Zanskar Valley Road Trip (Ex-Manali)
Hosted by Trek A Tribe
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
All About It
Zanskar, a remote region in Ladakh, India, offers a one-of-a-kind travel experience for adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and culture seekers. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and featuring rugged terrain dotted with ancient Buddhist monasteries and traditional villages, Zanskar is a hidden gem that promises an unforgettable journey.
Travelers can explore the region's rich cultural heritage by visiting several 10th-century Buddhist monasteries that serve as religious, educational, and cultural hubs. The monasteries are adorned with stunning murals, paintings, and statues, and travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture by attending prayer ceremonies and interacting with the monks. The people of Zanskar are predominantly Buddhist and have preserved their ancient way of life.
In summary, Zanskar is an offbeat travel destination that offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and nature. With so much to explore and experience, Zanskar promises to be a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and authentic travel experience.
Highlights
-Cross the impressive Shinku la/Shingo la, the gateway to Zanskar Valley
-Admire the beauty of the sacred Gonbo Rangjon mountain in Zanskar
-Explore the unique Phugatal Monastery, carved into the
mountainside like a tiger's nest
-Witness the second longest glacier in India, the Drang Drung glacier
-Visit Padum, the charming main town of Zanskar Valley
Day 1 - Arrival in Manali
- Arrive in Manali and check into our welcoming hotel.
- Spend the afternoon acclimatizing with a leisurely walk to Old Manali.
- Visit the serene Manu Temple and enjoy the laid-back vibes of the area.
- Visit the famous Hadimba Mata Temple and explore the bustling Manali Mall Road.
- Return to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay, preparing for the adventures ahead.
Day 2 - Manali to Padam via Jispa and Shinku la
- Begin the day with an early breakfast before embarking on an exciting journey to Zanskar Valley.
- Drive through the Atal Tunnel, marveling at the beauty of the Lahaul Valley.
- Pass through Darcha, the starting point of the new Zanskar route.
- Ascend to the breathtaking Shinku La Pass (5,091m), offering stunning panoramic views.
- Enter Zanskar Valley and enjoy scenic drives across rivers, hidden valleys, and quaint villages.
- Reach Padum (3669 m), the heart of Zanskar Valley, and settle into a cozy homestay for a night.
Day 3 - Padam Sightseeing
- Start the day with a hearty breakfast and explore the attractions around Padum:
- Visit the historic Zangla Fort and the tranquil Stongde Monastery (approx.. 40 km away).
- Return to Padum for lunch.
- In the afternoon, tour the majestic Karsha Monastery, the largest in the valley.
- End the day with a visit to Sani Monastery, which is surrounded by a serene lake.
- Return to Padum for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4 - Padum – Phugtal Monastery – Gombo Rangjom
- Have an early breakfast and drive to Purney.
- Take a short, scenic hike (1 hour one-way) to the stunning Phugtal Monastery (4300 m):
- Known for its unique cliffside architecture, it’s often compared to Bhutan's Tiger's Nest Monastery.
- Return to Purney for lunch.
- Continue driving to Gombo Rangjom, where you will camp under the shadow of Gombo Mountain (Mahakal’s Mountain).
- Capture the breathtaking starry night and the Milky Way in this remote and serene location.
Day 5 - Gombo Rangjom – Shinkula – Manali
- Begin the return journey to Manali with an early start.
- Cross Shinku La Pass once again, enjoying the incredible landscapes along the way.
- Continue the drive to Manali (8–9 hours).
- Drop off near Manali Mall Road, where you can explore further or head back home.
*If you are 6 or more, you may plan a custom trip to Zanskar Valley from mid-May to October on any dates of your preference at the same price!
Meet your host
Trek A Tribe
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
We are a leading travel firm based in Himachal Pradesh and cater to providing you with a complete travel solution. We provide unmatched local expertise to organize trekking, adventure camping, road trips, couple tours, donation drives, music concerts, city hikes, and much more in the offbeat places of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh.
See Trek A Tribe's other listings
Inclusions
- Accommodation in Hotel/Homestay/Camping (4 nights; Double sharing basis)
- Transportation from Manali to Manali in Scorpio or SUV or Tempo Traveller
- MAP meal plan (4 Breakfast and 4 Dinner)
- Experienced Local Driver cum Tour Guide
- First-aid kit with Oxygen
- Taxes and Permits
Exclusions
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusion list
- Meals during Transportation (Lunch)
- Expenses of personal nature
- Monument Fees
- Expenses raised due to any road blockage or natural calamity (The itinerary is subject to change and is flexible due to any circumstances which are not in our control)
More From Trek A Tribe
[[ event.name ]]
[[event.duration]]
From [[price.price | number:0]]
From [[event.price | number:0]]
Free
[[ batch.startdate|date]] [[batch.soldout ? ' (Soldout)':'']]