Zanskar Scheduled Departures 2026 | Ultimate Itinerary for Zanskar, Ladakh | Travel to Padum, Zanskar

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A selfie with Gombo Ronjon is a must!

A Note from Your Captain - @kanupriya

Julley, fellow wanderers!Zanskar has lived rent-free in my heart since the very first time I set foot there — a land so raw, wild, and untouched that it feels like stepping off the planet and into another realm. For half the year, Zanskar exists in deep isolation, its high passes buried under snow and its villages tucked into winter silence.

But right now, we have the rare chance to access this valley through a newly improved, incredibly scenic Manali–Zanskar road. And I can’t wait to share it with you.

I’ve hand-picked a few fixed departures — perfectly aligned with long weekends and holidays — so you can experience the magic of this place without rushing, without crowds, and with full-hearted immersion.

Travel to Padum

"Zanskar" - The Place In Between

5n6d | Ex- Manali | Experiential & Guided

⭐11 - 16 April 2026

⭐17 - 22 October 2026

Pibting Monastery, Padum

All you need to know about Zanskar!

If your heart is hungry for adventure — Zanskar is calling. Zanskar isn’t just a valley; it’s Earth’s ancient diary. Born as the Valley of White Copper, when the Indian and Eurasian plates collided 50 million years ago, this region rose from the floor of the Tethys Ocean to become a wild maze of rock towers, deep gorges, and rivers that slice through mountains like liquid turquoise lightning.

But the real magic? The life that thrives here.

Tiny mud homes, Mani walls, monasteries, mosques, barley fields, smiling locals, and the sound of water flowing through farms like the valley’s own heartbeat. It’s simple. It’s raw. It’s unexpectedly peaceful.

The legendary Zanskar river — the same one that later meets the Indus at Sangam — is born from streams crashing down from Lahaul and Kargil, weaving together through the colorful Trans Himalayas before becoming the spine of the region.

Culturally, Zanskar is a beautiful fusion of Buddhism and Islam, echoing stories of kingdoms, invasions, trade routes, and power plays. It was once a part of Western Tibet, later a proud Himalayan kingdom… and the rest of the tales? We’ll share them on the road, where they belong.

So come:Walk with us through one of the world’s oldest villages.Live with a Zanskari family in a true homestay.Sip home-brewed Arak.Help harvest peas if the season blesses us.And soak in a valley so pristine, it feels like it’s letting you in on a secret.

This isn’t just a trip.It’s a story you’ll take home with you — and never quite shake off.

Experience peace not as a concept — but as a place.

ITINERARY OVERVIEW Manali | Shinku - La | Gombo Ronjon | Padum | Pensi - La | Drang Drung Glacier Rangdum Valley | Zangla | Saini | Karsha | Purne | Phuktal | Manali

Day 1 - Arrive Manali - Explore Spring / Autumn

Day 2 - Manali to Padum - Via Shinku-La | Gombo Ronjon | Explore Padum Bazaar Day 3 - Explore Padum - Zangla Palace | Saini Monastery & Lake | Karsha Village & Monastery | Surprise Local Experience

Day 4 - Explore Rangdum - Pensi-La | Drang Drung Galcier | Rangdum Monastery and Valley

Day 5 - Padum to Keylong - Phuktal Monastery Trek

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!

WHAT TO EXPECT ?

• An experienced team of organizers & trip leaders (@kanupriya_r) who would guide you through this adventure.

  
  

• BUDGET STAYS❌ 3* 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 :))

  
  

• TEMPO TRAVELLER❌ JIMNY 4x4's / Innova✅from pick to drop. No compromise on safety and luxury. (Seating and car arrangements are basis number of guests)

  
  

• A dip in ARCHITECTURE, HISTORY & ART

  
  

• A SURPRISE ACTIVITY WITH LOCALS in the evening exploring CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

  
  

• Unconventional activities interwoven with Instagram able locations and activities.

• Itinerary subjected to change basis climatic and natural conditions.

  
  

Route to Zanskar in April

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Manali & Acclimatise

• Reach Tra Boutique Stay, Manali — the gateway to the Trans Himalayas.

• Settle in, meet your trip leader, and ease into the mountain vibe.

• Post-rest, head for a short acclimatization hike to a hidden waterfall (quick dip optional, fun guaranteed).

• Season highlights:

  • April: Apple blossoms & fresh spring vibes

  • October: Last apple harvest & the onset of autumn

• Return for dinner, trip briefing, and an early rest.

• Note: Arrive by evening to start with the group.

O/N: Manali

Zanskar Festival 2024

Day 2 — Manali → Padum via 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

Drang Drung Galcier enroute Kargil

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

Zangla Palace after a small hike from the parking

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

Phuktal Monastery with Karyak River flowing from the side, Photo Courtesy - Stories N Tales

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.

Mud House Stay Experience

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: 

1. Per person (on DBL Occ) - 34,000/- +5% gst

2. Per person (on Single Occ) - 40,000/- +5% gst

3. Self Drive (On DBL Occ) - 23,500/- +5% gst

4. Self Drive (On Single Occ) - 29,500/- +5% gst

A quick conversation with the local ladies of Zanskar

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.

Countryside of Padum

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

Sani Lake - A cold water spring with its medicinal properties

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)

https://instagram.com/travel.a.i.p?igshid=Yzg5MTU1MDY=

Sikkim | Spiti Valley & Himachal Pradesh | Zanskar | Ladakh | Kashmir | Rajasthan | Golden Triangle Circuit

Stay in Manali with us - Tra Boutique Stay (@tra_boutique_stay)

https://instagram.com/tra_boutique_stay?igshid=Yzg5MTU1MDY=

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