Highlight
Zanskar doesn't show up on most people's Ladakh plans. Which is honestly the best thing about it. While the rest of Ladakh fills up every summer, Zanskar stays quiet. The roads are rougher, the villages are smaller, and the mountains don't ease you in gently — they just arrive, all at once, and you deal with it. This trip crosses the Shinkula Pass at 16,703 feet, passes the sacred mountain of Gonbo Rangjon, follows the Tsarap River through Purne, and eventually puts you on foot in front of Phugtal Gompa — a monastery built into a cave in a canyon wall that monks have lived in for over 2,500 years. Nothing prepares you for it. In Padum you visit Karsha Monastery, the oldest and largest in Zanskar, and drive out to the Drang Drung Glacier — one of the biggest glaciers in the Indian Himalayas. These are not tourist stops. They are just what Zanskar looks like on an ordinary day. If you have done Leh and Manali and want to know what comes after that — this is it.Itinerary
Gather your excitement and meet us at the boarding point in Delhi’s
Kashmere Gate at 6 pm. Meet and greet your co -co-travellers and
start your overnight journey to Manali in a Volvo Bus. Share smiles,
exchange stories, and feel the first spark of adventure in the air. As the
city lights fade, settle in and let the mountains pull you closer.
Upon arrival in Manali, check into your hotel and take a moment to unwind. Relax and allow your body to acclimatise for the adventures that lie ahead. Spend the day at your own pace, you can step out to explore Manali on your own. In the evening, gather for a brief group session. Chill, have dinner, and rest well for the night.
Have your breakfast at the hotel before setting off from Manali towards Purne. Your journey will begin with a drive through the iconic Atal Tunnel. As you ascend, cross the majestic Shinkula Pass (16,703 ft) and catch your first view of Gonbo Rangjon, the sacred mountain standing tall in solitude. Along the way, seep in the raw beauty of the quiet and forgotten hamlets of Kargyak Valley. Arrive in Purne by evening for a peaceful night’s stay.
Wake up to the whispers of the Tsarap River in Purne. This small hamlet offers a unique mix of nature’s beauty and a deep sense of cultural calm. Hike up to Phugtal Monastery and soak in the vibes of Phugtal Gompa. After returning to Purne, leave for Padum and stay there for the night.
After breakfast start your day with Karsha Monastery, the largest in
Zanskar, dating back to the 10th century. Then, admire the frozen
beauty of Sheela Waterfall. Continue to Stongdey Monastery, tery, perched atop a mountain and adorned with exquisite deity paintings. End your day with Zangla Palace, a hidden gem reflecting the Ladakh’s royal heritage. Overnight stay in Padum.
Set out for adventurous yet aweinspiring landscapes as you drive to
Pensi La Pass, known as gateway to Zanskar. On the way, make a stop at Sani Lake near Sani Village. Take in the sweeping views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Visit the stunning Drang Drung Glacier which the source of Stod River, a tributary of Zanskar river. Return to Padum for the night.
Have your breakfast and depart from Padum. Drive through Shinku La Pass and cross the mighty Gonbo Region, the sacred mountain. Visit Baralacha La Pass, one of the highest mountain passes, and see Suraj Tal and Deepak Tal. River Bhaga, a tributary of Chenab, originates from Suraj Tal. Give yourself a visual treat with soulsatisfying Himalayan vistas on the way. Arrive in Jispa by evening and rest for the night amid the peaceful mountain charm.
Wake up to the peaceful views of Lahual in Jispa. Savor the beauty of Keylong and Sissu. Then, visit Sissu Waterfall, another nature’s wonder. Drive again through the iconic Atal Tunnel towards Manali and begin your return journey .
As you bid farewell to your companions, make sure to take all the memories of fun, laughter, and adventure with you. Reach Delhi in the morning. Though the journey ends, the stories stay with you. Until the next adventure calls, hold on to the mountains within you.
Other Info
Reach the boarding before 4 pm.
- Accomodation for 6 Nights 7 Days- 1 Night in Manali, 1 Night in Gombo Rangjon, 3 Nights in Padum, 1 Night in Jispa.
- 12 meals : 6 Breakfast 6 Dinner.
- Delhi to Manali & Manali to Delhi - Volvo tickets.
- Manali to Manali - Tempo traveler (7 Days).
- Team captain throughout the trip. Driver Night Charges, Toll Tax, Parking Charges, etc.
- Oxygen Cans and Medical Kit 24x7 in the Tempo Traveller in case of emergency.
- Entry ticket of all monastries
- Any kind of food or beverage that is not included in the package like alcoholic drinks, mineral water, meals/ refreshments/lunches on the highway.
- Any personal expense like a tip to the driver, entry to monuments, camera/video camera charges, camel safari, river rafting, laundry, telephone bills, etc.
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities like landslides, roadblocks etc. (to be borne directly by the customer on the spot).
No Refund shall be made with respect to the initial booking amount for any cancellations. However,
- If cancellations are made 30 days before the start date of the trip, 50% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
- If cancellations are made 15-30 days before the start date of the trip, 75% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
- If cancellations are made within 0-15 days before the start date of the trip, 100% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
- In the case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain activities may be cancelled and in such cases, the operator will try his best to provide an alternate feasible activity. However, no refund will be provided for the same.
Trip Gallery
Testimonials
Honey Shah
We booked our Zanskar trip with The Travel Story, and shockingly, everything actually went exactly as planned . No delays, no chaos ????— just pure mountain magic. From the drive to Gonbo Rangjon to nights under a million stars in Swiss tents, the entire journey was a reminder that nature doesn’t need filters. Also to mention, the stay at Zanskar Eco lodge karsha(padum) felt more like home than my actual home. Special mention to our trip captain Lakshya (lucky) Lucky made sure there was never
Zanskar Valley Expedition
27 September, 2025
Raktim Saha
Dear Team The Travel Story, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the excellent service provided by Mr Rahul Bhaskar. His extensive knowledge, professionalism, and friendly approach made the trip enjoyable and informative. He managed the itinerary efficiently, ensured our comfort and safety, and shared valuable insights about each destination. His dedication and enthusiasm greatly enhanced the overall travel experience. Thank you Rahul for making the journey of Zanskar trip a me
Zanskar Valley Expedition
23 May, 2026
Madhavik Agarwal
Our trip to Zanskar with Travel Story was nothing short of incredible! The journey from Manali to the majestic Gombo Rangjon was absolutely breathtaking. The landscapes kept changing every few kilometers, and the stay in Swiss tents right under the stars was an unforgettable experience. From there, we continued to Padum, where the warmth and hospitality at Eco Lodge Zanskar at Karsha made us feel completely at home. The final stop at Jispa, staying in cozy huts surrounded by snow-capped peaks, w
Zanskar Valley Expedition
16 August, 2026
Nishad Ghogre
I recently did the Zanskar Expedition with them and the service was top notch. The hotels and home stays were excellent. They also have a stay at Gonbo Rongjon in the itinerary which was personally the highlight for me. Kudos to our team captain Lucky and Tashi Acho for making this trip memorable. Along with great driving skills Tashi acho also has the perfect humour setting. Would definitely recommend TTS.
Zanskar Valley Expedition
6 September, 2025
