Ladakh & Zanskar Grand Journey
A 13-day international grand circuit across Lahaul, Zanskar, Aryan Valley, Leh, Nubra, Turtuk, Thang and Pangong, built around acclimatization, private SUVs and rare cultural access.
This is not a standard Himalayan tour. It goes deep into the high passes of Lahaul, the cave monastery of Phuktal, the living villages of Zanskar, the Brokpa culture of Aryan Valley, the sand dunes of Nubra, the border village of Thang, and the shifting blue waters of Pangong Lake. The journey is designed for travellers who want the real Himalayas with private SUVs, local support, thoughtful acclimatization and enough flexibility to absorb the experience properly.
- Duration
- 13 Days | 12 Nights (Chandigarh to Leh)
- Location
- Chandigarh, Lahaul, Zanskar, Ladakh, Nubra & Pangong
- Difficulty
- Moderate | High-altitude SUV journey
- Season
- Late May to September
- Group
- International private groups, couples and families
Journey highlights
- Gradual acclimatization through Chandigarh and Sissu before entering higher Zanskar.
- Cross Shinku La, Pensi La, Khardung La and Chang La on a full Himalayan circuit.
- Guided trek to Phuktal Monastery with local support and porter assistance available on request.
- Stay in Padum and explore Karsha Monastery, Stongde Monastery and Zanskari village life.
- View Drang Drung Glacier while crossing Pensi La toward the green Suru Valley.
- Drive via Aryan Valley and walk through the Brokpa villages of Dah and Hanu.
- Rest and slow exploration in Leh before continuing toward Nubra and Pangong.
- Experience Diskit Monastery, Hunder sand dunes and Bactrian camels in Nubra Valley.
- Travel to Turtuk and Thang, one of the last accessible villages near the Line of Control.
- Reach Pangong Lake by the raw Shayok River route, then return to Leh via Chang La.
Full itinerary
Arrival in Chandigarh — Airport Transfer & Check-In
Chandigarh airport at night. The city is flat and warm, which is relevant because in twenty-four hours it will not be. Your team is outside arrivals. Transfer to the hotel, check in, and sleep. The drive to Sissu begins after breakfast. By late afternoon tomorrow you will be inside Lahaul Valley with Himalayan peaks on every side and the Atal Tunnel behind you. But that is tomorrow. Tonight, rest. The Himalayas begin in the morning. Jio and Airtel postpaid signal available. Most stays have WiFi. Route: Chandigarh Airport → hotel. Elevation: Chandigarh 321m. Stay: Hotel Shivalik View, Chandigarh or similar.
Stay: Hotel Shivalik View, Chandigarh or similar
Meals: No meals included
Chandigarh to Sissu — Entering the Himalayas
After breakfast, drive from Chandigarh through Bilaspur, Mandi, Kullu and Manali before entering the Atal Tunnel. The landscape changes quickly after the tunnel as Lahaul Valley opens with waterfalls, glacial streams and towering peaks. Route Chandigarh to Bilaspur, Mandi, Kullu, Manali, Atal Tunnel and Sissu. Elevation Chandigarh 321m to Manali 2,050m, Atal Tunnel 3,060m and Sissu 3,100m. Approx. 300 km, 7-8 hrs. Stay Plm Dhara, Sissu. Jio and Airtel postpaid signal available. Most stays have WiFi.
Stay: Plm Dhara, Sissu
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Sissu — Acclimatization & Local Exploration
A slow acclimatization day in Sissu with no long drive. Begin gently, walk toward the iconic Sissu waterfall, spend time at the open Sissu ground and take a short detour to Koksar, one of Lahaul's oldest settlements. The day is intentionally light so the group adjusts before entering higher Zanskar. Route Sissu, waterfall hike, Sissu ground, Koksar detour and return. Elevation Sissu 3,100m, waterfall viewpoint about 3,300-3,500m, Koksar about 3,140m. Stay Plm Dhara, Sissu. Jio and Airtel postpaid signal available. Most stays have WiFi.
Stay: Plm Dhara, Sissu
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Sissu to Purne, Phuktal Monastery & Padum — Entering Zanskar Proper
An early start takes you beyond Darcha and Jispa toward Shinku La Pass, the natural gateway into Zanskar. Descend toward Purne and continue on foot along the Lungnak River to Phuktal Monastery, built into a massive cave in the cliffside and accessible only by foot. The trek is manageable with local support, and porter assistance can be arranged on request. After time at the monastery, return to Purne and drive to Padum. Route Sissu, Darcha, Jispa, Shinku La Pass, Purne, trek to Phuktal Monastery and Padum. Elevation Sissu 3,100m, Shinku La 5,091m, Phuktal about 3,850m, Padum 3,650m. Approx. 180 km drive and 30-40 min trek each side. Stay The Alps Guest House, Padum or similar. Network unavailable at the pass and on the remote approach road. Jio and Airtel postpaid signal returns when you reach the valley. WiFi at your stay where available — very remote camps may not have it.
Stay: The Alps Guest House, Padum or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Padum — Exploring the Heart of Zanskar
A flexible local exploration day in Padum after the long drives and Phuktal experience. Visit Karsha Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in Zanskar, then continue to Stongde Monastery, dramatically located on a ridge above the plains. Move into village lanes, mud-brick homes, prayer flags and everyday Zanskari life. If the mood and weather feel right, take a short hike to a quiet viewpoint above Padum. Route Padum, Karsha Monastery, Stongde Monastery, village walks and Padum. Elevation Padum 3,650m. Stay The Alps Guest House, Padum or similar. Jio and Airtel postpaid signal available. Most stays have WiFi.
Stay: The Alps Guest House, Padum or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Padum to Kargil via Pensi La — From Zanskar to Suru Valley
Leave Padum and climb toward Pensi La Pass, the gateway between Zanskar and the Suru Valley. From the top, view Drang Drung Glacier, one of Ladakh's largest glaciers, before descending through Rangdum, Sankoo and the greener Suru Valley toward Kargil. The day moves from stark high-altitude desert to softer green valley landscapes. Route Padum, Pensi La Pass, Rangdum, Sankoo and Kargil. Elevation Padum 3,650m, Pensi La 4,400m, Kargil 2,700m. Approx. 230 km, 5-6 hrs. Stay Kargil Haven or similar. Network drops at the high pass — expect silence above 4,500m for a few hours. Jio and Airtel postpaid signal returns once you descend to the valley. WiFi available at your stay.
Stay: Kargil Haven or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Kargil to Leh via Aryan Valley — A Living Cultural Time Capsule
Drive from Kargil through the Batalik sector and Aryan Valley, home to the Brokpa people of Dah and Hanu. Walk through village paths, observe traditional homes, farmland, attire and daily life with respect, then rejoin the Indus River road toward Leh. After the remoteness of Zanskar, Leh brings comfort, cafes, markets and a slower rhythm. Route Kargil, Batalik, Aryan Valley, Dah, Hanu and Leh. Elevation Kargil 2,700m, Aryan Valley about 3,000m, Leh 3,500m. Approx. 220 km, 7-8 hrs. Stay Hotel T-Chong or similar. Jio and Airtel postpaid signal available. Most stays have WiFi.
Stay: Hotel T-Chong, Leh or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Leh — Rest, Acclimatization & Slow Exploration
A deliberately slow day in Leh after deep travel through Zanskar and remote valleys. Explore Leh market at your own pace, browse local handicrafts and Tibetan souvenirs, sit in a cafe, or rest. If the group feels comfortable, visit Shanti Stupa for panoramic views, especially around sunset. Nothing is mandatory today; the day prepares you for Nubra and Pangong. Route Leh local, market, optional Shanti Stupa and cafe exploration. Elevation Leh 3,500m. Stay Hotel T-Chong or similar. Jio and Airtel postpaid signal available. Most stays have WiFi.
Stay: Hotel T-Chong, Leh or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La — From High Pass to Cold Desert
Leave Leh and climb toward Khardung La, one of the most iconic high-altitude passes in the world. After a brief summit stop with prayer flags and panoramic views, descend into Nubra Valley where the landscape softens into cold desert, river valleys and sand dunes. Visit Diskit Monastery and the Maitreya Buddha statue, then continue to Hunder for sand dunes and optional Bactrian camel rides. Route Leh, Khardung La, North Pullu, Diskit and Hunder. Elevation Leh 3,500m, Khardung La 5,359m, Nubra Valley 3,100m. Approx. 160 km, 5-6 hrs. Stay Stendel Nubra or similar. Network drops at the high pass — expect silence above 4,500m for a few hours. Jio and Airtel postpaid signal returns once you descend to the valley. WiFi available at your stay.
Stay: Stendel Nubra or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Nubra to Turtuk, Thang & Back — Edge of India Experience
Drive along the Shyok River through narrow valleys and remote stretches toward Turtuk, a Balti village with stone pathways, water channels, apricot orchards, heritage homes and local cafes. Continue to Thang, one of the last accessible villages of India near the Line of Control, where geography becomes real and the group stands at the edge of the country. Return to Nubra by evening. Route Hunder or Diskit, Shyok River drive, Turtuk Village, Thang Village and return to Nubra. Elevation Nubra about 3,100m, Turtuk about 3,000m, Thang about 2,900m. Approx. 200 km, 6-7 hrs round trip. Stay Stendel Nubra or similar. Jio and Airtel postpaid signal available. Most stays have WiFi.
Stay: Stendel Nubra or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Nubra to Pangong Lake via Shayok — The Changing Blues of Ladakh
Leave Nubra and take the offbeat Shayok River route toward Pangong Lake. The road follows the river through narrow gorges, open valleys and long silent stretches before widening near Durbuk. Pangong appears suddenly: a massive high-altitude lake shifting between deep blue, turquoise and steel grey. Reach the lakeside stay by afternoon and keep the rest of the day slow for shore walks, changing light and quiet time by the water. Route Nubra, Shayok River route, Durbuk and Pangong Lake. Elevation Nubra 3,100m, Pangong 4,350m. Approx. 220 km, 6-7 hrs. Stay Sama Pangong or similar. Jio and Airtel postpaid signal available. Most stays have WiFi.
Stay: Sama Pangong or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Pangong to Leh via Chang La — Return Through the High Pass
Begin with a quiet morning at Pangong before driving back toward Leh via Chang La Pass. The climb brings snow patches, sharp turns and wide mountain views before descending toward Sakti and the Indus Valley. If time and energy allow, optional stops can be made at Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery and Shey Palace. Arrive in Leh by afternoon or evening for the final night in Ladakh. Route Pangong, Spangmik, Chang La Pass, Sakti and Leh. Elevation Pangong 4,350m, Chang La 5,360m, Leh 3,500m. Approx. 160 km, 6-7 hrs. Stay Hotel T-Chong or similar. Network drops at the high pass — expect silence above 4,500m for a few hours. Jio and Airtel postpaid signal returns once you descend to the valley. WiFi available at your stay.
Stay: Hotel T-Chong, Leh or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Leh Airport Drop & Fly Back to Delhi
A gentle final morning in Leh. After breakfast, take a last walk through the bazaar if time allows, then transfer to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport for the flight back to Delhi. Route Leh hotel to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport and Delhi. Elevation Leh 3,524m to Delhi 216m. Jio and Airtel postpaid signal available. Most stays have WiFi.
Stay: Departure day
Meals: Breakfast
Pricing and planning
USD 5,600 / INR ₹5,40,000
- Luxury: USD 5,600 / INR ₹5,40,000. From, per person, twin sharing. Dates, room category and availability are checked again before payment.
Inclusions
- 12 nights accommodation in village homestays, local stays and hotels.
- Daily breakfast from Day 1 and dinner with authentic local Ladakhi and Zanskari food.
- Premium SUV SUVs for the full journey with comfortable seating.
- Experienced local Himalayan guide-cum-driver with regional knowledge.
- All required permits for Zanskar, Nubra, Turtuk, Thang and Pangong.
- Monastery access and monk interaction sessions, subject to local approval and availability.
- Guided trek to Phuktal Gompa with local support.
- High-altitude safety planning and backup support.
- Meal arrangements at all stays.
- Trekking support, with porter assistance available on request for the Phuktal trek.
Exclusions
- Flights or airfare to Chandigarh and from Leh.
- Lunch and meals not specifically mentioned.
- Personal expenses such as snacks, beverages and laundry.
- Travel insurance.
- Medical expenses or emergency costs.
- GST as applicable.
- Optional camel ride, extra activities, tips and anything not listed in inclusions.
Questions before you book
Will I have mobile network and WiFi during the trip?
Most stays on this route have WiFi, but Zanskar still has genuine offline stretches. Carry a postpaid Jio or Airtel SIM; prepaid SIMs do not work in Ladakh. Expect signal around Leh, Kargil, Padum and major stops, with drops on Shinku La, Purne, Phuktal approach and remote valley drives. Download maps and inform family before entering remote sections.
Who is this trip suitable for?
This journey works for private groups, couples, families and travellers who want a deeper Ladakh and Zanskar route with acclimatization days, private SUVs, remote stays and flexible exploration. The Phuktal trek is manageable with local support, and porter assistance is available on request.
What about altitude sickness?
Altitude is a real factor, so the route gains height gradually through Sissu before entering higher Zanskar. Our team monitors travellers throughout the journey, and we recommend speaking with your doctor about altitude precautions before travel.
Do Indian prepaid SIM cards work in Ladakh?
Normal Indian prepaid SIM cards do not work in Ladakh. Airtel and Jio postpaid have coverage in Leh and patchy coverage in some remote areas, but Zanskar, Nubra beyond Diskit, Turtuk, Thang and Pangong can have very limited or no signal.
Do we need special permits?
Yes. Inner Line Permits and restricted area permits are required for Zanskar, Nubra, Turtuk, Thang and Pangong. Himalayan Locals arranges these permits; all travellers must carry valid government-issued ID.
What kind of accommodation should we expect?
This journey uses a mix of hotels, guesthouses, village homestays and local stays. Zanskar and Pangong are simpler and more remote; Leh and Kargil offer more comfort and connectivity.
Is GST applicable?
Yes, 5% GST is applicable on the overall tour package amount and will be mentioned in the final invoice.