure and spirituality.

Zanskar Valley is located in the southeastern part of Ladakh, between the Greater Himalayas and the Zanskar Range.

Visit Phugtal Monastery, Explore Karsha and Stongde Monasteries, Trek in remote valleys, See the Drang Drung Glacier, Visit Rangdum Monastery, Experience local culture and festivals, Stargazing and photography

The Zanskar Range, part of the Trans-Himalayas, separates Zanskar from the Indus Valley and is home to peaks rising above 6,000 meters.

The Zanskar Range lies south of the Indus River, running parallel to the Ladakh Range. It stretches between Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.

The Zanskar Range is part of the Trans-Himalayan region, located north of the main Himalayan chain.

The Zanskar Geothermal site is located near Puga, Ladakh (sometimes confused with Zanskar), and is known for its hot springs and geothermal activity.

The distance from Padum (Zanskar’s main town) to Leh is about 450–470 km, depending on the route taken. The road is partly rough and only open seasonally.

Purne is a small village in Zanskar, popular as the base for the trek to Phugtal Monastery. It’s located along the Tsarap River, offering simple homestays and scenic beauty.

The distance from Padum to Purne is about 56 km by road. It usually takes around 2 to 3 hours due to rough mountain terrain.

Purne has a cold desert climate. In summer (June–September), temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C. In winter, it drops well below freezing, often to -20°C or lower.

For real-time weather, it’s best to check online. Generally, in July and August, temperatures range between 8°C and 18°C during the day and drop at night.

Yes, Purne is a remote village in the Zanskar Valley, Ladakh, India.

Yes, Purne offers basic homestay accommodations run by local families. Facilities are simple but provide authentic Zanskari hospitality and meals.

Purne has limited facilities. There are small homestays and tea houses, but no markets, ATMs, or advanced medical help. It’s advisable to carry cash and essentials.

Phugtal Monastery is accessible only on foot. The nearest motorable point is Purne village. From Purne, it’s a 1.5 to 2-hour trek along the Tsarap River to reach the monastery. The trail is scenic but narrow and rocky.

Leh to Padum: ~450–470 km (2 days by road) Padum to Purne (by road): ~56 km (2–3 hours) Purne to Phugtal Monastery (trek): ~7 km (1.5–2 hours)

Staying at Phugtal Monastery is not officially available for tourists, but sometimes monks allow travellers to stay in simple rooms or caves near the monastery if requested politely.

Manali to Jispa: 93 km Jispa to Purne via Shinku La Pass: ~94 km Purne to Phugtal (trek): ~7 km

The trek from Purne to Phugtal Monastery is around 6.5–7 km one way, following the river. It’s a moderate trek, taking 1.5 to 2 hours each way depending on your pace.

The Purne to Phugtal Monastery trek is about 7 km (one way). The trek is the easiest and shortest route to reach Phugtal.

Padum to Purne (by road): 56 km Purne to Phugtal Monastery (trek): 7 km The total distance from Padum to Phugtal is approximately 63 km.

Padum is renowned for its ancient monasteries, rich Buddhist culture, stunning scenic beauty, and as a base for trekking to remote areas, such as Phugtal Monastery and the Drang Drung Glacier.

Padum has a cold desert climate. Summer (June–September): 5°C to 20°C Winter (October–April): -10°C to -30°C Snow blocks the region in winter.

Between July and August, Padum experiences daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C, while nights cool to between 3°C and 8°C. Winters, however, are intensely cold.

The distance from Padum to Leh is approximately 450–470 km by road. The route is rough and usually takes two days, depending on road conditions.

Karsha Monastery (the largest monastery in Zanskar), Strongde Monastery (panoramic views), Sani Lake and Monastery, Pibiting Monastery, Shila Waterfall Padum, Market for local food and handicrafts

The Drang Drung Glacier, located in the Zanskar region, is one of the largest glaciers in Ladakh. It’s famous for its vast ice fields and stunning views, often compared to a frozen river winding through the mountains.

Yes, you can find Drang Drung Glacier’s details on Wikipedia, which covers its geography, significance, and environmental information. It’s a popular research subject due to its size and location in the Himalayas.

The glacier is approximately 23 km long, making it the second-largest glacier in Ladakh after the Siachen Glacier.

The most spectacular view of the Drang Drung Glacier can be enjoyed from Pensi La Pass (also known as Pensi Top). From here, you get a panoramic view of the glacier and its curving ice formation flowing between the mountains.

Summer: 5°C to -5°C Winter: -20°C to -30°C Even in summer, the glacier area remains cold due to its high altitude.

There is no formal trek onto the glacier itself due to safety reasons, but you can trek around Pensi La and nearby valleys for excellent views. Some adventure trekkers attempt guided glacier walks with proper equipment.

The Stod River, a major tributary of the Zanskar River, originates from Drang Drung Glacier. The glacier melt feeds the river, which flows through the Zanskar Valley.

The glacier sits at an elevation of around 4,780 meters (15,682 feet) near its snout, with its upper reaches even higher.

Yes, Gonbo Rangjon camping is popular among trekkers and photographers. The base of the mountain has flat grounds ideal for tents, offering a stunning view of the peak, especially at sunrise and sunset.

There’s no official trek route to the summit, as the mountain is considered sacred and unclimbed. However, trekkers do hike around its base or include it in multi-day routes in Zanskar.

Height of Gonbo Rangjon: Around 18,410 feet (5,610 meters) Base camp altitude: Approx. 14,000 feet (4,270 meters)

The Gonbo Rangjon to Padum distance is approximately 74 km, traversed via rough mountain roads, which usually takes 3–4 hours, depending on road conditions.

The distance from Manali to Gonbo Rangjon is approximately 220–230 km via Shinku La Pass, which can be covered in 10–12 hours, depending on the terrain.

In the summer months, expect daytime temperatures to be around 8–12°C, with nighttime temperatures dropping to -2°C to 4°C. For real-time temperatures, local guides or satellite apps are recommended, as the weather is unpredictable.

According to Buddhist legends, Gonbo Rangjon is believed to be a self-manifested (Rangjon) peak, symbolising a sacred, divine presence. Locals believe it protects the Zanskar region and holds spiritual energy.

The night view is spectacular due to clear skies and minimal light pollution. Camping at night allows you to witness stunning Milky Way views and the silhouette of Gonbo Rangjon against the stars.

The best time to visit is from mid-June to September when the passes are open and the weather is relatively stable.

From Manali: Drive via Atal Tunnel → Darcha → Shinku La Pass → Lakhang → Gonbo Rangjon. From Padum: Take the Padum – Shinku La route towards Purne, and then Gonbo Rangjon.

Rangdum to Padum (the main Zanskar town) is about 105 km, usually taking 4–5 hours due to the rugged mountain road.

Rangdum Monastery (Gompa) Rangdum Valley (for scenic views and photography) Wildlife spotting (Marmots, Ibex, Himalayan birds) Camping sites near the monastery

Visit Rangdum Monastery Trek around the valley for breathtaking landscapes Camp under the stars Photography of glaciers, peaks, and wildlife Experience local Buddhist culture

Summer (June–Sept): Daytime: 5°C to 12°C; Night: -5°C to 2°C Winter: Heavy snow, temperatures drop to -20°C

Altitude in meters: 5,091 m Altitude in feet: 16,700 ft

The distance from Manali to Shinkula Pass is approximately 130 kilometres and usually takes about 6 to 7 hours to cover, depending on road and weather conditions.

Currently, no tunnel exists at Shinku La Pass. However, a Shinku La tunnel is planned to create all-weather connectivity between Himachal and Ladakh, proposed by BRO.

Shinku La Pass rests on the frontier between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.

At present, there is no tunnel at Shinkula Pass. The Atal Tunnel (Rohtang) remains the highest functional highway tunnel in the region. The proposed Shinku La tunnel, once built, will be among the world’s highest.

Currently, no special permit is needed for Indian tourists to cross Shinkula Pass. Foreign nationals may need to register at police checkpoints.

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