Tour Overview
Zanskar is the southern part of Ladakh and full of scenic beauty and picturesque landscapes. It is one of the mystical attractions of the mountain covered Ladakhi-Buddhist valley. It is located 235 km away from Kargil. The literal meaning of the term Zanskar is Copper Star Several copper sediments can be found in the rivers that go through Zanskar. The gorgeous Gompas and the high hills are the attractions of Zanskar. Karsha Monastery, Stongdey Monastery, Phugtal Monastery are some of the beautiful and major monasteries in Zanskar. Due to recent connectivity with roads this is much easier to explore these areas. While as Ladakh is very much easier to explore with beautiful roads and many options with hotels around. Leh City, Nubra Valley in North of Leh by crossing to Khardungla pass ( earlier the highest motorable pass in the world) Pangong lake in the east of Leh city and Tsomoriri Lake in the south east of Leh. Your drive from Pangong lake to Tsomoriri will be most fascinating and chance to visit the Holi site called Rezangla war memorial bult recently in the bravery of our soldiers fought with China in 1962. Battle of Rezangla was a pitched battle fought during India-China border conflict of 1962 at one of the highest mountainous battle fields at 18000 ft. Occupation of the mountain pass Rezangla in Ladakh region by Chinese forces would have cut off the only road link of Chushul garrison to Leh. On 18 Nov 1962, Chinese troops launched a silent attack over Indian defences at Rezangla from two directions. As Indian troops were very vigilant, they inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers. Chinese forces launched multiple attacks and cut off all communication lines of Indian troops. Inspite of being completely isolated and outnumbered, soldiers of 13 KUMAON under the leadership of the company commander fought till last man last round. We salute our brave soldiers who their highest sacrifice for our country.
Itinerary Details
Early morning transfer to Domestic airport to board one of the most spectacular Trans Himalayan flight to Leh. Welcome on Leh airport and transfer to hotel. Half day rest at hotel for high altitude acclimatization. In the afternoon proceed to visit Sankar monastery, Shanti Stupa and a short of the Leh market.
After early breakfast full day sightseeing of Shey, Thiksey & Hemis. Shey was the summer Palace of Ladakhi Kings and is where you can see the 36Ft. high statue of Buddha made of copper and covered with gold. Thiksey : The twelve storied monastery of Thiksey is situated in the most prominent of positions, lies on an island Mountain. Finally visit; Hemis : Farthest away from Leh, this is the wealthiest Monastery in Ladakh belonging to the Red Sect - it is here each summer that plays are held and Ladakhis from all parts of the country will visit Hemis. Evening Explore most famous Leh Palace and Musium and stay overnight
Morning after breakfast proceeds towards Alchi (68 km) from Leh. On the way visit Spituk and Basgo .Upon arrival check in at hotel and enjoy hot meal. Post lunch visit the famous 1000 years old Alchi gompa. Close by there is another small gompa with beautiful painting, Tsa Tsa puri. Visit Rizong monastery not so far from the main road, a bit drive. Make lunch stop at Lamayuru visit the magnificent 1000years Lamayuru monastery and enjoy the beautiful moonland view. overnight stay at Lamayuru
After breakfast drive to Kargil en route explore Mulbekh Buddha Stachu and continue drive to Kargil. Check in at the hotel and evening Explore Kargil town and overnight stay
Morning after breakfast proceeds towards Rangdum. After a short drive from Argil we enter in to the Suru valley. Suru valley is one of the most beautiful regions of Ladakh, and is the heartland of Kargil. You will enjoy the view of massive Nun and Kun peak and the Parkachik glacier. There are many other unnamed Glaciered peaks on the way. On arrival at Rangdum
Explore - Hike around Nun Kun peak base camp. ( You need to have a local guide to approach beautiful destination around) Overnight stay at Rangdum
After morning breakfast proceed to visit the Rangdum monastery. After that, proceed to Zanskar. An hour drive from Rangdum is the Penzila pass(4200m) only pass to Zanskar. Around Penzila there are also many unnamed glaciered peaks and the famous Darang Durung Glacier. This area is very scenic and you will find many shepherd huts here. Upon arrival, check in hotel at Padum.
After morning breakfast drive 10 km to Karsha which has the largest Geluk pa monastery of Zanskar. Close to the monastery there is a nunnery to visit which eleven headed big statue of Avaloketeshvra has believed to be 800 years old. A minute's walk up from the Nunnery you will find an old Stupa built by the great Rinchen Zangpo of Tibet. Drive back to Hotel and enjoy hot meal. In the afternoon visit the Kalachakra temple a temple devoted to His Holiness The Dalai Lama who has given the teaching of Kalachakra in 1988. Overnight stay at hotel.
After breakfast you will enjoy beautiful drive to Purne a small village nearby the monastery. Road is under construction and you need to walk nearly for 3 - 4 kms to reach at the Phugtal Gompa. Phuktal Monastery or Phuktal Gompa is a Buddhist monastery located in the remote Lungnak Valley in south-eastern Zanskar, in the Himalayan region of Ladakh, in Northern India. It is 52 km southeast of Padum on Nimmu-Padum-Darcha road. overnight stay at Guest house or local home stay
After leisurely breakfast drive back to Padum. En route you may explore more villages and scenic places and other monasteries. Check in at th ehotel in Padum nd enjoy evening walk in Padum market. Overnight stay at Padum
After breakfast get prepared for adventures drive to Lingschet by following Zanskar river. drive to STongdey. STongdey monastery is the second largest Geluk pa monastery in Zanskar. Offers an incredible view of Padum valley. drive along the Zanskar River to Zangla. We will visit the old and new palace of Zangla king. We will also visit the Zangla nunnery. Continue to Lingschet monastery and check in at your Guest house or Home stay. Evening explore Lingschet monastery and overnight stay
After breakfast Drive back to Leh. Please be assured that still road is under constrution and may take a bit long time than expected. Beautiful drive with remote villages and high passes will take you near Lamayuru monastery where you will join the main Leh - Kargil highway. Check in at the hotel and
After breakfast leave for Nubra Valley, driving across Khardong-la (alt: 18,380 ft). After descending from the pass, drive on for sightseeing of Sumoor area and Samstaling Gompa. Later check into a fixed camp in the same area or drive across to Deskit / Hundar for dinner and overnight in a fixed camp or hotel.
After breakfast drive to explore Diskit Monastery founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley belongs to the Gelugpa sect. drive further to reach Turtuk which is the last outpost of Indian Army. Beautiful village with full of apricot trees. Back to Nubra Valley and en route stop at Hundar Sand Dunes where you can enjoy a short camel safari using the double-humped Bactrian camel found here (optional on direct payment). Overnight at the hotel in Nubra.
In the morning visit / explore Deskit, Hundar and the Sand Dunes where you can enjoy a short camel safari using the double-humped Bactrian camel found here (optional on direct payment). Later drive to Pangong Lake via Shyok Village crossing Durbuk and Tangste finally reaching The beautiful Pangong lake. After full day of sightseeing around the Lake check-in at fixed tented camp near the lake at Spangmik or drive back for 30 kms to Tangtse and check into Hotel / Guest House for dinner and overnight stay.
Drive to Tsomoriri Lake. It is a breathtaking journey on a trail that is literally a 'no mans' land. Vast lonely stretches on the Chanthang plateau makes this drive one of the best isolated drives of this tour. Enroute visit the faraway settlement of Chusul. Tsomoriri is situated at an altitude of 4511m above sea level; with an area of about 140 Sq.km. Spend your evening watching shadows of the surrounding mountain and the varying depths of Tsomoriri lake. Stay in tented cottages at Tso Moriri.
After breakfast retrace the route down to Puga Sumdo and then follow the road across the Polokongka Pass (4920 mtrs) to visit Tsokar Lake, a salt lake system in the Rupsho plateau which is home of the Changa nomads and support many rare wild life species. Check in at your camp and overnight stay
After sightseeing of the area take the Manali-Leh road to return to Leh, crossing Taglang-la (alt: 17,585ft) en- route. Arrive at hotel in Leh for dinner and overnight.
Day at leisure for your personal activities and last minute shopping
Thanks you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to Domestic Airport to catch the flight for your onward Destination.