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Zanskar Road Tour
Zanskar Cultural
& Scenic Tour
June-September
Culture + scenery
Leh start and end
Overview
A journey through
the heart of Zanskar
This six-day journey combines the cultural heritage, remote monasteries, traditional villages, dramatic mountain roads, and extraordinary landscapes of Zanskar. Travel from Leh through Lingshed and Zangla, explore the great monasteries around Padum, cross high mountain passes near Rangdum, and walk to the spectacular Phuktal Monastery, built into a natural cliff-side cave above the Tsarap River.
Depart from Leh and travel through the spectacular mountain landscapes of western Ladakh toward Zanskar. Visit Lingshed Monastery, a historic Gelug monastery dramatically situated on a mountainside. Continue through the remote valleys to Zangla. Overnight stay in Zangla. Driving time is approximately 8–10 hours, depending on road and weather conditions.
Visit historic Zangla Palace, the former royal residence of the Zangla Kingdom. Continue to Stongdey Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Zanskar, followed by Karsha Monastery, the largest monastic complex in the valley. Explore Gyalwa Ringna, an important local cultural site, before reaching Padum. Overnight stay in Padum. Driving and sightseeing time is approximately 4–6 hours.
Travel west from Padum toward Rangdum. View the impressive Drang-Drung Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in Ladakh, and cross spectacular Pensi La, also known as Panzila Pass, with magnificent glacier and mountain views. Visit Zongkhul Monastery, a famous cave monastery associated with the great yogi Naropa. Continue to Rangdum for an overnight stay. Driving time is approximately 5–6 hours.
Travel toward the Phuktal Monastery trailhead and begin the scenic walk through the Tsarap Valley. Reach the extraordinary monastery built into a natural cliff-side cave above the Tsarap River. Explore the monastery complex and learn about its centuries-old Buddhist history. Overnight at the monastery guesthouse or a nearby homestay.
Trek back to the roadhead and continue by vehicle toward Padum. Visit the iconic Gombo Rangjon, a sacred mountain revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. Stop at Icher, a traditional village known for its beautiful agricultural landscape and rich local culture. Continue to Padum for an overnight stay.
Return to Leh along the scenic Chilling–Nimmu Road, passing dramatic gorges, mountain passes, remote settlements, and beautiful valleys. Arrive in Leh by evening, marking the end of the Zanskar journey. Driving time is approximately 8–10 hours, depending on road conditions.
Highlights
Accommodation