Zanskar Valley

Your journey begins in the charming Himalayan town of Manali, nestled in the lush Kullu Valley at an altitude of 2,050 meters. Upon arrival, check into your cozy hotel or guesthouse and take the day to acclimatize gently to the altitude. The fresh mountain air and verdant surroundings offer the perfect welcome to the Himalayas.

Spend the afternoon exploring the cultural and natural gems of the town. Start with a visit to the Hadimba Temple, a centuries-old wooden structure surrounded by cedar forests, dedicated to the demon goddess Hidimba. Then head to the lively Mall Road, where local shops, bakeries, and handicraft stalls provide a colorful peek into Manali’s everyday life.

Next, make your way to Vashisht Village, where you can dip your toes in the famous Vashisht Hot Springs, known for their natural healing properties and serene setting. Before dinner, consider stopping by the Tibetan Monastery, a quiet spiritual space adorned with vibrant prayer wheels and traditional Tibetan art. Return to your accommodation for a restful night and prepare for the journey ahead.

After breakfast, begin your drive toward Jispa, a beautiful hamlet tucked away in the Lahaul Valley. The journey is an adventure in itself, covering around 140 kilometers via the impressive Atal Tunnel, one of the longest high-altitude road tunnels in the world. Emerging on the other side, the landscape shifts dramatically from pine forests to stark alpine beauty as you pass through Sissu and Keylong, the administrative center of Lahaul.

The road remains smooth and well-maintained until Keylong, after which the terrain becomes a bit rugged — a subtle taste of the remote adventure ahead. Arrive in Jispa, set beside the Bhaga River, in the early evening. You’ll have time to relax by the riverside or wander through the small village, soaking in the pristine beauty and peace of this Himalayan outpost.

Settle in at a comfortable guesthouse or campsite and let the rhythm of the river lull you into a restful sleep.

(Altitude: 3,200 m | Distance: 140 km | Time: 5–6 hours)

Today’s journey takes you deeper into the mountains as you head toward your remote campsite near Gumbok Rangan, a lesser-known treasure on the Zanskar frontier. Depart Jispa after an early breakfast and drive toward Shinku La Pass, a high-altitude mountain crossing that connects Lahaul to Zanskar. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as you navigate rugged mountain roads, narrow switchbacks, and scenic valleys.

After reaching the approach road near Gumbok Rangan, embark on a short acclimatization hike to your tented campsite. Take the rest of the afternoon to settle into camp, enjoy hot tea, and do a gentle acclimatization walk in the surrounding meadows. As night falls, step out to witness the stunning Himalayan night sky — a spectacle of stars rarely seen in urban settings. Overnight in tents under the vast silence of the high mountains.

(Altitude: ~3,800 m | Distance: ~95 km + short hike | Time: ~4–5 hrs drive + hike)

Begin early with a scenic drive along remote mountain roads, retracing the path over Shinku La and heading toward Anmu or Purne, the roadheads for the legendary Phuktal Monastery. This stretch offers an off-the-grid experience, with narrow gravel roads carved into the cliffs and wild, untouched terrain all around.

On reaching the roadhead, lace up your hiking boots for a 5–6 km trail that winds along the turquoise Tsarap River. The trail gradually rises as you approach the remarkable Phuktal Gompa, a cliffside monastery dramatically carved into a limestone cave. This 12th-century spiritual site is one of the most isolated monasteries in the world, still inhabited by monks who live a life of quiet devotion.

Spend time exploring the monastery, soaking in its spiritual serenity and architectural uniqueness. Later, walk a short distance to a local homestay near Phuktal, where you’ll be hosted by a warm Zanskari family for the night — an intimate cultural exchange under the glow of oil lamps and prayer chants.

(Altitude: 3,850 m | Drive: 3–4 hrs | Hike: ~5–6 km / 2–3 hrs)

Wake up to the chants echoing across the canyon and begin your morning hike back to Purne, retracing your steps along the scenic Tsarap River. After reaching the roadhead, embark on a short but bumpy drive to Padum, the administrative center of Zanskar.

The 55-kilometer stretch may be short, but the dirt roads and frequent river crossings make it a rugged adventure. Along the way, drive past quaint Zanskari villages, whitewashed stupas, and fields of barley — a glimpse into the resilient mountain life of this remote valley.

Arrive in Padum by afternoon and check into a guesthouse or hotel. The town, though modest, provides a contrast of liveliness in an otherwise isolated landscape. Spend the evening strolling through the quiet Padum Market or simply rest and rejuvenate.

(Altitude: 3,600 m | Hike: 5–6 km | Drive: 55 km / 3 hrs)

Today is dedicated to cultural immersion and exploration in and around Padum. After breakfast, begin with a visit to Karsha Monastery, the largest in Zanskar, perched dramatically on a hillside with sweeping views of the valley. Its murals, scriptures, and vibrant prayer halls reveal the deep-rooted Buddhist heritage of the region.

Next, drive to Stongdey Monastery, known for its commanding hilltop location and rich spiritual ambiance. Continue onward to Zangla Fort, a historical site that offers panoramic views of the Zanskar valley and a chance to reflect on the ancient dynasties that once ruled this isolated region.

In the evening, stroll through Padum Market, where local vendors sell handcrafted items, yak wool scarves, and traditional jewelry. Chat with artisans, sip butter tea, and enjoy the slow rhythm of mountain town life. Overnight stay in Padum.

After a short morning drive to the trailhead, set off on a scenic hike to the Mani Padme campsite — a hidden meadow surrounded by prayer stones and sacred cliffs. The trail, roughly 8–10 kilometers, climbs steadily through the high-altitude terrain, offering uninterrupted views of the snow-capped ranges.

This secluded destination is ideal for nature immersion, meditation, and personal reflection. Upon arrival, settle into your tented camp and take the rest of the day to journal, unwind in silence, or explore the alpine surroundings. With minimal distractions, the campsite offers a rare opportunity for introspection in the heart of Zanskar. Overnight in tents under starlit skies.

(Altitude: ~4,200 m | Hike: 8–10 km / 3–4 hrs)

Rise early to catch the golden light flooding the valley. After a hearty breakfast, we begin our descent along the same trail, taking it slow and steady to soak in the quiet beauty of this sacred space. Expect to pass grazing yaks, alpine brooks, and valleys dotted with prayer stones.

Once at the roadhead, our vehicle will drive us back to Padum. This is your final evening in Zanskar — a good time to explore the market, revisit your favorite tea shop, or simply reflect on how far you've come over the last few days.

Highlights: Peaceful descent, village return, quiet evening in Zanskar

Buckle up for a long but unforgettable road journey through the heart of the Trans-Himalayas. We begin our drive by crossing Pensi La Pass (4,400 m) once again — this time enjoying early morning light on the dramatic ice formations of the Drang Drung Glacier, which tumbles down like a frozen river through jagged ridgelines.

We pass through Rangdum and Suru Valley, retracing our steps toward Kargil before joining the Leh-Srinagar highway. The journey is vast, reflective, and humbling. By evening, we arrive in Leh — a perfect blend of culture and comfort to wrap up our Zanskar adventure.

Stay: Boutique hotel in Leh
Highlights: Pensi La, glacial vistas, changing topographies, arrival in Leh

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the mountains that have hosted you over the last ten days. Depending on your flight timing, you might have time for a quick visit to the local bazaar or to enjoy a Ladakhi breakfast at a café near the old town.

Our team will drop you at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport with warm goodbyes and hopes to see you on another journey soon — maybe to Nubra, Tso Moriri, or beyond.

Highlights: Cultural farewell, final reflections, airport drop