Kashmir to Manali Via Zanskar | An Overland Expedition
- Leh Ladakh
Original price was: ₹80,000.00.₹75,000.00Current price is: ₹75,000.00.
- 11D/10N
- Private Tour
Tour Information
Transfers Included
Stay Included
Sightseeing Inluded
Breakfast & Dinner Inluded
Overview
This 11-day trans-Himalayan journey begins from Srinagar and ends in Manali in Himachal Pradesh. It blends culture, landscapes, and offbeat adventure, traversing the heart of Zanskar Valley, one of India’s most remote and untouched regions.
The tour starts with a shikara ride on Dal Lake, followed by exploration of Srinagar’s Mughal gardens. The route then leads to Gulmarg meadows and Pahalgam’s valleys. Transitioning into high mountain terrain, you’ll drive via Sonmarg and Drass into Kargil, a region where ancient Buddhist and Muslim cultures meet. From Kargil, explore the unique Aryan Valley, home to the Brokpa tribe.
Your adventure continues into the dramatic and remote landscapes of Zanskar, visiting Padum, ancient monasteries, and finally reaching Phuktal Monastery, built into a cliffside and accessible only by foot. The journey ends with a breathtaking drive to Manali, passing through wild valleys and hidden Himalayan routes.
Perfect for culture seekers, explorers, and photographers, this itinerary is an immersion into the spiritual, cultural, and natural wealth of northern India.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Srinagar – Evening Shikara Ride
Distance: Airport to Dal Lake approx. 15 km
Travel Time: 30–40 minutes
Arrive in Srinagar. Transfer to your houseboat or hotel located by the picturesque Dal Lake. Spend the day resting or taking a stroll along the lakefront. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful shikara ride—a traditional wooden boat—gliding across the waters of Dal Lake. Pass floating gardens, wooden houseboats, and lily-covered patches as you watch the sunset behind the Zabarwan hills. This gentle introduction to Kashmir offers a deep sense of calm and romance. Overnight stay in Srinagar.
Day 2: Gulmarg Arrival & Sightseeing – Return to Srinagar
Distance: Approx. 50 km (one way)
Travel Time: 2 hours (one way)
Drive to Gulmarg, a scenic hill town nestled in pine forests and surrounded by snow-covered peaks. Known for its meadows and as a ski resort in winter, Gulmarg is also home to the Gondola ride, one of the highest cable cars in the world. Ride up to Kongdoori or Apharwat Peak, where breathtaking views of the Himalayas await. You can also enjoy walks across the golf course meadows, horse rides, or simply absorb the fresh alpine air. After sightseeing, return to Srinagar for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Drive to Pahalgam – Enroute Sightseeing
Distance: Approx. 90 km
Travel Time: 2.5–3.5 hours
Depart from Srinagar and drive to the beautiful valley of Pahalgam, nestled along the Lidder River. En route, stop at Avantipura ruins, remnants of a 9th-century Hindu temple complex, and Anantnag known for its springs. Upon arrival in Pahalgam, check into your hotel or cottage. Spend the rest of the day exploring the riverside markets, walking along the Aru River, or enjoying optional pony rides. The pine forests, gentle riverbanks, and mountain backdrop make it a perfect place to unwind. Overnight stay in Pahalgam.
Day 4: Pahalgam Sightseeing
Distance (local travel): Approx. 30–40 km
Travel Time: 2–3 hours (spread across the day)
Spend the full day exploring the beauty of Pahalgam and its surrounding valleys. Begin with a visit to Aru Valley, a pristine meadow region surrounded by forested hills and snow peaks. It’s ideal for nature walks, short treks, or simply soaking in the silence. Continue to Betaab Valley, named after a Bollywood film, known for its lush green pastures and crystal-clear streams. Later, explore Chandanwari, the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, offering dramatic scenery with steep cliffs and glaciers in the distance.
Enjoy riverside leisure time or a cup of kahwa at a local café. The tranquil Lidder River adds to the charm, creating postcard-perfect views at every turn.
Return to Srinagar for the night stay.
Day 5: Srinagar Sightseeing – Explore the Essence of Srinagar
Distance (local travel): Approx. 40–50 km
Travel Time: 3 hours (throughout the day)
Spend the day exploring the cultural and architectural gems of Srinagar. Begin with a visit to the Mughal Gardens—Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi, set beside Dal Lake. Also visit Pari Mahal and Nigeen Lake. Head to the Shankaracharya Temple offering sweeping views of the valley. Visit the historic Jamia Masjid in the old city, known for its wooden architecture and peaceful courtyards. Wander through the old bazaars of Zaina Kadal, known for handwoven pashmina, spices, and paper-mâché crafts. If time permits, visit Hazratbal Shrine, located on the lake’s edge. Return to your accommodation for the night.
Day 6: Drive to Kargil – Explore Sonmarg, Drass & Kargil Valley
Distance: Approx. 240 km
Travel Time: 8–9 hours
Leave Pahalgam and head toward Kargil, one of Ladakh’s gateway towns. The journey is long but incredibly scenic. Drive through Sonmarg, a breathtaking alpine stretch often referred to as the “Meadow of Gold.” Continue across the mighty Zoji La Pass, where the landscape shifts from green valleys to rugged, high-altitude terrain. Stop at Drass, the second-coldest inhabited place on Earth, and visit the Kargil War Memorial, which honors the soldiers of the 1999 conflict. Arrive in Kargil, nestled in the Suru River valley, with time to explore the local bazaar or relax. Overnight stay in Kargil.
Day 7: Explore Aryan Valley – Return to Kargil
Distance: Approx. 160 km (round trip)
Travel Time: 5–6 hours
Today, take a cultural detour to the Aryan Valley, home to the Brokpa people, a distinct ethnic group believed to have Indo-European roots. Travel alongside the Indus River to villages like Dah and Hanu, where traditional stone houses, colorful headgear, and unique customs await. The people here have preserved their ancient culture and dialect for generations. Walk through the village, visit small shrines, and learn about their lifestyle through local interaction. Surrounded by apricot trees and snow peaks, this valley offers both cultural and visual richness. Return to Kargil for the night, with a deeper appreciation for Ladakh’s ethnic diversity.
Day 8: Drive to Padum – Enroute Sightseeing
Distance: Approx. 230 km
Travel Time: 9–10 hours
Begin an adventurous journey from Kargil to Padum, the main town of Zanskar Valley. The route passes through the mesmerizing Suru Valley, with views of Nun-Kun peaks and tiny hamlets like Parkachik and Rangdum. Stop at Rangdum Monastery, perched on a hill in the middle of a vast plain. As the road climbs further, cross Pensi La Pass, the gateway into Zanskar, offering panoramic views of glaciers and winding rivers.
Descend into the Zanskar Valley and arrive at Padum, surrounded by rugged peaks and Buddhist stupas. The long drive rewards you with unmatched scenery and a sense of entering one of the most untouched areas of the Himalayas. Overnight in Padum.
Day 9: Padum Sightseeing
Distance (local travel): Approx. 50–60 km
Travel Time: 2–3 hours
Explore the cultural and monastic gems of Padum and its surroundings. Start with Karsha Monastery, the largest in Zanskar, with its whitewashed walls stretching along a hilltop. Visit Stongdey Monastery, offering colorful murals and stunning valley views. You may also head to Sani Monastery, one of the oldest religious sites in the region.
Take time to wander through Zanskari villages, where people still live in stone-and-mud houses and follow traditional lifestyles. If interested in history, stop at Zangla Palace, a semi-ruined royal residence that offers a look into the past governance of the region. Overnight stay in Padum.
Day 10: Drive to Purne – Explore Phuktal Monastery
Distance: 60 km drive + 5 km trek (one way)
Travel Time: 3–4 hours drive + 1.5–2 hours trek (one way)
Drive from Padum to Purne, a small village that serves as the base for the trek to Phuktal Monastery, one of the most visually striking in the Himalayas. The walk to the monastery follows the Tsarap River, through narrow mountain paths and hanging wooden bridges. The monastery is carved into a cliffside, built around a natural cave, and has been inhabited by monks for centuries.
Explore its meditation halls, ancient texts, and stone-built courtyards before trekking back to Purne. This day combines natural adventure with spiritual awe, offering one of the highlights of the Zanskar experience. Overnight in Purne.
Day 11: Drive to Manali – Trip Ends
Distance: Approx. 280 km
Travel Time: 10–11 hours
Begin the final leg of your journey with a long yet mesmerizing drive to Manali, crossing high-altitude landscapes and remote valleys. Travel through Shinku La Pass, a newly connected route linking Zanskar to Lahaul. En route, stop near Gombo Ranjan, a sacred peak worshipped by locals, rising dramatically from the plains.
The drive continues past small hamlets and gradually shifts from barren cliffs to lush pine forests. As you descend into Himachal Pradesh, the green hills and apple orchards of Manali welcome you back to familiar terrain. Upon arrival, your memorable Himalayan journey concludes.
Include/Exclude
- Standard Hotel/Houseboat Accommodation on twin sharing.
- Breakfast and Dinner
- All Transfer in Sedan – swift /Etios.
- All transportation taxes, permits, fuel etc.
- Insurance
- Personal Expenses.
- Union Transportation.
- Lunch
Call Our Tour Expert
- +91 70064 13075
- Arif Langoo (Tour & Travel Expert)
For customisation, group discounts, change in itinerary or stay options etc
Tour Information
Transfers Included
Stay Included
Sightseeing Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
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