Your eight-day Zanskar Valley Tour begins as you leave the urban scape for the Himalayan town of Manali, where you get your first taste of the Himalayas. Manali today is an attractive blend of a hill town and holiday resorts. As there is no sightseeing scheduled for this day, you are free to rest at the hotel or you can explore the town on your own.

Overnight at a hotel in Manali.

We begin our journey early from Manali and drive towards Padum - the administrative capital of Zanskar. We shall drive through the picturesque Lahaul valley on the Manali - Leh highway before turning towards Zanskar after Darcha.

We will cross the scenic Shinku La Pass located at over 5,000 metres altitude before descending into Zanskar Valley. This route offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscapes, with lush valleys and snow-capped peaks providing a stunning backdrop as you make your way to Padum.

Overnight at a hotel in Padum.

It’s a day to relax and take in the majestic views of the valley. We will spend the day exploring the ancient monasteries around Padum- Start with a visit to Karsha Gompa, the largest monastery of the region perhed on the side of a mountain, where you can see a well-preserved mummy.

We then head further down the valley to Stongde Monastery, standing on top of a hill, for a mytical sunset view over the mountain ranges. One can see the meandering turns of the Zanskar river across the valley from this vantage point.

The unique architecture and spiritual ambiance of these monasteries provide a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.

In the evening we can walk around Padum market for some shopping or enjoying delicacies at one of the cafes.

Overnight at a hotel in Padum.

Today we drive on the Padum - Kargil road to see some of the most majestic sights. Just a few minutes outside Padum is the holy Sani Lake with the statue of Guru Padmasambhava.

We then drive to the majestic Drang Drung Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the Ladakh region, at over 23 km long. It’s a sight one can not be prepared for. The Pensi La Top is just around the corner from here with its two beautiful lakes - Lang Tso and Stat Tso.

We continue our journey to the historic Rangdum Monastery before driving back to Padum. This day offers a mix of stunning natural beauty and cultural exploration.

Overnight at a hotel in Padum.

We begin the day with a visit to the picturesque Shila Waterfall, one of the very few waterfalls one gets to see in the otherwise barren landscape of Ladakh and Zanskar. After spending some time here, we start our drive to Purne.

Soon after one can spot the serene Bardan Monastery from the highway, perched atop a cliff. We can visit the monastery and then drive further ahead to the village of Raru. A short hike takes us to the Raru lake. With snow-capped mountains all around, the view from here is beautiful. We make a final stop at Ichar village to see the Maitryea Buddha statue before heading to Purne for the night.

Overnight at cottages in Purne.

After breakfast, we embark on a trek to the remote and ancient Phugtal Monastery, nestled in the cliffs. The trek offers not only a challenging adventure passing through some of the roughest terrains along the river, but also the chance to experience the tranquility and spiritual significance of one of the most isolated monasteries in all of Zanskar Valley.

The 1.5 hour long hike winds along the river before we take a turn and the majestic monastery on the side of a cliff, comes into view. Depending on the season, the waters of the river here are some of the most beautiful blue and turquoise that one can see. The monastery is located inside a huge cave and is one of its kind. We hike back to Purne by late afternoon.

Overnight at cottages in Purne.

After a relaxed start to the day today, we take the short drive from Purne to Gonbo Rangjon, taking in the scenic views along the way. This relatively short journey allows for ample time to explore the surroundings and appreciate the beauty of the landscape.

Once we reach Kurgiakh, we see the huge Gonbo Rangjon mountain in front and drive closer to it. We shall camp in front of the mountain. This is also the most ideal spot for stargazing on a clear night.

Overnight at camps on the foothills of Gonbo Rangjon.

On the final day, we drive back to Manali, retracing our route over the Shinku La Pass and passing through Darcha and Jispa. This journey brings you full circle, offering a final chance to savor the breathtaking views and reflect on the incredible experiences of your trip.

We should arrive in Manali by late afternoon. If you plan to leave Manali the same evening, we recommend booking your transportation after 8 PM.

End of tour.