The ancient Buddhist region of Zanskar lies deep in the western Himalayas and remains isolated for much of the year due to heavy snowfall over its high passes. During winter, the frozen Zanskar River traditionally served as the only route of access on foot. Towering cliffs, remote villages, fertile fields of peas and buckwheat, dramatic gorges, and centuries-old monasteries make this one of the most spectacular trekking routes in the Indian Himalayas.
| Tour Information | |
| Season | July to September |
| Total Duration | 18 Nights / 19 Days |
| Trekking Days | 10 Days |
| Total Trekking Hours | Approx. 55 hours |
| Special Features | High mountain passes, Zanskar River gorge, ancient monasteries |
| Trek Grade | Strenuous |
| Maximum Altitude | 5,090 m (Singge La) |
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the hotel. Later proceed for a guided tour of Old and New Delhi, including Jama Masjid, Red Fort (exterior), Raj Ghat, India Gate and drive past the President’s House. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi – Leh
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Leh. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free for acclimatisation. Evening walk through Leh Market, visiting Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa and Leh Gompa. Overnight in Leh.
Day 03: Leh – Lamayuru
Drive to Lamayuru, visiting the historic monasteries of Likir and Alchi en route, founded by the great translator Rinchen Zangpo. Explore Lamayuru Monastery, dramatically set amid lunar landscapes. Overnight at Lamayuru.
Day 04: Lamayuru – Wanla
Begin trekking, crossing Prinkti La (3,750 m) before descending through Shilla village to Wanla. Afternoon at leisure with an optional visit to Wanla Monastery. Overnight camp.
Day 05: Wanla – Hanupatta
Trek across Phansila Pass and descend into a narrowing gorge carved by the Zanskar River. Camp near Hanupatta, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and alpine vegetation.
Day 06: Hanupatta – Sir Sir La – Photoskar
Gradual ascent to Sir Sir La (4,850 m) with wide views of the Zanskar range. Descend to the cliff-side village of Photoskar, set amidst green terraces. Overnight camp.
Day 07: Photoskar – Singge La – Camp
Cross Bumiktse La and enter the Photang Valley. Ascend to Singge La (5,090 m), the highest point of the trek, offering expansive Himalayan views. Descend to campsite.
Day 08: Singge La Base – Lingshed
Traverse high trails above the Zanskar River, crossing Kiupa La and Margum La. Arrive at Lingshed, a remote village centered around a Gelugpa monastery. Overnight camp.
Day 09: Lingshed – Snertse via Hanuma La
A long but rewarding trek crossing Hanuma La (4,950 m). Descend through gorges and lush riverbeds to Snertse. Overnight camp.
Day 10: Snertse – Hanumil via Purfi La
Cross Purfi La (3,950 m) and descend to the Zanskar River. Walk along the riverbank to Hanumil. Overnight camp.
Day 11: Hanumil – Pishu
Easy walk along the Zanskar River, passing the small hamlet of Pidmo. Reach Pishu, opposite the former Zangla kingdom. Overnight camp.
Day 12: Pishu – Karsha
Gradual trek along the river to Karsha. Visit Karsha Monastery, the largest Gelugpa monastery in Zanskar, founded in the 10th century. Overnight near the river.
Day 13: Karsha – Padum
Short walk to Padum, administrative centre of Zanskar. Rest and exploration. Overnight in Padum.
Day 14: Padum – Kargil
Drive out of Zanskar via Sani Monastery, Pensi La and the Drang Drung Glacier. Pass Rangdum Monastery and continue through Suru Valley. Overnight in Kargil.
Day 15: Kargil – Leh (Sham Valley)
Drive to Leh through the scenic Sham Valley, visiting monasteries and traditional villages en route.
Day 16: Leh – Indus Valley Monasteries
Visit Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery and Hemis Monastery, one of Ladakh’s most important religious centres. Continue to Stok Palace Museum. Overnight in Leh.
Day 17: Leh – Delhi
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Delhi. Later sightseeing includes Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple and Qutub Minar. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 18: Delhi – Agra – Delhi (Optional)
Optional full-day excursion to Agra, visiting the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Sikandara. Return to Delhi by evening.
Day 19: Depart Delhi
Tour concludes with transfer to the international airport for onward journey.
