Destinations Covered

Atal Tunnel, Sissu, Keylong

• Hotel

• 10,100 ft

• 70 kms

• 3-4 hours

• Meals included

We begin our Zanskar Valley journey today as we drive on the Manali–Leh highway towards Keylong, gradually entering the high-altitude region of Lahaul. This first day of the Zanskar road trip is kept relaxed to help the body adjust to the changing altitude.

As we pass through the famous Atal Tunnel, one of the highest highway tunnels in the world at over 10,000 feet, the landscape changes dramatically from the green hills around Manali to the rocky mountains and open valleys of Lahaul. After crossing the tunnel, we take a short halt at the beautiful village of Sissu, known for its scenic views, waterfalls, and peaceful surroundings.

After spending some time in Sissu, we continue our drive towards Keylong, the main town of Lahaul Valley. Since the journey ahead towards Zanskar involves higher passes, it is important to take it slow today and allow proper acclimatisation.

We reach Keylong by afternoon and check in to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and prepare for the upcoming drive towards Zanskar Valley.

Overnight at a hotel in Keylong.

Destinations Covered

Keylong, Jispa, Darcha, Shinku La, Padum

• Hotel

• 11,991 ft

• 160 kms

• 6-7 hours

• Meals included

We begin the second day of our Zanskar Valley road trip early from Keylong as we drive towards Padum, the administrative capital of Zanskar. Today is one of the most important days of the journey as we leave the Manali–Leh highway and head deeper into the remote Himalayas.

We drive through the beautiful Lahaul Valley along the Manali–Leh highway until Darcha, from where the road turns towards Zanskar. From here, the route becomes more offbeat as we gradually climb towards the high-altitude Shinku La Pass, located at over 5,000 metres above sea level. With the opening of this pass in recent years, Zanskar Valley has become accessible by road from Manali during the summer months, making this one of the most scenic and adventurous drives in the region.

After crossing Shinku La, we descend into the untouched landscapes of Zanskar Valley. The journey offers breathtaking views of wide valleys, glaciers, snow-covered peaks, and remote mountain villages, giving a true sense of travelling through one of the least explored parts of Ladakh.

By evening, we reach Padum, the main town of Zanskar, where we check in to our hotel and rest after a long but rewarding drive.

Overnight at a hotel in Padum.

Destinations Covered

Padum - Shila Waterfall - Karsha Gompa (Mummy) - Stongde Monastery (Sunset) - Padum

• Hotel

• 11,991 ft

• 50 kms

• 4-5 hours

• Meals included

Today is a relaxed day in Padum, giving us time to take in the majestic views of Zanskar Valley and explore the important cultural sites around the town. This day of the Zanskar tour allows us to experience the peaceful side of the valley after the long drive from Lahaul.

We begin the morning with a visit to the beautiful Shila Waterfall, one of the rare waterfalls in the otherwise barren landscapes of Ladakh and Zanskar. Surrounded by rocky mountains and open skies, the waterfall offers a refreshing contrast to the dry terrain of the region.

Later in the day, we explore some of the ancient monasteries near Padum, which are an important part of the cultural heritage of Zanskar Valley. We first visit Karsha Gompa, the largest monastery in the region, located on the mountainside overlooking the valley. The monastery is known for its old structure, peaceful surroundings, and the presence of a well-preserved mummy, making it one of the most interesting stops of the Zanskar trip.

From here, we continue further down the valley to Stongde Monastery, situated on top of a hill. From this point, you can enjoy wide views of the mountains and the winding Zanskar River flowing through the valley. The sunset from here is especially beautiful, with changing colours over the barren Himalayan landscape.

The unique architecture and spiritual atmosphere of these monasteries offer a deep insight into the traditions and lifestyle of Zanskar.

In the evening, we return to Padum, where you can walk around the local market, explore small cafes, or simply relax after the day’s sightseeing.

Overnight at a hotel in Padum.

Destinations Covered

Padum - Sani lake - Drang Drung Glacier - Pensi La Top - Rangdum Monastery - Padum

• Hotel

• 11,991 ft

• 208 kms

• 6-7 hours

• Meals included

Today we drive on the Padum–Kargil road to explore some of the most majestic sights of Zanskar Valley. This day of the Zanskar tour takes us through high mountain passes, glaciers, lakes, and ancient monasteries, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

A short drive from Padum brings us to the sacred Sani Lake, where we see the statue of Guru Padmasambhava, an important spiritual figure in Tibetan Buddhism. This peaceful spot is one of the oldest religious sites in the region.

From here, we continue towards the spectacular Drang Drung Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in Ladakh, stretching for more than 20 kilometres. The view of the glacier from the road is truly breathtaking and remains one of the highlights of any Zanskar Valley road trip.

Just ahead lies the high-altitude Pensi La Pass, from where we can see the beautiful twin lakes, Lang Tso and Stat Tso, set against the backdrop of snow-covered peaks. The landscape here feels vast and untouched, showing the raw beauty of the Himalayas.

We then drive further to visit the historic Rangdum Monastery, located in a wide open valley surrounded by mountains. The monastery stands alone in the middle of the landscape and offers a peaceful and unique experience of Zanskar’s culture and traditions.

After spending time here, we drive back to Padum, enjoying the scenic views along the way.

Overnight at a hotel in Padum.

Destinations Covered

Padum - Bardan Monastery - Raru lake - Ichar (Buddha Statue) - Purne

• Hotel

• 12,467 ft

• 65 kms

• 4-5 hours

• Meals included

Today we begin our drive from Padum towards Purne, travelling through some of the most rugged and remote landscapes of Zanskar Valley. This part of the Zanskar road trip takes us deeper into the valley, passing small villages, monasteries, and high mountain scenery.

Soon after leaving Padum, we can spot the beautiful Bardan Monastery from the road, perched on top of a cliff overlooking the river. If time permits, we stop to visit the monastery and spend some time exploring this peaceful place before continuing further into the valley.

We then drive towards the village of Raru, from where a short hike takes us to the scenic Raru Lake. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and wide open landscapes, the lake offers a calm and beautiful setting, making it one of the hidden gems of the Zanskar tour.

Continuing our journey, we make a stop at Ichar village to see the Maitreya Buddha statue, an important landmark in the region. From here, we drive further towards Purne, enjoying the untouched beauty of Zanskar along the way.

We reach Purne by evening and check in to our cottages for the night, staying in one of the most remote parts of the valley.

Overnight at cottages in Purne.

Destinations Covered

Phuktal Monastery - Gonbo Rangjon

• Camp

• 14,436 ft

• 40 kms

• 4-5 hours

• Meals included

With an early start today, we set out on a trek to the remote and ancient Phugtal Monastery, one of the most unique monasteries in Zanskar Valley, built into the side of a cliff. This day of the Zanskar tour offers both adventure and spiritual experience as we walk through one of the most isolated parts of the region.

The trek takes around one to one and a half hours and follows the river through rugged mountain terrain. As we walk along the trail, the landscape slowly opens up and the monastery suddenly comes into view, built inside a large natural cave on the cliffside. Depending on the season, the river flowing below reflects beautiful shades of blue and turquoise, making the setting even more special. Phugtal Monastery is one of the most remarkable sights in the Zanskar Valley trip and a place known for its peaceful and untouched surroundings.

After spending time at the monastery, we hike back to Purne by noon and begin our drive towards Gonbo Rangjon, enjoying the scenic views along the way. This relatively short drive allows us to relax and take in the beauty of the valley.

As we reach the village of Kurgiakh, the massive Gonbo Rangjon mountain comes into view, rising dramatically from the valley floor. We drive closer to the mountain and set up camp at its foothills, one of the most beautiful camping locations in Zanskar. With clear skies and no city lights around, this place is also perfect for stargazing at night.

Overnight at camps near the foothills of Gonbo Rangjon.

Destinations Covered

Gonba Rangjon, Shinku La, Darcha, Manali

• None

• 6,726 ft

• 147 kms

• 5-6 hours

• Meals included

On the final day of our Zanskar Valley tour, we begin the drive back towards Manali, retracing our route through the remote landscapes of Zanskar. This last stretch of the Zanskar road trip once again takes us across high mountain passes and through the beautiful valleys of Lahaul.

We drive back via the Shinku La Pass, crossing the same scenic route that connects Zanskar with Lahaul. As we descend from the high mountains, we pass through Darcha and Jispa, enjoying one last view of the rugged Himalayan terrain that has been a part of this journey.

The drive today gives us time to relax, take in the surroundings, and reflect on the experiences of the past few days spent exploring one of the most untouched regions of Ladakh and Zanskar Valley.

We expect to reach Manali by late afternoon. If you are planning onward travel the same day, we recommend booking your bus or cab after 8 PM to allow enough buffer time after the long drive.

End of tour.