Zanskar Valley

Day 1: Manali to Jispa via Atal Tunnel

Morning: Depart from Manali early, passing through the 9.02 km Atal Tunnel into the rugged Lahaul Valley.Afternoon: Drive past Sissu, Keylong, and Tandi (fill up gas here as it is the last pump before Padum). Check into a riverside camp or hotel in Jispa.Evening: Acclimatize to the rising altitude (3,200 m) with an easy evening stroll along the Bhaga River.

Day 2: Jispa to Purne via Shinku La & Gonbo Rangjo

Morning: Ascend towards Darcha and cross Shinku La Pass (16,580 ft) to enter Zanskar.Afternoon: Stop at the base of Gonbo Rangjon, the sacred standalone rock peak. Continue driving along the Tsarap River through remote villages.Evening: Arrive at Purne / Cha village. Check into a homestay for the night.

Day 3: Trek to Phugtal Monastery & Drive to Padum

Morning: Begin an early 5 km hike (approx. 2 hours each way) to Phugtal Monastery, a 2,500-year-old monastery built directly inside a massive cliffside cave.Afternoon: Trek back to Purne for lunch, then drive past Bardan Monastery to Padum (3,650 m), the central hub of Zanskar.Evening: Check into your hotel/guesthouse in Padum and relax.

Day 4: Day Trip to Pensi La & Drang-Drung Glacie

Morning: Drive towards Pensi La Pass (4,400 m) to witness the vast Drang-Drung Glacier, the largest glacier in Ladakh after Siachen.Afternoon: Pass the twin high-altitude lakes at Pensi La, visit Sani Monastery and Sani Lake on the drive back.Evening: Return to Padum for overnight stay.

Day 5: Padum Local Monasteries & Zangla Palace

Morning: Explore Karsha Monastery (the largest monastic complex in Zanskar) and Stongdey Monastery perched high on a hill.Afternoon: Visit the historic Zangla Palace, home to the ancient royal family of Zanskar.Evening: Walk around Padum town and shop for local handcrafted woollens.

Day 6: Padum to Leh via Lingshed, Singe La & Sirsir La

Morning: Start early along the newly built direct Zanskar–Leh highway.Afternoon: Traverse high-altitude passes including Singe La (16,300 ft) and Sirsir La, passing through Photoksar village.Evening: Join the Srinagar-Leh highway at Lamayuru and drive past Sangam / Magnetic Hill to reach Leh by late evening.

Day 7: Departure from Leh

Morning: Fly out from Leh Airport or extend your trip into the Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake