The Zanskar Odyssey

Arrive at Leh (3500m) by flight. The flight to Ladakh is an amazing experience as one flies over the imposing Himalayan range offering breathtaking views. KVT representative will meet you at the airport and will transfer you to hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free for acclimatization and in the evening stroll around in the market area. (Meals: Nil)

Today we will do the local exploration visiting Leh Palace, the nine storied palace built in 1553. One can have a beautiful view of Leh city and surrounding mountains. Then, we visit Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist white-domed stupa located on a hilltop. The Shanti Stupa holds the relics of the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama himself. Afterward, proceed to Shankar Gompa – it is a subsidiary of Spituk Monastery and belongs to the Gelugpa Sect. We also visit Namgyal Tsemo Monastery perched on a hilltop from where we have a bird’s-eye view of the Leh city. The Gompa has a three-storey high solid gold statue of Matireya Buddha and ancient manuscripts and frescoes. Later we visit the local market of Leh. (Meals: Breakfast)

In the morning after breakfast we leave Leh and drive towards Lamayuru (Distance: 125km) where we visit Lamayuru monastery this is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh region. The monastery is famous for its rich wall paintings, collections of thangkas, murals, scriptures and statues of different forms of Buddha and other deities. Later we head towards the campsite where we camp for the night. (Meals: Breakfast & dinner / Driving Time: 4 – 5 hrs)

This morning we have breakfast and begin our trek towards the campsite of Wanla; the trail leads us downwards from where we follow a stream and then we start ascending to the top of Prinkiti La (3750m | ‘La’ means Pass in Tibetan) after crossing the pass we descend towards a gorge from where we walk up to the Shillakung valley. Then we cross the river and walk further on the trail that will take us to the village of Wanla, where we camp for the night. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hrs)

Today at the beginning we will be crossing a river and then keep on walking along the road until we reach at the spot where the trail splits into two: one goes to Zanskar valley and the other one goes to Ripchar valley. We follow the main trail along the river, later cross the river by bridge and we head towards a gorge which is very dangerous for ponies. A little further we walk and reach to the village of Hanupatta. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs)

After breakfast we start a gentle walk through the village towards Mani wall and Chortens then the trail is a steep ascend towards the pass of Sirsir La (4850m). We reach the pass from where we can see the next pass Singge La (5050m) and the magnificent view of Zanskar mountains range. Then the trail descends towards a small village of Photoksar our next campsite for the night. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs)

We start our morning with heavy breakfast and continue our walk; the trail goes up to the pass of Bumiktse La (4200m); cross the pass then we descend to a beautiful valley. We keep on walking as the trail is gentle for now and we enjoy the scenic view of the valley and its village as well as the green fields. Then we start climbing a steep section that will take us to the pass of Singge La (5050m); from the pass we will be blessed again with a stunning view of Zanskar mountains range; then we descent all the way down towards our next campsite that is the base of Singge La where we camp for the night. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 7 – 8 hrs)

This morning we continue our walk towards a village of Lingshed. We head towards a small pass of Kyukpa La (3850m) and then descend towards the villages of Gongma and Skyumpata. Again we cross another pass Morgon La (4100m), after which the trail is a gentle walk towards the beautiful village of Lingshed, our next campsite. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs)

Today after finishing breakfast we follow the trail beside the stream and then a gradual ascent to the pass of Hanuma La (4700m) from here we can watch the Lingshed monastery and then we descent through narrow valleys to the meadows of Snertse village the campsite for the night. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 7 – 8 hrs)

Morning we start trekking through the trail that goes upwards for sometimes to Zingchan where we cross the river Oma Chu by bridge. Now we start a steep ascent towards the pass of Parfi La (3950m). From the pass we descend to the Zanskar River from where the trail is easy walk to reach the village of Hanumil where we camp for the night. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs)

This day after breakfast we trek towards Pishu village our next campsite; we walk along the right side of Zanskar River and reach village of Pidmo, here we cross a bridge and carry on walking on the trail that would lead us towards our campsite, Pishu village. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hrs)

Today morning we move on towards Karsha village through the hot and dusty trail beside the Zanskar River en-route crossing Rinam village. We will visit the famous Karsha monastery – located on the hilltop with a magnificent view of the valley and belongs to the Gelugpa order. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hrs)

Morning we finish breakfast and leave Karsha village; on the way we cross Doda River through a bridge and head towards Pipiting, visit the monastery and finally we reach Padum known for its scenic beauty and serves as the capital for Zanskar region. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trek ends / Trekking Time: 3 – 4hrs)

Today early morning we have breakfast and drive towards our next stopover, Rangdum (Distance: 140km | 7-8hrs drive). The drive is challenging as the condition of road is not so good and after driving for some time the road goes upwards to the pass of Pensi La (4400m). Reach pass and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature as we can watch Drang Drung glacier, Stat Tso and Lam Tso (Tso means Lake). Then we continue our drive towards Rangdum, reach there and visit Rangdum monastery located on the hilltop and belongs to Gelugpa sect; later relax in the tents. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Driving Time: 7 – 8 hrs)

Morning after breakfast we drive towards Kargil (Distance: 100km | 5-6hrs drive) on the way we cross Parkachan and Panikhar villages which lies in the beautiful Suru valley. Kargil is the largest town in Ladakh after Leh; we reach Kargil and check-in to the hotel.(Meals: Breakfast / Driving Time: 5 – 6 hrs)

Today we head towards Leh en-route visiting Alchi Monastery, one of the oldest and famous monasteries of Ladakh, founded in 11th century and located on the bank of Indus River. Afterwards we drive to Leh, and upon arrival we check-in to hotel. (Meals: Breakfast / Driving Time: 6 – 7hrs)

Morning we will be transferred to the airport for flight to Delhi. Upon arrival connect international flight back to home country.