Zanskar Valley Expedition 2026
- Destination:
- Pickup/Drop:Delhi / DelhiDelhiDelhi
Tour Itinerary
Day 0: Delhi To Manali: Journey Begins
- Your adventure into the Himalayas begins as you board your AC semi-sleeper Volvo from Delhi.
- As the city lights slowly fade, excitement builds for the days ahead.
- Settle into your overnight journey towards Manali, the gateway to the high mountains.
- Pickup is conveniently arranged from Kashmere Gate ISBT or Majnu Ka Tila, where you’ll meet fellow travellers.
Day 1: Arrival In Manali: Into The Mountains
- Wake up to crisp mountain air as you arrive in Manali, surrounded by towering deodars and snow-capped peaks.
- After check-in, take time to rest and acclimatise to the altitude, an important step before heading deeper into the Himalayas.
- In the evening, step out to explore Manali at your own pace.
- Wander through quaint cafés, stroll along Mall Road, or simply soak in the serene mountain vibe.
- Later, gather for a briefing session where your trip leaders will walk you through the journey ahead.
- Overnight stay in Manali.
Day 2: Manali To Purne: Crossing Into The Wild
- Today marks the beginning of your journey into the remote and surreal landscapes of Zanskar.
- Drive through the iconic Atal Tunnel and suddenly find yourself in the stark, dramatic terrain of Lahaul, a completely different world.
- As you ascend higher, cross the mighty Shinku La Pass (16,703 ft), where panoramic views of rugged peaks and endless valleys unfold before you. En route, pass through the untouched hamlets of the Kargyak Valley, where life feels frozen in time.
- A highlight of the day is witnessing the sacred Gonbo Rangjon mountain, standing tall and solitary against the vast landscape.
- By evening, arrive in Purne, a remote settlement offering raw Himalayan beauty and unmatched silence.
- Overnight stay in Purne
Day 3: Purne To Padum: The Hidden Monastery Trek
- Wake up in one of the most secluded regions of Ladakh, where silence and nature take over completely.
- After breakfast, begin your hike to the iconic Phugtal Gompa, one of the most extraordinary monasteries in the Himalayas, dramatically built into a cliffside cave.
- The trail itself is an experience, offering breathtaking views of deep gorges and the Zanskar River flowing far below.
- At Phugtal, witness a way of life untouched by time, with monks going about their daily rituals in a setting that feels almost unreal.
- After soaking in the spiritual and cultural richness, trek back to Purne and continue your drive to Padum, the heart of Zanskar Valley.
- Overnight stay in Padum.
Day 4: Exploring Padum Culture, History & Hidden Gems
- Today is dedicated to discovering the cultural treasures of Zanskar.
- Begin with a visit to Karsha Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in the region, perched beautifully on a hillside.
- Continue to witness the surreal beauty of Sheela Waterfall, where cascading water often freezes into stunning natural ice formations, creating a magical landscape.
- Visit Stongdey Monastery, offering serene surroundings and panoramic views of the valley.
- Later, explore the historic Zangla Palace, a lesser-known gem that echoes stories of Ladakh’s royal past.
- Return to Padum for a relaxed evening and overnight stay.
Day 5: Excursion To Drang Drung Glacier & Pensi La Pass
- Get ready for a day filled with some of the most dramatic landscapes of the trip.
- Drive towards Pensi La Pass, one of the most scenic high-altitude passes in Ladakh.
- On the way, stop at the tranquil Sani Lake, located near the historic Sani village—one of the oldest settlements in the region.
- As you continue your journey, the mighty Drang Drung Glacier reveals itself—a massive river of ice stretching across the mountains, offering a truly awe-inspiring sight.
- Spend time soaking in the grandeur of the Himalayas before heading back to Padum.
- Overnight stay in Padum
Day 6: Padum To Jispa: High Passes & Alpine Lakes
- Bid farewell to Padum as you begin your journey back towards Lahaul.
- Drive once again past the sacred Gonbo Rangjon and cross high-altitude terrains that feel straight out of a dream.
- En route, traverse Baralacha La Pass (15,910 ft), one of the most iconic mountain passes in India.
- Witness the stunning high-altitude lakes—Suraj Tal, known as the “Lake of the Sun God,” and the serene Deepak Tal, reflecting the surrounding peaks like a mirror.
- The drive today is nothing short of spectacular, with ever-changing landscapes that keep you captivated throughout.
- Arrive in Jispa by evening and unwind amidst the peaceful Lahauli surroundings.
- Overnight stay in Jispa.
Day 7: Jispa To Manali: Back To Civilization
- Wake up to a calm morning in Jispa, with views of lush valleys and snow-draped peaks.
- Begin your journey back towards Manali, passing through the charming regions of Keylong and Sissu.
- Take a refreshing stop at the beautiful Sissu Waterfall, a perfect spot to pause and soak in nature one last time.
- Drive through the Atal Tunnel once again, transitioning from rugged landscapes back to the greenery of Manali.
- By evening, you’ll be dropped in Manali, where it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers and relive the memories created over the past week.
- Board your overnight Volvo bus back to Delhi.
Day 8: Arrival In Delhi: Journey Ends But Memories Stay
- Arrive in Delhi by morning, carrying with you not just photographs, but stories, friendships, and experiences from one of the most remote and untouched regions of India.
- The journey may end here, but Zanskar will stay with you long after.
Includes:
- Transport from Delhi to Delhi. Overnight Volvo from Delhi to Manali and return.
- Tempo traveller from Manali to Manali.
- Accommodation in well-maintained hotel / homestay / Swiss Camps as per the itinerary on a triple/double sharing basis.
- 6 Breakfast and 6 dinner.
- Comfortable tempo traveller for all days as per the itinerary.
- Reliable, experienced trip coordinator and local driver with great knowledge of the area and the terrain.
- Departure timings- 8 pm to 10 pm on Day 0.
- Arrival timings- 8 am to 10 am on Day 8.
- All permits.
- For Bike Trip: 1. We'll offer a variety of bikes suitable for Zanskar's rugged terrain. Options may include Royal Enfield (Classic 350, Himalayan), Bajaj Dominar, and other adventure bikes (Bike options are subject to availability)
- For Bike Trip: 2. Riding Gears: Knee guard, Elbow guard, Helmet. (Rider only)
Excludes:
- Any Personal expenses / Medical expenses / Tips.
- Lunch / Any Beverages.
- Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances including medical emergencies and acts of God
- Room heater charges if anyone wants a personal room heater.
- Extra days stay / food at any place during the tour because of bad weather or road blocking due to snow.
- Arrival in Manali: Upon arrival at the Volvo drop point, any auto/cab charges to the hotel will be borne by the customer (approx. ₹100 per person).
- Mall Road to Volvo Parking: On departure day, any auto/cab charges to the Volvo parking stand will be borne by the customer.
- Entry tickets for monuments or any personal adventure.
- Anything that is not mentioned in the above list of inclusions.
- For Bike Trip: Fuel costs, tow changes for any damages incurred during the trip.
- For Bike Trip: Additional gear (like saddle bags or advanced helmets) will be extra
- For Bike Trip: Booking & Security Deposit: To reserve a bike, a nominal booking fee is required. A refundable security deposit (depending on the bike) will be collected at the start of the trip and refunded upon the safe return of the bike.
Costing
| Package Type | Original Price | Discounted Price | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
Temp Traveller | ₹29,999 | ₹24,999 | ₹5,000(17% off) |
Temp Traveller
Available Batches
| Dates | Duration | Availability | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
1 May 2026 to 7 May 2026 | 7 days | 20 available | Community |
15 May 2026 to 21 May 2026 | 7 days | 20 available | Community |
29 May 2026 to 4 Jun 2026 | 7 days | 20 available | Community |
12 Jun 2026 to 18 Jun 2026 | 7 days | 20 available | Community |
26 Jun 2026 to 2 Jul 2026 | 7 days | 20 available | Community |
1 May - 7 May
7 days
15 May - 21 May
7 days
29 May - 4 Jun
7 days
12 Jun - 18 Jun
7 days
26 Jun - 2 Jul
7 days
Important Notes
- Note: For comfort and safety, we recommend using your helmet, as our standard-size helmets may not fit everyone perfectly.
- Inc For Bike Trip: 1. We'll offer a variety of bikes suitable for Zanskar's rugged terrain. Options may include Royal Enfield (Classic 350, Himalayan), Bajaj Dominar, and other adventure bikes (Bike options are subject to availability)
- Inc For Bike Trip: 2. Riding Gears: Knee guard, Elbow guard, Helmet. (Rider only)
- Carry BSNL sim~ Jio or Airtel postpaid sims only- Gonbo, Purne does not have network
- Carry your ID cards along with one photocopy. ( Aadhar Card / Voter Card Or Passport)
- Carry enough cash after Manali you will find ATMs in Leh only.
- Carry a personal hot flask instead of a plastic water bottle, avoid plastic bottles.
- Personal medication if you are taking any
About the Trip
The Zanskar Expedition is a once-in-a-lifetime journey into one of the most remote and untouched regions of the Indian Himalayas. Designed for true explorers, this expedition takes you beyond the popular routes of Ladakh into the raw, dramatic landscapes of Zanskar Valley, where towering mountains, ancient monasteries, and isolated villages create an unforgettable adventure.
Your journey begins from Delhi to Manali, gradually transitioning from city life into the serene Himalayan environment. As you move beyond Manali, the landscapes dramatically transform while crossing the iconic Atal Tunnel, entering the stark and rugged terrain of Lahaul.
One of the biggest highlights of this expedition is crossing the mighty Shinku La Pass (16,703 ft), a high-altitude gateway into Zanskar. Along the way, you pass through the untouched Kargyak Valley and witness the sacred Gonbo Rangjon mountain, a symbol of spiritual significance rising dramatically from the barren landscape.
The journey continues to Purne, one of the most remote settlements in Ladakh, offering an authentic Himalayan experience. From here, a trek leads you to the breathtaking Phugtal Monastery, uniquely built into a cliffside cave—one of the most extraordinary monasteries in the world.
At the heart of the expedition lies Padum, the cultural center of Zanskar. Here, you explore iconic sites such as Karsha Monastery, the largest monastery in the region, Zangla Palace, and the beautiful Sheela Waterfall, which often freezes into stunning ice formations.
Another major highlight is the excursion to Pensi La Pass, offering mesmerizing views of the massive Drang Drung Glacier, one of the most spectacular glaciers in Ladakh. The journey also includes visits to serene locations like Sani Lake and ancient monasteries that reflect the region’s deep spiritual roots.
As the expedition concludes, the return journey via Baralacha La Pass introduces you to stunning high-altitude lakes like Suraj Tal and Deepak Tal, along with scenic stops such as Sissu Waterfall.
This trip is not just about destinations—it’s about experiencing raw Himalayan wilderness, high-altitude adventure, cultural immersion, and offbeat travel in its purest form.
Ideal for travelers seeking:
- Offbeat destinations
- Adventure road trips
- High-altitude experiences
- Cultural exploration in remote regions
The Zanskar Expedition promises a journey where every turn reveals landscapes untouched by time.
Trip Highlights
Shinku La Pass – A high-altitude gateway into Zanskar with raw, dramatic Himalayan views.
Gonbo Rangjon – A sacred mountain rising in isolation, symbolising power and spirituality.
Phugtal Monastery – A stunning cliffside monastery hidden deep in a remote valley.
Kargyak Valley – An untouched valley dotted with traditional villages and rugged landscapes.
Purne Village – A quiet Himalayan village offering an authentic Zanskar experience.
Padum – The heart of Zanskar, blending culture, monasteries, and mountain life.
Karsha Monastery – The largest monastery in Zanskar with panoramic valley views.
Zangla Palace – A historic hilltop palace reflecting Zanskar’s royal heritage.
Sani Lake & Monastery – One of the oldest spiritual sites in Ladakh, set beside a serene lake.
Drang Drung Glacier – A massive river of ice stretching across the high-altitude mountains.
Pensi La Pass – A scenic mountain pass offering breathtaking glacier views.
Baralacha La Pass – A legendary high-altitude pass surrounded by snow and vast landscapes.
Suraj Tal – A pristine turquoise lake nestled among towering Himalayan peaks.
Sheela Waterfall – A hidden cascade creating a magical, serene mountain setting.
Deepak Tal – A calm alpine lake reflecting the untouched beauty of the Himalayas.
Sissu Waterfall – A powerful waterfall set against lush green valleys and mountains.
Atal Tunnel – An engineering marvel that connects Manali to the remote Lahaul region.
- 30+ days before: 50% of trip cost
- 15-30 days before: 75% of trip cost
- 0-15 days before: 100% of trip cost
- Within 30 days: No date changes allowed
- Before 30 days: Free for domestic trips
Key Points
Booking amounts are non-refundable for cancellations.
Trip date changes have specific conditions (see below).
Cancellation Charges
Rescheduling
Force Majeure
No refunds for weather/government issues - alternate activities may be offered.
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