Zanskar Expedition Plan
ZANSKAR HIMALAYAS EXPEDITION
BRIEF PLAN
Date | Day | Route | Kms | hours |
Sunday, 4 September, 2022 | 0 | Hometown to Delhi or Chandigarh-Manali Night bus | | |
Monday, 5 September, 2022 | 1 | Manali | | |
Tuesday, 6 September, 2022 | 2 | Manali - Sarchu | 180 | 7 |
Wednesday, 7 September, 2022 | 3 | Sarchu - Leh | 250 | 8 |
Thursday, 8 September, 2022 | 4 | Leh - Khardungla | 80 | 4 |
Friday, 9 September, 2022 | 5 | Leh - Kargil | 217 | 6 |
Saturday, 10 September, 2022 | 6 | Kargil-Rangdum | 130 | 6 |
Sunday, 11 September, 2022 | 7 | Rangdum-Padum | 100 | 4 |
Monday, 12 September, 2022 | 8 | Padum-Phutkal-Padum | | |
Tuesday, 13 September, 2022 | 9 | Padum - keylong | 160 | 7 |
Wednesday, 14 September, 2022 | 10 | Kaylong - Manali | 70 | 2.5 |
Thursday, 15 September, 2022 | 11 | Manali (Buffer day) | | |
Friday, 16 September, 2022 | 12 | Manali depart by Night bus to Delhi/Chandigarh | | |
Saturday, 17 September, 2022 | 13 | Delhi/Chandigarh to Hometown | |
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DETAILED PLAN
Day 0: Delhi/Chandighar - ManaliArrive in Delhi/Chandighar and take the evening bus to Manali. Overnight in bus.
Day 1: ManaliArrive early morning in Manali and transfer to hotel. Day to relax and explore Manali. Pick up bikes and be ready for our epic journey the next day. Overnight in Manali.
Day 2: Manali to Sarchu ( 180 kms / 7 hrs )We start early morning for our first day on the Himalayan route on the beautiful Manali - Leh route. We pass through the newly opened Atal Tunnel and pass through the villages of Keylong, Jispa, and Darcha before crossing our first major pass, Baralacha La (16040 ft ) and finally stopping for the night at Sarchu ( 14070 ft ) on the Himachal - Ladakh border. Overnight in tents in Sarchu.
Day 3: Sarchu to Leh ( 250 kms / 8 hours )We start early morning again from Sarchu. Today's route is very adventurous and considered to have some of the most scenic stretches on the Manali - Leh route. We pass three high altitude passes namely Nakee La (15500 ft ), Lachung La (16600 ft ) and Tanglang La ( 17500 ft ), with breathtaking mountain views. Reach Leh by late afternoon. Overnight at Leh.
Day 4: Leh - Khardungla Pass - Leh ( 80 kms / 4 hours round trip)After breakfast, we drive upto Khardungla pass around 40 kms from Leh to visit Khardungla Pass ( 18379 ft ), one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Spend some time on top of Khardungla and later back to Leh for lunch. Walk around Leh in the evening. Overnight at Leh.
Day 5: Leh - Kargil ( 217 kms / 6 hours )Early morning leave for Kargil and on the way stop at Lamayuru Monastery, Zanskar / Indus Confluence and the Maitree Buddha Statue at Mulbek . Late afternoon we reach Kargil. Walk around the town in the evening and overnight at Kargil.
Day 6: Kargil to Rangdum (130 kms / 5 hours )After breakfast, we start on our way to Rangdum, enjoy the beautiful Suru Valley, views of Nun and Kun peaks and Parakchik Glacier. Rangdum is the last populated place of Suru valley and the village is located in beautiful location. Overnight at Rangdum.
Day 7: Rangdum to Padum (100 kms / 4 hours )After breakfast we will cross Pensi La, an easy high altitude pass. At Pensi La top, view the mighty Drang Drung glacier and the twin Ta Tso & Lang Tso lakes. After Pensi La, you will descend into Zanskar valley and head straight to Padum. Visit Sani Gompa, which is the oldest Gompa in Zanskar valley. Reach late afternoon/evening and relax. Overnight in Padum.
Day 8: Padum - Phutkal Monastry Trek - Padum After breakfast, a 1 hour drive will get us to the starting point of the Phutkal Monastery trek. After that, a 2 hours hike takes us to this secluded monastery. Visit the Phuktal monastery and later back to Padum by evening. Alternatively people who needs to rest and get their energy back can take the day off and recuperate. Overnight at Padum.
Day 9: Padum to Kaylong / Tandi (160 kms / 7 hrs )After breakfast, we ride through the newly opened Padum - Darcha route crossing the Shingola Pass to enter Lahaul valley. Reach Keylong by late afternoon and overnight at Keylong.
Day 10: Keylong to Manali (70 kms / 2.5 hours )After breakfast ride back to Manali. Overnight at Manali.
Day 11: Manali ( Extra Day )Extra day considered in case of any delays on the trip . Overnight at Manali.
Day 12: Manali ( End of trip )After breakfast check out around noon.