Into the Heart of Zanskar
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Route
Leh → Kargil → Padum (Zanskar) → Kargil → Leh
Tour Description:
Into the Heart of Zanskar is a 7 Days / 6 Nights expedition designed for travelers seeking raw landscapes, spiritual serenity, and hidden Himalayan gems untouched by mass tourism. This route offers a deep dive into the isolated kingdom of Zanskar — known for its rugged beauty, ancient monasteries, and off-the-grid remoteness.
Starting in Leh, you'll journey westward along the scenic Srinagar-Leh Highway, passing iconic sites like the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers, Magnetic Hill, and Lamayuru Monastery — one of Ladakh's oldest. Continue through high mountain passes and lush valleys to reach Kargil, the gateway to Zanskar.
From Kargil, brace for one of the most breathtaking drives in the Himalayas as you navigate narrow gorges, river crossings, and rugged tracks to reach Padum — the heart of Zanskar Valley. Nestled between lofty peaks, Padum is home to ancient monasteries like Karsha and Stongdey, offering a glimpse into untouched Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
The journey is not just about landscapes, but about the raw emotion of riding through one of the most remote inhabited regions in India — where self-reliance and solitude are the way of life. The warmth of local villagers and the spiritual ambiance of Zanskar offer a truly humbling experience.
After immersing in Zanskar’s tranquility, retrace your route back to Kargil and then to Leh, with a renewed appreciation for Ladakh’s cultural diversity and geographical contrasts. The return ride offers time to absorb the surreal journey you just experienced.
This adventure is perfect for those who want to go beyond the usual Ladakh circuit and witness a world that feels like time stood still — a land of monks, mountains, and timeless mystery.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Leh – Acclimatization Day
Altitude: ~11,500 ft
- Arrive in Leh and transfer to hotel
- Rest day for acclimatization to high altitude
- Evening visit to Shanti Stupa and Leh Market
Overnight: Leh
Day 2: Leh to Kargil via Sham Valley
Distance: Approx. 220 km / 6–7 hrs
- Drive via Magnetic Hill, Indus–Zanskar Confluence, and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
- Visit Alchi or Lamayuru Monastery en route
- Reach Kargil by evening
Overnight: Kargil
Day 3: Kargil to Padum (Zanskar)
Distance: Approx. 240 km / 9–10 hrs
- Scenic drive through Suru Valley and Pensi La (14,436 ft)
- Pass Drang Drung Glacier en route
- Arrive in Padum, heart of Zanskar Valley
Overnight: Padum
Day 4: Explore Zanskar – Monasteries & Villages
Local Travel: 40–50 km
- Visit Karsha Monastery – the largest in Zanskar
- Explore Stongdey Monastery and Zangla Fort
- Interact with locals and learn about Zanskari life
Overnight: Padum
Day 5: Padum to Kargil
Distance: Approx. 240 km / 9–10 hrs
- Drive back through the stunning Suru and Rangdum Valleys
- Photo stops at Pensi La and glacier viewpoints
Overnight: Kargil
Day 6: Kargil to Leh
Distance: Approx. 220 km / 6–7 hrs
- Return to Leh via the same picturesque Sham Valley route
- Evening leisure time in Leh
Overnight: Leh
Day 7: Departure from Leh
- Transfer to Leh Airport for your onward journey