Zanskar Scheduled Departures 2026 | Ultimate Experiential Itinerary in Budget | Travel to Padum | Zanskar | Ladakh
- kanupriya raniwala
- Jul 21, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Mar 29
#Zanskarvalley #zanskar #Travelaip #roadtrip #Ladakh #ladakhdiaries #himalayas #mountainsarecalling #himalayangeographic #zanskarscheduleddepartures #transhimalayas #manali #manalidiaries #ladakh #lehladakh #traveltopadum
"Zanskar" The Place In Between
5n6d | Ex- Manali | Experiential & Guided
⭐23 - 28 June
⭐17 - 22 October
With the stunning Manali–Zanskar route & a few handpicked departures around long weekends, lets experience Zanskar — no rushing, no crowds, just pure, immersive travel with an experienced team.
A Note from Your Captain - @kanupriya
Julley, fellow wanderers! If you have been wondering how to go about Zanskar, then you are on the right page! Or if you are looking for a no brainer experiential trip in budget prices then this is for you!
In only 5N/6D, with me, on a handcrafted route — you don’t just see Zanskar, you live it.
Think about-
Picnics in unreal locations
Food-led experiences
Glacier-studded passes ( 2 of them!)
Hike to the 'Cave of Liberation
A local lens into a valley that feels like a living museum.
The rest?
You’ll feel it when you’re there. Travel to Padum
Itinerary Overview :
Atal Tunnel & Darcha
Shinku - La (5091 mts)
Gombo Ronjon (4500 mts)
Padum (3669 mts)
Pensi - La & Drang Drung Glacier (4400 mts)
Rangdum Valley
Zangla
Saini
Karsha
Purne & Phuktal Monastery
Keylong
Day 1 - Arrive Manali & acclimatize
Day 2 - Manali to Padum - Via Shinku-La | Gombo Ronjon | Explore Padum Bazaar
Day 3 - Explore Zanskar - Zangla Palace | Saini Monastery & Lake | Karsha Village & Monastery | Surprise Local Experience
Day 4 - Explore Zanskar - Pensi-La | Drang Drung Galcier | Rangdum Monastery and Valley
Day 5 - Phuktal Monastery Trek & Keylong
Day 6 - Keylong to Manali
Trip ends
The itinerary is designed with utmost care and creativity after your trip leaders made grueling recce trips and spent long time in these regions, with the locals and by themselves to provide with the best, starting from stays, to picnic spots, to local folklore and lifestyle, to some off roading. So embrace yourselves and get ready for an epic adventure!
Why is Zanskar on everyone's list?
Because a soulful traveller is always seeking something raw & real.
Zanskar has lived rent-free in my heart since the first time I set foot there — a land so wild and untouched, it feels like stepping into another world.
Born from the ancient Tethys Ocean, this “Valley of White Copper” is a dramatic canvas of rock, rivers, and silence.
But the real magic? The life within it.
Mud homes, monasteries and mosques, barley fields, flowing streams, and people whose warmth stays with you.
Simple. Raw. Deeply peaceful.
The Zanskar river — born from Lahaul and Kargil — weaves through this land, carrying with it stories of trade routes, kingdoms, and a rare harmony of cultures.
Once part of Western Tibet, later a Himalayan kingdom…the rest of its stories await for the road.
So if you’re someone who values handcrafted experiences interwoven with checklists in budget prices, this is exactly where you need to be.
Come, experience Peace as a place and not just a concept.
What to Expect?
An experienced team of organizers & trip leaders (@kanupriya_r) who would guide you through this adventure.
An Experiential trip in budget prices.
✅3* STAYS ❌BUDGET STAYS on double occupancy (best that you get in Zanskar), with soulful food, hosts with recorded great hospitality to battle the sub zero temperatures. (Please note - You will be getting the best of what's available in this unexplored region of Zanskar :))
✅JIMNY 4x4's ❌TEMPO TRAVELLER from pick to drop. No compromise on safety and luxury.
A dip in ARCHITECTURE, HISTORY & ART
A SURPRISE ACTIVITY WITH LOCALS in the evening exploring CULTURE & LIFESTYLE.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Manali & Acclimatize
Reach Tra Boutique Stay, Manali — the gateway to the Trans Himalayas.
Settle in, meet your trip leader & co travelers
Post-rest, head for a short acclimatization hike to a hidden waterfall (quick dip optional, fun guaranteed).
Season highlights:
June: Loaded Apple trees & summer vibes
October: Last apple harvest & the onset of autumn
Return for dinner & trip briefing.
O/n: Manali
Day 2 — Manali to Padum Atal Tunnel - Sissu - Darcha - Shinku-La - Gombo Ronjon
Distance: 283 km | Drive Time: ~8 hrs
Post breakfast, begin the epic drive toward Zanskar’s high altitudes.
Cross the Atal Tunnel — a modern engineering marvel ensuring year-round access.
Drive past Sissu waterfall, Keylong, and Jispa, tracing landscapes once trekked on foot by Lahualis and Zanskaris just a few years ago.
Climb towards Shinku-La Pass (16,000 ft) — watch the tree line fade and the raw Himalayas take over.
Enter the stunning Lunalak Valley and meet the majestic Gombo Ronjon, the towering “King of Mountains.”
Arrive in Padum, named after Padmasambhava — a town blending stupas, mosques, streams, fields, and centuries of culture.
Check in, refresh, and head for a gentle walk around Padum bazaar to acclimatize and soak in local life under the shadow of Chora-La, Zanskar’s highest peak.
Return for dinner and an easy storytelling session with your hosts — history, folklore, and warm Zanskari hospitality included.
O/N: Padum - Breakfast & Dinner at stay
Day 3 — Explore Zanskar
Zangla Palace - Stongde Monastery - Karsha Village & Gompa - Surprise Local Experience
Dive into Zanskar’s rich past — once part of Western Tibet and a key halt on ancient Silk Route trade paths.
Visit Zangla Palace & Gompa — the former royal residence of the Zanskar kings, dating back to the 17th century, with sweeping valley views and tales of Himalayan wars.
Cross the river to Tsaras Village to see 30-year-old paintings hidden within its quiet lanes.
Head to Stongde Monastery — the second-largest monastery in Zanskar, perched atop a mountain with stunning bird’s-eye views of the valley and the start point of an old trekking trail.
Continue to Karsha Gompa, a 1,000-year-old monastery sitting high above the confluence of Rivers Stod & Tserap, forming the mighty Zanskar River.
Witness ancient idols, preserved relics, and a jaw-dropping sunset before returning to Padum.
End the day with the highlight of the trip — a surprise cultural experience with local families inside their traditional homes.
Experience real Zanskar life, stories, warmth, and shared moments — the true spirit of Travel AIP.
o/n Padum – Breakfast & Dinner at stay only
Day 4 — Beyond Passes & Glaciers
Sani Village & Lake - Pensi La - Drang Drung Glacier - Rangdum Valley & Monastery
Start the day with a drive through scenic Zanskar landscapes toward Sani Village & Lake.
Visit Sani Gompa — believed to be among the oldest monasteries in the Ladakh region, linked to Guru Padmasambhava’s early journey.
Walk by the natural freshwater spring lake, known locally for its mineral-rich, healing waters — a calm and powerful way to begin the day.
Drive onward tracing the ancient trade route between Zanskar & Kashmir.
Ascend the iconic Pensi La Pass (4,400 m / 14,436 ft) — the dramatic gateway between Zanskar & Suru Valley.
Soak in the raw Himalayan views, prayer flags, snowfields, and the pristine Pensi La Lake nearby.
Enter the stunning Rangdum Valley and witness the mighty Drang Drung Glacier (~23 km long) — one of Ladakh’s largest glaciers.
Learn why this glacier is Zanskar’s lifeline, feeding the Stod River, the backbone of the valley’s irrigation system.
Visit the dramatic Rangdum Monastery, perched on a hill like a fortress in the middle of a barren alpine plain.
Though geographically in Suru Valley, Rangdum remains deeply connected to Zanskar culturally and historically served as a landmark for ancient travelers.
Drive back to Padum by evening.
Evening at leisure — relax, stroll through town, or simply soak in the silence.
o/n Padum – Breakfast & Dinner at stay only
Day 5 — Padum → Purne → Phuktal (Saving the Best for the Last!)
Drive: Padum to Purne ~2 hrs | Hike: Purne to Phuktal ~1–2 hrs
After breakfast, depart Padum for Purne via Bardan Village — the base village for Phuktal Monastery.
On reaching Purne, gear up for a scenic walk/hike to Phuktal Monastery.
Arrive at the jaw-dropping Phuktal Gompa, built into a natural cave:
Phuk = Cave
Tal = Liberation
Meaning: “The Cave of Liberation”
Spend the afternoon exploring the monastery, cliffside caves, and the raw Zanskar landscape around you.
Begin the return walk to Purne by early evening.
Camp under the stars at Purne — set up your tripods, soak in the silence, and enjoy magical stargazing in one of the darkest skies of the Himalayas.
o/n Keylong - Dinner & Breakfast at stay.
Day 6 : Keylong to Manali
(Distance: 105kms, Travel Time ; 2-3 hrs)
After a lazy breakfast we head to Manali via Atal Tunnel
Soak in the tranquil surrounding and walk around in this place closest to heaven before we retrace our path into civilization.
Choose to get dropped at Manali Mall road / Manali Bus stand and bid farewall.
Please note - We provide assistance for your onward journey on request.
Trip ends
DETAILS
Cost Per Person:
Per person (on DBL Occ) - 34,000/- +5% gst
Per person (on Single Occ) - 40,000/- +5% gst
Self Drive (On DBL Occ) - 23,500/- +5% gst
Self Drive (On Single Occ) - 29,500/- +5% gst
Package Includes:‐
Accommodation on double / triple sharing basis in 3* Stays and deluxe Luxury camps.
Meal inclusions - breakfast and dinner included for entire trip i.e. from Day 1 Dinner to Day 7 Breakfast
All transportation by Scorpio / Tempo traveller.
Inner line permit included.
Local guides and trip leaders – their allowances etc
Please note - All stays are subjected to availability. If not, a similar accommodation will be provided.
Package does not Include: ‐
Any Airfare
Any other meal
Expenses of sight-seeing, adventure activity, personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, gratuities etc.
Any Insurance
Any expenses incurred due to delays owing to Force Majeure conditions or unforeseen circumstances
Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.
Please go through the Terms & Conditions & booking details -
1. To book your trip with us please have 50% of the trip cost+ 5 % gst as advance in the given account details :-
Kanupriya Raniwala
S.B.I. Bank
Current Acc. 32844391790
Chavni Branch, Kota
IFSC - SBIN0001534
Upi - travel.a.i.p@oksbi
Gpay - 8172047843
2. Balance payment of 50% + 5% gst to be done 7 days before the trip commencement date positively.
3. In case of covid state isolation (only) we will have your payment retained with us as a credit note which could be used anytime with 1 year from your trip date.
4. incase you choose to cancel from your side for any reason then -
A. Any date change to be intimated at least 15 days before the trip date. (we will see in our capacity what can be done) - Not valid for scheduled departures.
B. 50% Refund will be generated 30days before the trip date.
C. 25% Refund will be generated 20 days before the trip date.
D. 15% Refund will be generated between 7 and 19 days before the trip
E. No refund 7 days before the trip date.
5. For scheduled departures - We accept replacement with a participant proposed by the already confirmed participant, incase the confirmed participant wants to cancel. If not the above policy will be followed.
6. Booking will be initiated after we receive a receipt of the Payment.
Please note -
1. No rooms / property has been blocked at the moment. After confirmation through 50% advance, only then the blocking of rooms will start which is subjected to availability at the time of confirmation. (in this case will revive all our past bookings on confirmed dates)
2. The itinerary and cost is subjected to change depending on availability of mentioned properties at the time of confirmation through advance.
3. Any chance of reroute during the tour due to climate change will be charged extra in consent with the driver.
4. In case of any misbehavior / misconduct / discrepancy / demeanor or any kind of foul intention presented by guest towards any member of the team, hotel staff or driver can result in discontinuation of the tour subjected to immediate effect without any refund.
Do & Don’ts.
1. On Arrival please rest for 24 Hours, as you are travelling to High Altitude and would need time to acclimatize.
2. Have plenty of drinking water or any kind of liquid (except alcohol)
3. While visiting any Gompa, Please take a Lamas Permission for Photo or Video Shoot.
4. Please wear proper clothing while visiting Gompas.
5. For Females: No Open Hair, Short Skirts or any Short Dresses allowed at Gompa.
6. For Males: No Short Pants or Sleeveless allowed at Gompa.
7. Please follow Gompa Rules while visiting.
8. Kindly follow the instructions of your trip leader for a smooth trip.
11. One must have a valid Government Approved ID cards to be submitted on arrival.
Note: Please don’t forgot to take suggestion of your Family Doctor before visiting Ladakh for any kind of medicines
Recommended Medicines:
* Avomine–Vomiting.
* D Cold –Illness / Combiflam–Body Pain.
* Vicks Balm.
* Diamox(250mg) –For High Altitude / High Pressure.
* Saridon–Headache.
* Personal Medicines if any.
* GluconD / Electralpowder & Camphor.
* Bandage, cotton, Dettol, Betadine, burnol, violin spray, crepe bandages, scissors.
* Dependel M
* Strepsils
* Vicks inhaler
Essentials
•T‐SHIRTS (preferably dry‐fits)
•TRACK LOWERS
•THERMAL INNERS (Upper & Lower)
•RAIN SUIT (Upper & Lower)
•SWEAT SHIRT
•SHORTS
•RIDING OR RUBBER BOOTS (Avoid Brand New!)
•SUN CAP & BALACLAVA
•TOILETRIES
•TOWEL
•FLASHLIGHTS (preferably head torch)
•EXTRA BATTERIES
•SUNSCREEN, minimum 50spf
•SUN GLASSES OR RIDING GLASSES
•DOWN JACKET
•PERSONAL MEDICATION –if any
•BACKPACK ‐LARGE OR SADDLE BAGS WHICH CAN BE EASILY FITTED ON BIKES and a DAY PACK
•PEN KNIFE
•SOCKS (min.5 pairs) –Cotton & Woollen
•RIDING GLOVES & RIDING GEARS
Regards,
Team Travel AIP (Instagram @travel.a.i.p)
Sikkim | Spiti Valley & Himachal Pradesh | Zanskar | Ladakh | Kashmir | Rajasthan | Golden Triangle Circuit
Stay in Manali with us - Tra Boutique Stay (@tra_boutique_stay)
8172047843