The Umling La Circuit
A premium 12-day international high-road expedition through Manali, Lahaul, Zanskar, Leh, Hanle, Umling La, Tso Moriri, Sarchu and Jispa.
The Umlingla Odyssey is a 12-day Delhi-to-Delhi offbeat Ladakh and Zanskar expedition built around the route in the itinerary: overnight Volvo to Manali, Shinku La into Zanskar, Phuktal Monastery, Padum, Dzongkhul, Leh, Hanle, Umling La, Tso Moriri, Sarchu, Jispa and return via Manali. The journey combines 13 legendary mountain passes, 7 Himalayan lakes, remote monasteries, homestays, local cuisine and high-altitude road adventure. Guinness-record Umling La at 5,798 m / 19,024 ft is the plotted highest point of this journey, with Mig La attempted only if open and permitted.
- Duration
- 12 Days | 11 Nights (Delhi to Delhi)
- Location
- Delhi, Manali, Lahaul, Zanskar, Leh, Hanle, Tso Moriri, Sarchu & Jispa, India
- Difficulty
- Moderate to Challenging
- Season
- May to September, subject to Mig La / Umling La and high-pass access
- Group
- International private groups, couples and families
Journey highlights
- Delhi to Manali overnight Volvo with hotel pickup on arrival in Manali.
- Cross Shinku La Pass at 5,091 m / 16,703 ft into secluded Zanskar.
- Trek to cliff-hanging Phuktal Monastery and visit Sheela Waterfall.
- Slow Padum exploration with Zangla Palace, Karsha Monastery, village walks and monk interactions.
- Pensi La, Drang Drung Glacier, Penzila Lake and Dzongkhul organic homestay experience.
- Adventurous Dzongkhul to Leh routing via Lingshed or the Zanskar-Nimo road, conditions permitting.
- Leh monastery circuit with Thiksey, Shey Palace, Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa.
- Stand at Umling La, the highest plotted point of the expedition, with Mig La attempted only if conditions and permissions allow.
- Tso Moriri at 4,595 m / 15,075 ft, black-necked crane habitat and Korzok stay.
- More Plains, Tso Kar, Nakee La, Lachulung La, Gata Loops, Sarchu, Baralacha La, Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal and Jispa.
Full itinerary
Arrival in Manali
Your journey begins with the previous night's Delhi to Manali overnight Volvo departure at the scheduled evening boarding time. Arrive in Manali by morning, settle into your hotel, explore Mall Road, Hadimba Temple and local cafes at your own pace, then join the evening expedition briefing. This is a self-exploration and acclimatisation day before the overland drive begins. Route Delhi overnight Volvo → Manali. Elevation Delhi 216 m → Manali 2,050 m (6,726 ft). Stay Manali. Network works throughout Delhi and the Himalayan foothills on the overnight drive. Download offline maps and content before boarding.
Stay: Manali hotel / resort
Meals: Dinner included
Manali to Purne Camp via Shinku La Pass
Depart at dawn through the Atal Tunnel and continue via Sissu and Jispa toward Shinku La Pass. Cross your first major high-altitude pass, visit Gombo Rangjon, then descend into Zanskar Valley and arrive at Purne camp by evening. End the day with an authentic Zanskari dinner beneath starlit Himalayan skies. Route Manali → Atal Tunnel (Rohtang) → Sissu → Jispa → Shinku La Pass → Gombo Rangjon → Purne. Elevation Manali 2,050 m → Shinku La Pass 5,091 m (16,703 ft) → Purne ~3,500 m (11,480 ft). Stay Purne. 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: Purne | Grand Purne Camps with attached bathroom or equivalent adventure camp
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
Purne to Padum via Phuktal Trek and Sheela Waterfall
Start with an early trek to the cliff-hanging Phuktal Monastery, one of Buddhism's most remote sanctuaries. After the trek, drive toward Padum and stop at Sheela Waterfall, a dramatic cascade in the Zanskar gorge. Arrive in Padum, the cultural heart of Zanskar, for a relaxed evening and dinner. Route Purne → Phuktal Monastery trek (~3 hrs) → Ating → Sheela Waterfall → Padum. Elevation Purne ~3,500 m → Phuktal Gompa ~3,900 m (12,800 ft) → Padum ~3,657 m (11,998 ft). Stay Padum. Jio and Airtel postpaid signal available in the village. Very remote camps may have limited WiFi — ask at check-in. Download any offline content you need before the remote section begins.
Stay: Padum | Shinku La Homestay, The Yak Heritage, Padum Paradise Homestay, Omasila Hotel, Hotel Potala, Zanskar Heritage Homestay or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
Rest and Slow Exploration of Padum
A slow, restful day to recover and soak in the soul of Zanskar. Visit ancient Zangla Palace and serene Karsha Monastery, then wander through local villages, meet artisans and share tea with Buddhist monks. No rush; this day belongs to you and the mountains. Route Padum local sightseeing → Zangla Palace → Karsha Monastery → local village walk → Padum. Elevation Padum ~3,657 m (11,998 ft) throughout. Stay Padum. Jio and Airtel postpaid signal available. Most stays have WiFi.
Stay: Padum | Shinku La Homestay, The Yak Heritage, Padum Paradise Homestay, Omasila Hotel, Hotel Potala, Zanskar Heritage Homestay or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
Drang Drung Glacier, Penzila Lake and Dzongkhul
Take in sweeping views of Drang Drung Glacier from Pensi La and the breathtaking panoramas of Penzila Lake. Explore a hidden monastery older than Phuktal Gompa, then descend to an organic homestay in Dzongkhul for an authentic village experience. Route Padum → Pensi La → Drang Drung Glacier → Penzila Lake → Dzongkhul. Elevation Padum 3,657 m → Pensi La 4,400 m (14,436 ft) → Dzongkhul ~3,830 m (12,566 ft). Stay Dzongkhul. 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: Dzongkhul | Authentic Ladakhi Organic Homestay
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
Journey to Leh
After breakfast, choose your path to Leh. Option A is a thrilling 8-9 hour expedition through remote Ladakh terrain via Lingshed and Nimo, while Option B follows the modern Zanskar-Padum-Nimo road when conditions permit. Either way, the journey delivers unforgettable Himalayan vistas and a strong sense of adventure. Route Option A: Dzongkhul → Lingshed → Nimo → Leh. Route Option B: Dzongkhul → Padum → Zanskar-Nimo Road → Leh. Elevation Dzongkhul ~3,830 m → Leh ~3,524 m (11,562 ft). Stay Leh. Network intermittent through the day — gaps on high terrain and remote plateau stretches. Jio and Airtel postpaid available at the overnight stop. Most stays have WiFi.
Stay: Leh | Namra Villa, Casa Bella, Kesar Palace, Sammaya Inn, Maitreya Ladakh, Ladakh Eco Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
Leh Monastery Circuit and Acclimatization
Use this leisurely day to acclimatize while exploring Leh's spiritual landmarks. Visit Thiksey Monastery, Shey Palace and Leh Palace, then enjoy local Ladakhi cuisine before ending the day at Shanti Stupa during golden hour. A calm day to absorb the region's culture and rhythm. Route Leh → Thiksey Monastery → Shey Palace → Leh Palace → Shanti Stupa → Leh. Elevation Leh ~3,524 m (11,562 ft) throughout. Stay Leh. Jio and Airtel postpaid signal available. Most stays have WiFi.
Stay: Leh | Namra Villa, Casa Bella, Kesar Palace, Sammaya Inn, Maitreya Ladakh, Ladakh Eco Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
Conquering Umling La - Guinness-Record High Road
Set out early for Hanle and climb toward Guinness-record Umling La, the highest plotted point of this expedition. If Mig La is open and permissions allow, the team may attempt it as an extension; the confirmed graph and altitude plan keeps Umling La at the summit of the route. Route Leh → Upshi → Mahe Bridge → Hanle → Umling La Pass → Hanle. Elevation Leh 3,524 m → Hanle ~4,572 m (14,997 ft) → Umling La 5,798 m (19,024 ft). Stay Hanle. 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: Hanle | Lhamo Homestay, Gua Homestay, Padam Homestay, Crane Resort, Sangrik Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
Tso Moriri Lake Expedition
After breakfast at your Hanle homestay, begin the scenic drive to pristine Tso Moriri Lake, a Ramsar-designated wetland at 15,075 ft. Spot black-necked cranes, kiang and Himalayan wolves as the lake reflects snow-capped peaks. It is one of the most ethereal sights in Ladakh. Route Hanle → Korzok → Tso Moriri Lake. Elevation Hanle ~4,572 m → Tso Moriri ~4,595 m (15,075 ft). Stay Korzok. Jio and Airtel postpaid signal available in the village. Very remote camps may have limited WiFi — ask at check-in. Download any offline content you need before the remote section begins.
Stay: Korzok (Tso Moriri) | Korzok Homestay, Lake Homestay, Kailash Homestay, Lake View Hotel, Grand Dolphin or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
Tso Moriri to Sarchu via Debring
After breakfast, continue the long scenic drive toward Sarchu via Debring. Pass the open plains of More Plains, stop at Tso Kar Lake, then cross Nakee La and Lachulung La before descending through the Gata Loops. Arrive at Sarchu for an overnight stay under Himalayan stars. Route Tso Moriri → Debring → More Plains → Tso Kar Lake → Nakee La → Lachulung La → Gata Loops → Sarchu. Elevation Tso Moriri 4,595 m → Lachulung La 5,059 m (16,598 ft) → Sarchu ~4,253 m (13,953 ft). Stay Sarchu. 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: Sarchu | Camp stay
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
Sarchu to Jispa via Baralacha La
Continue the descent along the Manali-Leh Highway after breakfast at Sarchu. Cross Baralacha La with views of Suraj Tal, pass Deepak Tal, and wind through the Lahaul Valley. Arrive in Jispa for a relaxing overnight stay beside the Bhaga River. Route Sarchu → Baralacha La → Suraj Tal → Deepak Tal → Jispa. Elevation Sarchu 4,253 m → Baralacha La 4,890 m (16,043 ft) → Jispa ~3,200 m (10,499 ft). Stay Jispa. 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: Jispa | Jispa hotel / riverside stay or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
Jispa to Manali and Return to Delhi
Enjoy your final Himalayan breakfast in Jispa before driving through the Lahaul Valley. Pass Sissu, travel through the Atal Tunnel and Solang Valley to Manali for lunch, then browse the local markets before boarding your overnight Volvo to Delhi as per the evening Volvo schedule. You return with memories of a transformative Himalayan journey. Route Jispa → Sissu → Atal Tunnel → Solang Valley → Manali → Delhi overnight Volvo. Elevation Jispa 3,200 m → Manali 2,050 m → Delhi 216 m. Stay overnight Volvo to Delhi. Network works throughout Delhi and the Himalayan foothills on the overnight drive. Download offline maps and content before boarding.
Stay: Overnight Volvo to Delhi
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included
Pricing and planning
USD 4,800 / INR ₹4,60,000
- Luxury: USD 4,800 / INR ₹4,60,000. From, per person, twin sharing. Dates, room category and availability are checked again before payment.
Inclusions
- 11 nights stay as per the itinerary on double-sharing basis: Manali, Purne, Padum, Dzongkhul, Leh, Hanle, Korzok, Sarchu, Jispa and overnight Volvo to Delhi.
- Meals as per itinerary: dinner on Day 1, breakfast and dinner on Days 2-11, and breakfast plus lunch on Day 12.
- Delhi to Manali luxury Volvo and Manali hotel pickup from the Volvo bus stand.
- Private mountain SUV support for the expedition with experienced local driver; maximum 4 travellers per vehicle.
- Guide plus driver support throughout the mountain circuit, with local Himalayan Locals coordination.
- All Inner Line Permits and entry tickets required for the planned route.
- First-aid kit, medicine box and oxygen support at every stay or in the support system.
- One rucksack or duffle bag up to 60L per traveller.
- Travel toiletry kit from the team, including toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, moisturizer and disposable bag.
- Birthday celebration setup near the Indus on request, including cake, packed breakfast and table decor.
Exclusions
- Flights, trains or personal transport to reach Delhi / ISBT Kashmiri Gate.
- Transfer to the Delhi Volvo boarding point; guests must reach ISBT Kashmiri Gate on time.
- Lunches except where specifically mentioned, beverages, cafe bills and Pay-N-Eat local lunch stops.
- Bike, jeep, cab or personal vehicle rentals, fuel expenses and any self-arranged transport.
- Travel insurance and medical expenses.
- Personal expenses, laundry, shopping, tips and porterage.
- Optional monk session or private cultural add-ons unless specifically confirmed.
- Any additional cost due to road closure, weather delay, permit restriction, route diversion, illness, evacuation or force majeure.
- Umling La access and any Mig La extension are subject to road opening, security conditions and permissions.
- GST @ 5% is applicable additionally on the base package amount.
Questions before you book
Will I have mobile network and WiFi during the trip?
Most stays on this route have WiFi. Very remote camps at high-altitude passes or riverside locations may not — your guide will let you know in advance. For mobile network in Ladakh, a postpaid Jio or Airtel SIM is essential — prepaid SIMs do not work in Ladakh due to Inner Line regulations. Network coverage has improved significantly across the region: Leh, Kargil, Pangong Tso, Hanle, Demchok, Padum, and Zanskar town now have reliable signal on both Jio and Airtel. Expect brief network drops on high mountain passes and remote valley drives between stops — this is normal and part of the remote experience. Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before entering remote zones.
Is this a fixed departure?
This is an offbeat expedition itinerary built around the Delhi-Manali-Delhi Volvo route and the Manali to Zanskar, Leh, Hanle, Tso Moriri, Sarchu and Jispa mountain circuit. Departures are confirmed subject to seats, road conditions and permits.
Which stays are used on this itinerary?
The itinerary uses Manali hotels such as Mud House Manali, Hotel Bodh International, Snow Peak Retreat, Victory Resort, Jannat Resort, Orchid Green Resort or Sterling Resort; Grand Purne Camps in Purne; Shinku La Homestay, The Yak Heritage, Padum Paradise Homestay, Omasila Hotel, Hotel Potala or Zanskar Heritage Homestay in Padum; an organic homestay in Dzongkhul; Namra Villa, Casa Bella, Kesar Palace, Sammaya Inn, Maitreya Ladakh or Ladakh Eco Resort in Leh; Lhamo Homestay, Gua Homestay, Padam Homestay, Crane Resort or Sangrik Resort in Hanle; Korzok Homestay, Lake Homestay, Kailash Homestay, Lake View Hotel or Grand Dolphin at Tso Moriri; Sarchu camps; and a Jispa hotel or riverside stay.
What is the highest point on the route?
The highest plotted point on this route is Guinness-record Umling La at 5,798 m / 19,024 ft. Mig La is treated as a conditional extension only if the road is open and permissions allow.
Is altitude sickness a concern?
Yes. The route climbs from Manali at 2,050 m to Shinku La Pass, Leh, Hanle, Umling La and Tso Moriri. The itinerary includes slower Padum time and a Leh acclimatization day, and the support system includes oxygen and first-aid.
Will Mig La definitely be included?
No. Umling La is the planned summit on the fixed route. Mig La is an attempt only if the road is open, conditions are safe and permissions allow.
Which vehicle is used?
The PDF inclusions mention a private 4x4 Jimny with personal driver for the entire circuit. Vehicle allocation may be adjusted to an equivalent capable mountain SUV depending on terrain, group size and availability.
Where do we have lunch on the road?
Most lunches are Pay-N-Eat at local dhabas or cafes unless specifically mentioned. Day 12 includes breakfast and lunch. A picnic lunch with a local family can be arranged on demand where feasible.
How is mobile network connectivity?
Airtel postpaid generally offers the best coverage on this circuit, but network is limited to unreliable across Zanskar, Hanle and Changthang.