The ancient Buddhist region of Zanskar lies deep in the western Himalayas and remains inaccessible for much of the year due to heavy snowfall over its high passes. Traditionally, the frozen Zanskar River served as the primary winter route. Remote cliff-side villages, fertile fields of peas and buckwheat, dramatic gorges, and centuries-old monasteries define this classic high-altitude trek, which begins at Lamayuru and concludes at Darcha or Padum.
| Tour Information | |
| Season | July to October |
| Total Duration | 29 Days |
| Trekking Days | 19 Days |
| Total Trekking Hours | Approx. 106 hours |
| Special Features | High mountain passes, remote villages, ancient monasteries |
| Trek Grade | Moderate to Strenuous |
| Maximum Altitude | 5,090 m |
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the hotel. Later proceed for a guided tour of Old and New Delhi, including Red Fort (exterior), Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, India Gate and drive past the President’s House. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi – Leh
Arrive in Leh and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is reserved for acclimatisation. Evening walk through Leh Market, Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa. Overnight in Leh.
Day 03: Leh – Indus Valley Monasteries
Visit Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery and Hemis Monastery. Continue to Stok Palace Museum, the former royal residence. Overnight in Leh.
Day 04: Leh – Likir – Alchi – Lamayuru
Drive via Likir Monastery and Alchi Monastery, renowned for its early Indo-Tibetan murals. Optional visit to Ridzong Monastery. Continue to Lamayuru Monastery, one of Ladakh’s oldest monastic sites. Overnight at Lamayuru.
Day 05: Lamayuru – Wanla
Trek across Prinkti La (3,750 m), descending through Shilla village to Wanla (3,250 m). Camp near the village with time to explore the monastery.
Day 06: Wanla – Hanupatta
Cross Phansila (3,410 m) and descend into a narrowing gorge overlooking the Zanskar River. Camp near Hanupatta (3,760 m).
Day 07: Hanupatta – Sir Sir La – Photoskar
Gradual ascent to Sir Sir La (4,850 m) with wide views of the Zanskar range. Descend to Photoskar (4,200 m), a dramatic cliff-side village. Camp near the village.
Day 08: Photoskar – Singge La – Camp
Cross Bumiktse La (4,200 m) and ascend to Singge La (5,090 m), the highest point of the trek. Descend to campsite.
Day 09: Singge La Base – Lingshed
Traverse high trails above the Zanskar River via Kiupa La and Margum La. Arrive at Lingshed, home to a remote Gelugpa monastery. Camp near the village.
Day 10: Lingshed – Snertse via Hanuma La
Cross Hanuma La (4,950 m) before descending through rocky gorges and riverbeds to Snertse. Camp overnight.
Day 11: Snertse – Hanumil via Purfi La
Cross Purfi La (3,950 m) and descend to the Zanskar River. Continue to Hanumil (3,380 m). Camp overnight.
Day 12: Hanumil – Pishu
Easy walk along the Zanskar River, passing Pidmo village. Reach Pishu (3,470 m), opposite the former Zangla kingdom. Camp overnight.
Day 13: Pishu – Karsha
Gradual trek along the river to Karsha (3,600 m). Visit Karsha Monastery, the largest Gelugpa monastery in Zanskar. Camp near the river.
Day 14: Karsha – Padum
Short walk to Padum, the administrative centre of Zanskar. Optional visits to Sani Monastery and nearby villages.
Day 15–23: Padum – Darcha (High Zanskar Route)
Continue trekking through remote valleys and villages including Mune, Ichar, Purne, Phuktal Monastery, Kargyak, and across Shingo La (5,090 m). Descend through alpine pastures to Darcha (3,350 m), marking the end of the trek.
Day 24: Darcha – Manali
Drive through high Himalayan terrain to Manali. Overnight in Manali.
Day 25: Manali
Sightseeing in and around Manali, including Hadimba Temple, Naggar Castle, and local monasteries. Evening at leisure.
Day 26–28: Manali – Delhi – Sightseeing
Return to Delhi. Sightseeing includes Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar. Optional excursion to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
Day 29: Depart Delhi
Tour concludes with transfer for onward journey.
