ZANSKAR OVERLAND EXPEDITION
Ladakh Self Drive 4X4 | 11 Night/12 Days
Overview
One of the world’s most magnificent and beautiful landscapes, in its most peaceful season and in total contrast. Perched at a height of 13,154 ft, Zanskar Valley is a semi-arid region nestled in the northern flank of the Great Himalayas.
You will experience 4x4,convoy culture, ladakhi culture ,Ancients Monasteries, Traditions, Nomadic Land, Highest Motorable Road, wildlife at this time and high above the tiny mountain villages.
Admired for its unparalleled scenic views, pristine icy lakes, and swirling roads, Ladakh is becoming the most Instagrammable place in India and is on everyone’s bucket list.
Day Wise Itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 1
Day 1 – Manali
The day has finally arrived when we start one of our most adventurous expeditions. First day will be the orientation day for all the participants.
Overnight at Manali.
Day 2
Day 2 – Manali to Jispa
Wake up at leisure in the lap of nature and post breakfast start driving towards Jispa. Enroute we will cross the world famous Atal tunnel, longest tunnel above 10,000 feet in the world. Jispa, a beautiful little town in the Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh perched on the banks of river Bhaga.
Overnight at Jispa
Day 3
Day 3 – Jispa to Purne Zanskar
Today, we earnestly begin new journeys, on almost virgin roads, with no one around for as far as the eye can see. And, beyond! Deep in the tribal districts of Lahaul Valley, you’ll be engulfed with a sense of awe and a crystal clear reality of being oh-so-insignificant. Today’s route involved you crossing the high altitude pass of Shinkula – which clocks in at a staggering 16580 ft. This is higher than Baralacha la, Lachalung la et al. So, brace yourself for some tough conditions. Right after we descend from Shinkula, the majority of your route will now move next to the Zanskar river. Before you reach Kargaik, you’ll spot the most beautiful mountain – known as the Gumbok Rangan, standing tall and barren – this will be your absolute
favourite mountain in the whole world. One of the most revered and sacred mountains for the Zanskari folk, it stands alone and mighty. The drive towards Purne will provide you with unbelievable views. Overnight in Purne
Day 4
DAY 04 – Purne to Phugtal to Padum
After an early breakfast trek towards Phugtal. Anmu is the first village on
the way to the monastery just after the end of the motor-able road. It can take about 1hrs for regular trekkers and about 2hrs for non-regular trekkers. After reaching the monastery, have your lunch at Phugtal. It is said that the most dedicated followers of Buddha, like the Arhats and Guru Padmasambhava, lived in the cave of liberation at different times, over a thousand years ago.
After exploring trek drive back to Padum.
Overnight in Padum.
Day 5
DAY 05 – Padum
After an early breakfast trek towards Phugtal. Anmu is the first village on
the way to the monastery just after the end of the motor-able road. It can take about 1hrs for regular trekkers and about 2hrs for non-regular trekkers. After reaching the monastery, have your lunch at Phugtal. It is said that the most dedicated followers of Buddha, like the Arhats and Guru Padmasambhava, lived in the cave of liberation at different times, over a thousand years ago.
After exploring trek drive back to Padum.
Overnight in Padum.
Day 6
DAY 06 – Padum– Lingshed – Singela – Fotoksar – Sirsila – Hanupatta – Wanla – Khaltse – Lehkfast trek towards Phugtal.
The new road from Padum to lehis newly built and breathtaking. This section of the journey is known as the “untraceable” road, and for good reason.
Immediately after taking a right from Padum towards Zangla, lies a petrol pump about 4 KMs down. Zangla’s distance from Padum is about 40 KMs and the road is well made. Post that, you’ll be on some off-roading journey towards Lingshed and up ahead. Signature views, synonymous with the Zanskar valley keep you company for the day.From Lingshed, we will take the route that goes up towards the Singelapass(16,615 Ft). We will continue our drive to reach Leh by late evening.
Overnight in Leh.
Day 7
DAY 07 – Leh (Rest Day)
A well deserved break is what awaits you, as we use this day to explore Leh
and immense ourselves in local culture. Start your day by visiting Leh Palace, perched atop the deserted Namgyal Hill, the Leh Palace stands as a testimony of Ladakh’s splendid heritage. You can also visit Shanti Stupa which offers a remarkable bird’s eye view of the Leh town. Post sightseeing feel free to visit the local Leh market and experience the vibe of this lively city.
Overnight in Leh.
Day 8
DAY 08 – Leh To Nubra Via Khardungla
Today we proceed to Nubra Valley via Khardung La –one of the world’s highest motorablepass. Nubra valley – the Shyok River meets the Siachen River to form this large valley separating the Ladakh and Karakoram ranges. Upon arrival we visit we visit Diskit monastery – oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in Nubra valley. Later we visit Hunder sand dunes, the only place in India where double humped camels are found.
Overnight stay at Nubra.
Day 9
DAY 09 – Nubra To Pangong Lake Via Shyok
After early breakfast we drive to next destination the magnificent Pangong Lake (situated at 14, 500 ft above sea level) via Shyok and onto Tangtse and Spangmik (Pangong). The road follows the Shayokriver, and climbs up a mountain before finally descending into Shayok village. It takes less than an hour to reach Shyok, and you will be delighted at the sight of the rather big village surrounded by barren mountains, the entire setting being very picturesque. Afternoon we reach at Pangong Lake and enjoy our day at Pangong Lake.
Dinner and overnight stay in Pangong.
Day 10
DAY 10 – Pangong To Hanle Via Umling La
We would be starting early today and head towards Hanle via Umling la, world’s highest motorable pass (19,300 Ft. At 19,300 feet, the road sits higher than the base camps of Mount Everest.This new road now connects important regions and towns in the Chumar sector of eastern Ladakh. After a photo stop we will make our way towards Hanle which is a large historic village in the Indian union territory of Ladakh.
Hanle Observatory is also known as Indian Astronomical Observatory, which is famous for housing the world’s 3rd highest optical telescope.
Day 11
DAY 11 – Hanle To Sarchu
After breakfast, begin your ride towards Sarchu that will make your journey
filled with adventure and fun. Visit the Tso kar lake before reaching Sarchu. You will also be crossing Naki la (15,647 ft, and Lachung la (16,616 ft and across the famous More plains and Gata Loops. We will reach Sarchu by evening.
Overnight stay at Sarchu.
Day 12
DAY 12 – Sarchu To Manali
After breakfast, begin your ride towards Sarchu that will make your journey
filled with adventure and fun. Visit the Tso kar lake before reaching Sarchu. You will also be crossing Naki la (15,647 ft, and Lachung la (16,616 ft and across the famous More plains and Gata Loops. We will reach Sarchu by evening.
Overnight stay at Sarchu.
INCLUSIONS
- Convoy support with expert crew members.
- Accommodation on Twin Sharing
- Meal – Breakfast and Dinner
- All Inner Line Permits For Restricted Areas
- Entry Fee For Monasteries
- Activities To Make The Experience Truly Memorable
- Back Up Team With A Crew Vehicle, Oxygen Cylinders, Emergency Food Supplies And First Aid Kit
- Mechanical support for vehicles
- Road Map, Wireless Radio communication.
- Local support From Experts
- Experienced Rescue operation team
EXCLUSIONS
- Meals And Drinks Not Mentioned
- Vehicle, Fuel Or Any Fuel Additives
- Insurance And Documentation Cost Such As Travel Insurance.
- Vehicle Servicing, Repairs, Toll Taxes, Traffic Fines
- Any Cost Arising Out Of Unforseen Circumstances Like Ill-health, Vehicle Breakdown Or Repairs, Damage Accruing From Land Blocks, Bad Weather, Snowfall Etc.
- Additional Accommodation Charges Due To Unforseen Delays In The Journey
- Any Hotel, Subsistence Or Other Cost Incurred Prior To Official Start Date Of The Expedition And After Official End Date Of The Expedition
- 5% GST
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.
MANDATORY CHECK LIST
- Government Id cards
- Puncture Kit
- Gear oil, Engine oil, Coolant
- Spare bulbs
- Duct Tape
- M-seal (3 Packs)
- Tool kit (Jack & Spanner)
- Tow Strap
- Jerry can
- Torch
- Jump starter
- Basic first aid kit in your vehicle
- Sunglasses & sun blocker
- Power bank