Himalayan Locals

Into Zanskar

A short private international Zanskar escape for travellers who want Phuktal, Padum and Shinku La in a compact high-altitude Himalayan window.

Embark on an unparalleled winter expedition to the heart of the remote Zanskar Valley, where adventure awaits at over 3,500 meters above sea level. This is more than a road trip — it's an immersive plunge into a world transformed by snow, where towering peaks and ancient frozen rivers craft a stunningly wild and unforgettable landscape. Command your 4x4 SUV across steep passes and challenging icy trails, unraveling the valley's hidden gems along the way. Be awestruck by the majestic Drang Drung Glacier, ascend to the breathtaking cliffside Phuktal Monastery, and discover the spiritual serenity of ancient sites like Karsha Gompa and Stongdey Monastery.

Duration
5 Days | 4 Nights (Delhi to Delhi)
Location
Manali, Zanskar Valley & Padum, India
Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging
Season
Winter (Dec–Mar)
Group
International private groups and couples

Journey highlights

  • Comfortable overnight Premium 9600 Volvo journey from Delhi to Manali.
  • Cross the iconic Atal Tunnel into Lahaul Valley and ascend the mighty Shinku La Pass.
  • Views of the sacred Gombo Rangjon mountain — a twin-peaked spiritual landmark.
  • Traditional Zanskari homestay experience in Purne with tandoor/bukhari heating.
  • Scenic canyon trek to the iconic Phuktal Monastery, carved into a cliffside.
  • Visit a hidden ancient spiritual site — 300-year-old frescoes and Naropa's footprint.
  • Drang Drung Glacier (15,419 ft) — one of the largest glaciers in Ladakh.
  • Peaceful pause at Sani Lake before returning to Padum.

Full itinerary

  1. Delhi to Manali — Overnight Premium Volvo

    Your Zanskar expedition begins tonight. Board your Zingbus Premium Luxury 9600 Volvo from Delhi and settle into a comfortable overnight journey towards the mountains. Spacious reclining seats, ample legroom, and a smooth ride ensure you arrive in Manali well-rested. Wake up to the first glimpses of the Himalayan foothills as the bus winds its way into Manali by early morning. Network works throughout Delhi and the Himalayan foothills on the overnight drive. Download offline maps and content before boarding.

    Stay: Premium Luxury 9600 Volvo Bus to Manali

    Meals: Dinner (self-arranged)

  2. Manali to Purne — Into the Remote Valleys of Zanskar

    Depart early morning from Manali. Cross the iconic Atal Tunnel and enter the dramatic landscapes of Lahaul Valley. Stop for breakfast at our operations base in Sissu. Continue via Keylong, Jispa, and Darcha, gradually ascending towards the mighty Shinku La Pass — the gateway to Zanskar. Pause for panoramic Himalayan views. Descend towards the sacred Gombo Rangjon for a photo break. Brief village walk in Kargyak. Arrive in Purne by evening and settle into your traditional Zanskari stay, surrounded by pristine winter landscapes and complete mountain silence. 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: Traditional Zanskari Homestay, Purne

    Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included

  3. Purne to Phuktal Trek — Drive to Padum with Local Sightseeing.

    After an early breakfast in Purne, begin a scenic ~3 km trek to the iconic Phuktal Monastery, dramatically carved into a cliffside above the Lungnak River. The name Phuktal comes from 'Phuk' meaning cave — a sacred meditation site once blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. Explore the cave complex and observe monastic life. Return to Purne for refreshments. Later, drive to Padum and settle into a homestay in Kumik Village. Enjoy evening local sightseeing around 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: Himalayan Local Homestay, Padum (Kumik Village).

    Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included

  4. Padum — Drang Drung Glacier, Sani Lake & Hidden Spiritual Site.

    Begin with a hearty breakfast and head towards a hidden spiritual site known only to a select few locals — believed to feature a mystical water outlet created by Guru Padmasambhava with natural healing properties. Continue to the majestic Drang Drung Glacier (15,419 ft) — dramatic ice formations, vast snowfields, and untouched wilderness. Stop at the peaceful Sani Lake on the return. Arrive in Padum by evening and settle into your homestay. Jio and Airtel postpaid signal available. Most stays have WiFi.

    Stay: Local Homestay, Padum

    Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included

  5. Padum to Manali — Farewell to Zanskar & Overnight to Delhi.

    Start with a hearty breakfast in Padum before beginning the return journey. Drive back through the breathtaking winter landscapes of Zanskar with one last view of Gombo Rangjon. Ascend Shinku La Pass once more and descend into Lahaul. Cross the Atal Tunnel and arrive in Manali by evening. Proceed directly to Manali Bus Stand for the overnight Laxmi Holidays Luxury 9600 Volvo journey to Delhi. Network works throughout Delhi and the Himalayan foothills on the overnight drive. Download offline maps and content before boarding.

    Stay: Luxury 9600 Volvo Bus to Delhi

    Meals: Breakfast included

Pricing and planning

USD 1,250

  • Economy international.: USD 1,250. Per person, based on 2 travellers sharing rooms.
  • Premium international.: USD 1,650. Per person; final quote depends on road season and stay availability.
  • Luxury international.: USD 2,400. Per person estimate; remote stays remain best available.

Inclusions

  • Accommodation — Traditional homestays in Padum & Purne with tandoor/bukhari heating; private/twin-sharing rooms throughout.
  • Meals — Only Veg: Daily breakfast (except arrival day) and daily dinner (except checkout day) with home-style Zanskari meals.
  • Transportation — Private SUV 4x4 (Jimny) with a professional mountain driver experienced in high-altitude terrain.
  • Volvo Tickets — Premium Luxury 9600 Volvo bus tickets from Delhi to Manali by Zingbus and Manali to Delhi by Laxmi Holidays.
  • Experiences — Visit to Zangla Palace, Phuktal Monastery trek, Karsha & Stongdey Monastery exploration, Drang Drung Glacier viewpoint, Sani Lake.
  • Permits — All required Inner Line and Protected Area Permits, environmental, and vehicle permits.
  • Support — On-ground local assistance throughout; 24/7 expedition coordination.

Exclusions

  • Flights.
  • Lunches (unless specifically mentioned).
  • Personal expenses (shopping, beverages, laundry, tips).
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended for high-altitude travel).
  • Oxygen cylinders (available on request at additional cost).
  • Non-veg meals (available as an add-on).
  • Costs arising due to weather delays, landslides, road closures, flight cancellations, or force majeure.
  • Tips for driver and homestay hosts. Anything not specifically mentioned under Inclusions.

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.

Who is this trip best suited for?

Travellers short on time who still want to experience the raw spirit of remote Zanskar — winter landscapes, Phuktal trek, and authentic homestays in 5 days.

How do the journey start and end?

Delhi to Delhi via overnight Premium Volvo to Manali on Day 1 and overnight Volvo back from Manali on Day 5.

What kind of stay can I expect?

Traditional Zanskari homestays in Purne and Padum (Kumik Village) with tandoor/bukhari heating — private or twin-sharing rooms throughout.

Are meals included?

Only veg: daily breakfast (except arrival day) and daily dinner (except checkout day), home-style Zanskari meals at homestays.

What's the difficulty level?

Moderate to challenging — high altitude (over 3,500m), winter conditions (-2°C to -10°C), and a 3 km canyon trek to Phuktal. Heavy layering is essential.

Plan Into Zanskar