A voyage through the heart of Ladakh is akin to entering a realm of dreams—a tapestry woven with adventures, experiences, and the promise of a lifetime! This frigid expanse, India's cold desert, serves as an eternal muse, igniting within us an insatiable thirst for exploration. Thus, it's only natural that we set our course straight for the Zanskar Valley, an essential stop on our journey.
Zanskar, one of Ladakh's hidden gems, harbors a beauty that transcends mere sight. Our expedition commences in Manali before we venture into the Lahaul Valley the following day! A pause in Lahaul, with a day dedicated to unwinding, beckons us to embrace the simplicity of camping under the vast expanse of the sky.
Pressing onward in our quest to reach Zanskar, we veer onto the less-traveled path, conquering the formidable Shinkula Pass, soaring to an altitude of 5,091 meters.
In Zanskar, our foremost destination is the Phuktal Gompa, a breathtaking sanctuary nestled amid the mountains. We trek through the wilderness, eagerly anticipating the moment we lay eyes on this sacred abode.
Our journey continues from Padum as we make our way to Kargil, pausing to admire the raw, enchanting beauty of the Shela Waterfall! Along the way, we delve into the charm of Sani village, traverse the heights of the Pensi La Pass, and pay homage to the ancient Rangdum Monastery!
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation: Double/Triple Sharing Rooms.
- Meal Plan: Daily dinner & breakfast according to the itinerary, starting from Dinner on Day 1.
- Private vehicle for transfer & sightseeing as per the itinerary.
- Inner Line Permits and Hotel Taxes.
- Airport Pickup & Drop.
- 24*7 Assistance during the trip.
- Volvo transfer from Delhi to Manali & back.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Any expenses resulting from natural calamities such as landslides, road blockages, political disturbances (strikes),etc. (to be borne by the client, payable on the spot).
- Items not included in the inclusions.
- Any increase in taxes or fuel prices, leading to additional costs in surface transportation & land arrangements, which may come into effect prior to departure.
- GST 5%.
Day 1: Arrival in Manali
- Depart from Delhi and arrive in Manali the following morning.
- Check into the hotel and take some time to relax.
- Embark on a sightseeing tour of Manali, visiting its renowned landmarks including the Hadimba Devi Temple, Jogini Falls, Vashisth Temple, and take a stroll along the Mall Road.
- In the evening, explore the charming cafes of Old Manali and indulge in a variety of cuisines.
- Overnight stay in Manali.
Day 2: Manali to Jispa
- After breakfast, prepare for the journey to Jispa via the Atal Tunnel, the World's Highest Tunnel above 10,000 ft.
- Upon arrival, check into the camps and unwind for the rest of the evening.
- Revel in the breathtaking night sky blanketing the Lahaul Valley.
- Overnight stay in Jispa.
Day 3: Jispa to Purne via Shingo la Pass | Overnight in Purne
- Today, we embark on a journey off the beaten path to enter the Zanskar Valley.
- Departing from Jispa, traverse the Shingo La Pass, standing at an elevation of 5,091m. Also known as Shinku La, it serves as a vital link between Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
- En route, catch glimpses of Mt Gonbo Rangjom and Kargyak, a village nestled at an isolated altitude of 4200m.
- Conclude the day with a hearty dinner and settle in for an overnight stay in Purne.
Day 4: Purne to Padum | Overnight stay in Padum
- After breakfast, prepare for a visit to one of the most secluded and breathtakingly positioned monasteries, the Phugtal Gompa.
- Situated atop a mountain, we embark on a trek of at least an hour each way to reach this awe-inspiring destination.
- Depart from Purne towards Padum.
- Conclude the day with a delicious dinner and settle in for an overnight stay in Padum.
Day 5: Visit Shela Waterfall, Stongdey, and Karsha Gompa | Overnight stay in Padum
- Today's itinerary features a journey to a stunning waterfall nestled within the depths of the Zanskar Valley, along with visits to some of the region's renowned monasteries.
- Begin the day by exploring Stongdey Gompa in the morning, followed by a venture to Shela Village.
- After experiencing the majestic waterfall and enjoying lunch, proceed to visit Karsha Gompa, the most prominent monastery in Zanskar.
- Traverse through the diverse landscapes of Zanskar, marveling at its natural beauty.
- Conclude the day with a delightful dinner and settle in for an overnight stay in Padum.
Day 6: Padum to Kargil via Pensi La Pass and Rangdum | Overnight stay in Kargil
- Today's journey takes us across the Pensi La Pass as we make our way to Kargil.
- Along the route, we make a stop at Sani Village, revered as one of the oldest religious sites in not only Zanskar but also in Ladakh.
- Continuing our expedition, we visit the Rangdum Monastery nestled in the heart of the Suru Valley.
- Arrive in Kargil by evening and check into your hotel.
- Conclude the day with a delicious dinner and settle in for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Kargil to Leh | Overnight stay in Leh
- Prepare for a long day ahead as we embark on a journey crossing several passes and landmarks en route to Leh.
- Drive to the summits of Namik La and Fotu La, passing through Lamayuru and Mublek to reach our destination.
- Along the way, take a moment to visit the Pathar Sahib Gurudwara and behold the enchanting confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers.
- Arrive in Leh by evening, where you'll check into your hotel and unwind.
- Conclude the day with a hearty dinner and settle in for an overnight stay in Leh
Day 8: Local Sightseeing at Leh | Overnight stay at Leh (self-exploration day)
- Today offers an opportunity for solo exploration in one of the most captivating capital cities!
- Venture out to visit notable landmarks such as the Hall of Fame, Thiksey Monastery, and the Shey Palace.
- We suggest witnessing the breathtaking sunset from the vantage point of Shanti Stupa and immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the local market.
- Conclude the day with a delightful dinner and settle in for an overnight stay in Leh.
Day 9: Leh to Sarchu | Overnight stay in Sarchu
- After breakfast, prepare for an exhilarating drive along one of India's most renowned highways, from Leh to Manali.
- Traverse the picturesque 30 km expanse of Moore Plains.
- Conquer the challenging passes of Lachung La and Nakee La.
- Navigate through the Gata Loops, a series of 21 hairpin bends reaching an altitude of 4669m.
- Arrive at the camps in Sarchu by evening.
- Conclude the day with a hearty dinner and settle in for an overnight stay in Sarchu.
Day 10: Sarchu to Manali via Atal Tunnel | Depart for Delhi
- After breakfast, resume your journey along the Leh-Manali highway.
- En route, traverse the awe-inspiring Baralacha La, standing tall at an impressive height.
- To reach Manali, pass through scenic locales such as ZingZing Bar, Patsio, and Darcha.
- Arrive in Manali by evening.
- Depart for Delhi during the night, cherishing the unforgettable memories created along the way!
