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Zanskar Valley Expedition – The Road Less Travelled
Holiday · Himachal & beyond

Zanskar Valley Expedition – The Road Less Travelled

Holiday styleHoliday
PlanningTailor-made
Based inShimla, Himachal
SupportPersonal throughout

The experience

Zanskar Valley Expedition – The Road Less Travelled

6 Nights / 7 Days | Explore the Untouched Himalayas

Journey into one of the most spectacular and remote regions of the Indian Himalayas with Adventure1st Holidays.

Zanskar Valley is a land of dramatic mountain landscapes, ancient Buddhist monasteries, remote Himalayan villages, glacial valleys and extraordinary cultural traditions.

Our carefully designed 6 Nights / 7 Days Zanskar Valley Expedition takes you beyond conventional sightseeing routes into the heart of this remarkable destination.

Travel through the breathtaking Lahaul Valley, cross the mighty Shinku La Pass (5,091 metres), experience the majestic presence of Gombo Ronjon, and discover the extraordinary Phuktal Monastery, built into a natural cave overlooking the Lungnak Valley.

Explore the cultural heritage of Padum, Zangla, Stongdey and Karsha before continuing towards the magnificent Drang-Drung Glacier near Pensi La.

Package Highlights

  • Cross the spectacular Shinku La Pass

  • Experience the iconic Gombo Ronjon mountain

  • Visit the ancient cave monastery of Phuktal

  • Explore traditional Zanskari villages and monasteries

  • Discover Zangla Palace, Karsha and Stongdey monasteries

  • Witness the breathtaking Drang-Drung Glacier

  • Experience authentic Himalayan culture and landscapes

  • Enjoy scenic mountain drives through Lahaul and Zanskar

Ideal For: Adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, photographers, cultural explorers and travellers seeking authentic offbeat Himalayan experiences.

Zanskar Valley – Come for the Journey. Stay for the Experience.

Your itinerary

Day 01 | Chandigarh / Delhi – Manali – Sissu

Overnight Stay: Sissu

Arrive in Manali following your overnight Volvo journey from Chandigarh or Delhi.

Continue towards Sissu through the famous Atal Tunnel, which connects the lush Kullu Valley with the spectacular landscapes of Lahaul.

As you emerge from the tunnel, witness a dramatic change in scenery, with towering mountains, rugged valleys and traditional Himalayan settlements.

Reach Sissu, a charming village surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. The day allows travellers to experience the beautiful Lahaul Valley and begin adjusting to the higher altitude.

Experience Highlights: Atal Tunnel, Lahaul Valley, mountain landscapes and acclimatisation.

Day 02 | Sissu – Shinku La – Gombo Ronjon – Purne

Overnight Stay: Purne

After breakfast, begin an exciting journey towards the remote Zanskar Valley.

Travel through increasingly dramatic Himalayan terrain before reaching Shinku La Pass (approximately 5,091 metres), one of the major high-altitude gateways connecting Lahaul with Zanskar.

Descend into the magnificent landscapes of Zanskar and witness the iconic Gombo Ronjon, an extraordinary isolated mountain rising above the surrounding valley.

Enjoy the breathtaking wilderness and photographic opportunities before continuing towards Purne, a remote Himalayan settlement.

Experience Highlights: Shinku La, Gombo Ronjon, high-altitude mountain roads and remote Zanskari landscapes.

Day 03 | Purne – Phuktal Monastery – Padum

Overnight Stay: Padum

Today brings one of the most memorable experiences of the Zanskar expedition.

After breakfast, travel towards the recently developed road access near Phuktal Monastery, one of the most extraordinary Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas.

From the accessible road point, enjoy a scenic walk of approximately 30–40 minutes one way, subject to the final road-access point and prevailing conditions.

Situated dramatically around a natural cave high above the Lungnak Valley, Phuktal Monastery offers a rare combination of spiritual heritage, fascinating architecture and breathtaking Himalayan scenery.

Explore the monastery and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this remote Buddhist settlement.

Return along the walking trail and continue by road towards Padum, the principal settlement of Zanskar.

Experience Highlights: Phuktal cave monastery, Himalayan walking experience, Buddhist heritage and Lungnak Valley.

Day 04 | Padum – Zangla – Stongdey – Karsha – Padum

Overnight Stay: Padum

After breakfast, explore the cultural and historical treasures surrounding Padum.

Visit Zangla, known for its historic palace and traditional Zanskari village setting.

Continue to Stongdey Monastery, an important Buddhist institution offering magnificent views over the Zanskar landscape.

Explore Karsha Monastery, renowned for its traditional architecture, spiritual heritage and impressive setting above the valley.

During the journey, enjoy interactions with local communities and experience the distinctive culture and everyday life of Zanskar.

Visit the scenic Sheela Waterfall, subject to local accessibility and time.

Return to Padum for your overnight stay.

Experience Highlights: Zangla Palace, Stongdey Monastery, Karsha Monastery, local village experiences and Sheela Waterfall.

Day 05 | Padum – Pensi La – Drang-Drung Glacier – Padum

Overnight Stay: Padum

Today, travel towards the spectacular western landscapes of Zanskar.

Drive along a scenic mountain route towards Pensi La Pass (approximately 4,400 metres), surrounded by dramatic high-altitude terrain.

One of the day's major highlights is the magnificent Drang-Drung Glacier, an immense river of ice flowing through the rugged Himalayan mountains.

Enjoy panoramic views, photography opportunities and the incredible solitude of this remote landscape.

Depending on available time and local conditions, explore surrounding heritage attractions and natural springs.

Return to Padum by evening.

Experience Highlights: Pensi La, Drang-Drung Glacier, high-altitude landscapes and Himalayan photography.

Day 06 | Padum – Shinku La – Manali

Overnight Stay: Manali

After breakfast, begin the return journey through the dramatic landscapes of Zanskar.

Travel towards Gombo Ronjon and cross the mighty Shinku La Pass once again.

Enjoy the remarkable transition from Zanskar's remote mountain wilderness into the spectacular valleys of Lahaul.

Continue through the Atal Tunnel towards Manali.

Arrive in Manali and check into your accommodation for a relaxing evening after the expedition.

Experience Highlights: Gombo Ronjon, Shinku La, Lahaul Valley, Atal Tunnel and scenic Himalayan driving.

Day 07 | Manali – Chandigarh / Delhi

Departure Day

After breakfast, check out from your accommodation.

Depending on your departure schedule, enjoy some free time in Manali for shopping, local exploration or purchasing souvenirs.

Later, proceed towards Chandigarh or Delhi by the arranged return transport.

Your remarkable Zanskar Valley expedition concludes with unforgettable memories of remote landscapes, ancient monasteries and authentic Himalayan culture.

What’s included

  • 6 nights accommodation on a double-sharing basis as per itinerary

  • MAP meal plan (breakfast and dinner)

  • Transportation by Innova Crysta for the designated expedition route

  • Chandigarh / Delhi to Manali Volvo journey, as applicable to the booked package

  • Sightseeing and excursions according to the itinerary

  • Visit to Shinku La and Gombo Ronjon

  • Phuktal Monastery excursion with the short walking experience

  • Visits to Zangla, Stongdey and Karsha monasteries

  • Pensi La and Drang-Drung Glacier excursion

  • Driver allowance, fuel and applicable vehicle charges on the agreed route

  • Basic travel assistance during the expedition

  • Oxygen cylinder in vehicle and basic first aid

What’s not included

  • 5% GST on the package selling price

  • Airfare, railway tickets or transport not specifically mentioned in the confirmed inclusions

  • Lunch, beverages and personal snacks

  • Monastery entrance fees, camera fees and local activity charges, where applicable

  • Personal expenses, laundry, telephone calls and shopping

  • Travel insurance and personal medical expenses

  • Expenses resulting from roadblocks, snowfall, landslides, natural calamities or unforeseen disruptions

  • Additional accommodation, transportation or meals arising from itinerary modifications

  • Any optional sightseeing or activities outside the confirmed itinerary

  • Anything not expressly mentioned under Package Inclusions

Price information

Starting From: ?29,500 per person + 5% GST

  • 2 Adults: ?41,000 per person + GST

  • 4 Adults: ?29,500 per person + GST

  • Meal Plan: MAP (Breakfast & Dinner)

  • Vehicle: Innova Crysta

  • Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days

Note: Package rates are based on the specified number of travellers sharing the accommodation and vehicle. Final prices, availability and confirmed inclusions will be communicated at the time of booking.

Good to know

Important Travel Information

  1. High-Altitude Expedition: This itinerary crosses Shinku La Pass at approximately 5,091 metres and includes travel through remote Himalayan terrain. Travellers should be medically fit for high-altitude travel.

  2. Road Conditions: The expedition operates through mountainous regions where weather, road maintenance, landslides and temporary closures can affect travel schedules.

  3. Phuktal Monastery Walk: The estimated walk is approximately 30–40 minutes each way from the accessible road point. The actual duration depends on road access, fitness and local conditions.

  4. Accommodation: Accommodation in remote Himalayan villages may be basic compared with conventional city hotels.

  5. Mobile Connectivity: Mobile network and internet connectivity may be limited or unavailable in certain areas.

  6. Journey Timings: Distances and driving times are approximate and may change because of mountain-road conditions.

  7. Itinerary Flexibility: The itinerary may require adjustments for weather, road accessibility, safety considerations or operational requirements.

  8. Acclimatisation: Travellers should maintain adequate hydration, avoid excessive exertion and follow appropriate high-altitude precautions.

  9. Responsible Tourism: Respect local customs, monasteries, cultural traditions, village communities and the fragile Himalayan environment.

Terms & conditions

Booking & Payment Policy, Proposed

Booking Confirmation

  • 30% of the total package amount is payable at the time of booking.

  • An additional 40% is payable 20 days before departure.

  • The remaining 30% must be paid at least 10 days before departure.

  • Bookings made within 15 days of departure require full payment at confirmation.

  • All bookings are subject to availability and receipt of payment.

Cancellation Policy, Proposed

Cancellation charges are calculated on the total package cost.

Cancellation Before DepartureCharges
45 days or more10%
30–44 days25%
15–29 days50%
7–14 days75%
Less than 7 days / No-show100%

Refunds, where applicable, will be processed after deduction of cancellation charges and any non-refundable supplier commitments. The company will communicate applicable deductions at the time of cancellation.

Expedition Conditions

Weather & Road Disruptions

Zanskar is a remote high-altitude region. Adverse weather, landslides, roadblocks, snowfall and administrative restrictions can affect the route.

Adventure1st Holidays may modify, shorten, postpone or reroute the expedition where necessary for traveller safety.

Additional costs arising from extended stays, additional transport, meals or unexpected circumstances will generally be borne by the travellers unless otherwise agreed.

Medical Fitness

Travellers are responsible for declaring any medical conditions that may affect their ability to undertake high-altitude travel. Medical consultation before departure is recommended.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance covering high-altitude travel, medical emergencies and trip interruption is strongly recommended.

Unutilised Services

No refund will ordinarily be available for voluntarily unused services, missed sightseeing, late arrival or early departure.

Force Majeure

Events beyond the organiser's reasonable control, including extreme weather, natural disasters, government restrictions and road closures, may require changes to the itinerary.

Refunds or credits in such circumstances will depend on actual recoverable amounts from service providers and applicable law.

Traveller Responsibilities

Travellers must follow safety instructions, respect local communities, observe monastery etiquette and avoid behaviour that could compromise group safety.

Final Confirmation

The final itinerary, accommodation details, transport arrangements, inclusions and commercial terms will be specified in the booking confirmation.

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