Overview

The Leh-to-Manali route via Zanskar is one of India's newest and most spectacular wilderness road trips. It connects Ladakh to Himachal Pradesh by cutting straight through the once-isolated Zanskar Valley. On this journey, you will cross the mighty Shinku La Pass (5,050 meters high), drive past towering holy peaks, and see ancient cliffside monasteries.

6 Nights 7 Days Available on request
Highlights
What makes this tour special

 

  • Shinku La Pass: Standing at a massive 5,050 metres (16,568 feet) above sea level, this high-altitude mountain pass treats you to walls of snow and jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the Himalayas.

  • Phugtal Monastery: A magical, 2,500-year-old Buddhist monastery built like a honeycomb straight into the side of a massive cliff. You can only reach it by a beautiful short trek from Purne.

  • Gombo Ranjon (The Holy Mountain): A giant, single rock peak that rises sharply out of the valley floor. It looks incredibly majestic and is considered deeply sacred by the local people.

  • The Isolated Zanskar Valley: You will drive through ancient, untouched villages like Lingshed and Padum, where you can experience the heartwarming culture of local homestays.

  • The Atal Tunnel: A modern engineering marvel. This 9.02-kilometre-long highway tunnel cuts right through the mountains to bring you safely from the cold desert into the lush, green forests of Manali.

     

     

     

    Itinerary
    Day 1

    Leh - Manali via Zanskar

    LEH
    +

    Arrive in Leh

    • Rest and acclimatize (3,500 m).
    • Visit Leh Market and Shanti Stupa in the evening.

    Stay: Leh

    Day 2

    Leh - Manali via Zanskar

    LEH
    +

    Leh Sightseeing & Acclimatization

    Visit:

    • Hall of Fame
    • Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
    • Magnetic Hill
    • Indus–Zanskar Sangam
    • Optional visit to Alchi Monastery

    Stay: Leh

    Day 3

    Leh - Manali via Zanskar

    zanskar
    +

    Day 3: Leh → Nimmu → Chilling → Shinku La → Padum

    • Distance: ~230–250 km
    • Driving Time: 7–9 hours

    Highlights:

    • Nimmu
    • Chilling village
    • Zanskar River gorge
    • Dramatic canyon scenery
    • Shinku La Pass (~5,090 m)
    • Arrival in Padum

    Stay: Padum

    Day 4

    Leh - Manali via Zanskar

    Padum
    +

    Explore Zanskar

    Visit:

    • Karsha Monastery
    • Stongdey Monastery
    • Sani Monastery
    • Padum Market

    Stay: Padum

    Day 5

    Leh - Manali via Zanskar

    Phuktal
    +

    Phugtal Monastery 

    • Drive to Purne.
    • A short trek to the monastery.

    • Return to Purne

    ​Stay: Purne

    NOTE:

    *The Traditional Hike: Starting straight from the village of Purne, the path is about 6 to 7 km. Walking alongside the beautiful, turquoise Tsarap River takes most travelers 2 to 3 hours to reach the cliffside monastery

    **The Shorter "Roadhead" Option: If you are traveling by vehicle, a rough dirt road now extends past Purne. If the road conditions allow your vehicle to reach the end of this stretch, you can park closer to the Phuktal bridge. From that point, the remaining walk is a shorter 4 kilometres and takes only 1.5 to 2 hours

    Day 6

    Leh - Manali via Zanskar

    Jispa
    +

    Purne - Jispa

    Purne ➔ Kargyak ➔ Gombo Ranjon ➔ Shinku La Pass ➔ Darcha ➔ Jispa

    Journey Highlights:

    • The Holy Mountain: You will drive right past the base of Gombo Ranjon. It is a sacared peak and has spiritual significance among the local people and in buddhism in general.The name Gonbo Rangjon translates to "The Self-Arisen Throne of Gonbo". Gonbo is the local name for Mahakala, a powerful protector deity in Tibetan Buddhism. Climbing this peak is highly forbidden.
    • The Snowy Pass: Cross Shinku La Pass at 5,050 metres high. The road on the Zanskar side is rough dirt and rock, but it turns into smooth tar once you cross into Himachal Pradesh.
    • Lahaul Valley: After descending the pass, you will reach Darcha and enter the beautiful Lahaul Valley, running alongside the Bhaga River.

     

    • Stay ; Jispa

     

    Day 7

    Leh - Manali via Zanskar

    Manali
    +

    Jispa - Manali ( Tour concludes)

    Jispa to Manali via Atal tunnel

    Stay: Manali

     

    Inclusions/Exclusions

    What is included in the tour

    • Accommodation is on a triple sharing basis in camps/hotels mentioned or similar (for couples on Double sharing basis)
    • Airport transfers
    • Royal Enfield Himalayan
    • Backup support vehicle
    • Mechanic
    • Oxygen cylinder sharing
    • Fuel for the trip (mentioned itinerary)
    • Bike gear such as jacket, helmet, knee guard, and gloves

    What is NOT included in the tour

    • Airfare
    • Lunch
    • Personal Expenses
    • Travel Insurance
    • GST
    • Cost arising from damage to the bike
    • Any entrance fee to the monastery and monument
    • Any cost arising due to unforeseen events like a landslide, road block, etc
    Route Map
    Leh - Manali via Zanskar - Route map