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Manali to Zanskar

Manali to Zanskar
Shinkula Pass

The Manali to Zanskar road trip is a thrilling adventure through some of the most remote and stunning Himalayan landscapes. The most direct route now is via Shinku La Pass (5,091m), which connects Lahaul (Himachal) with Zanskar (Ladakh).

Traveling from Manali to Zanskar is an adventurous journey through some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes of the Indian Himalayas. There are multiple routes you can take, but the most common ones are:

Manali to Darcha:

Start your journey from Manali and head towards Darcha. This stretch offers beautiful views of the mountains and valleys.

Darcha to Shinkula Pass:

Continue from Darcha to Shinkula Pass. This part of the journey is quite challenging due to the high altitude and rough terrain.

Shinkula Pass to Padum:

After crossing Shinkula Pass, you'll reach Padum in Zanskar Valley. The road conditions can be rough, so it's advisable to be well-prepared.

Best Time to Visit:

Summer (June–September): Roads and passes are snow-free. Ideal for road trips and trekking.

Transportation:

Manali to Zanskar: Private jeeps. Book in advance during peak season.
Padum to Leh: Hire Private Taxi. Shared taxis are limited.

Permits:

Indian Nationals: Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Ladakh, obtainable in Leh.
Foreigners: Protected Area Permit (PAP) required for certain regions; apply via registered agencies in Leh.

Tips:

Altitude Sickness: Acclimatize in Leh (3,500m) before heading to Zanskar (3,700m).
Packing: Warm layers, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, cash (limited ATMs), and snacks.
Fuel/Supplies: Fill up in Manali/Leh/Kargil; carry spare tires and tools for road trips.
Connectivity: Limited mobile networks; inform others of your itinerary.

Additional Notes:

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly near monasteries; seek permission for photography.
Eco-conscious Travel: Avoid littering; Zanskar is ecologically fragile.

ITINERARY(Manali to Zanskar Road Trip Itinerary (via Shinku La Pass)):
Duration : 5 Night / 6 Day Tour
Destinations Covered : Manali to Zanskar-Padum (Zanskar Valley)-Phugtal Monastery

Day 01 : Manali to Jispa (130 km, 5-6 hours):

Route: Manali → Atal Tunnel → Sissu → Keylong → Jispa
Highlights:
Cross the Atal Tunnel, the world's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 ft.
Visit Sissu Waterfall and Keylong town.
Stay overnight in Jispa (altitude: 3,200m) to acclimatize.

Day 2: Jispa to Purne via Shinku La (110 km, 7-9 hours):

Route: Jispa → Darcha → Shinku La (5,091m) → Kargyak → Purne
Highlights:
Start early to cross Shinku La, a high-altitude pass with stunning views.
Descend into the remote Zanskar Valley, passing through small villages like Kargyak.
Stay overnight at Purne, the base for the Phugtal Monastery trek.

Day- 3- Purne to Padum (50 km, 3-4 hours):

Route: Purne → Ichar → Raru → Padum
Highlights:
Visit Phugtal Monastery, a stunning monastery built into a cave.
Drive through the scenic villages of Ichar and Raru.
Reach Padum, the administrative center of Zanskar.
Explore Sani Monastery and Karsha Monastery in the evening.

Day- 4- Explore Zanskar Valley:

Day trip options:

Visit Zangla Monastery: About 20 km from Padum, this is one of the major monasteries in Zanskar. The route to Zangla offers scenic views of the valley.
Explore Sani Monastery: Located just 7 km from Padum, Sani Monastery is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the region. It’s a quiet, spiritual place to explore.
Short Treks: You can also take short treks around Padum or nearby villages. Depending on your interests and fitness, there are various shorter treks that will introduce you to local culture and spectacular landscapes.
Overnight in Padum: Stay another night in Padum to rest and enjoy the local environment.

Day- 5- Padum to Phugtal Monastery (Trek Option):

Trek to Phugtal Monastery: If you're an adventure enthusiast, this is one of the highlights of the Zanskar region. You can opt for a day trek to Phugtal Monastery (about 14 km one way, 5-6 hours of walking each way), a remote monastery built into a cliff face. It’s one of the most iconic monasteries in Ladakh and offers a profound spiritual experience.
Alternative: If you're not up for the trek, you can opt for a visit to Bardan Monastery, or just explore more remote villages in the area.
Overnight in Padum: Return to Padum for the night after your trek or exploration.

Day- 6- Optional Extensions from Padum:

Zanskar to Leh:
Continue via Lingshed & Singe La Pass to Leh (2 days).
Zanskar to Kargil:
Drive via Pensi La to Kargil, visiting Drang Drung Glacier on the way.

Cost Includes

  • Non Air-Conditioned Hotel Accommodation On Twin / Triple Share Basis.
  • All Travel / Transport as per request.
  • All Sightseeing as Per The Itinerary.
  • All Toll Taxes, State Taxes, Parking charges.
  • Daily Breakfast at The Hotel.

Note:

  • In All Hotels Base Category Rooms are allocated for the Stay, In Case Of Up Gradation It will be charged.
  • Check In & Check Out 10AM at Hotels.
  • Air Conditioned will not run in Hill Area.

Cost Excludes

  • Entry fees at the monuments/ temples.
  • Soft drinks and hard drinks.
  • Laundry, telephone calls, drinks, tipp and guide charge etc.
  • Insurance-Any type.
  • Anything which is not mentioned in above itinerary is not part of the package.

* 3 Star Hotel
* 4 Star Hotel
* 5 Star Hotel
Hotels Name Available on Request

Mesmerising Himalayas-Zanskar Valley

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