Zanskar Valley Tour Packages

Zanskar Valley Tour Itinerary

Day 1: On the first, you will arrive at the Srinagar airport. You are advised to arrive at the airport by 4 pm. From the airport, our cab service will drive you to Sonamarg. On the way to explore the beautiful Sindh Valley. Night stay at Sonamarg.

Zanskar Valley Trip Cost

Inclusion:

• All Days Transportation Srinagar airport to Srinagar airport. SUV Cabs only.
• Transportation for sightseeing in Zanskar valley.
• All night’s stay during the trip. The sharing of double or triple available as per the cost mentioned above.
• All passes and permits.
• All tour coordination.
• Fuel, Taxes and tolls.
• Driver food and lodgings.

Exclusion:

• Personal Expenses.
• Insurance
• Lunch
• Anything not mentioned in the inclusion list.

Things to do in Zanskar Valley

Below are the handpicked attractions of Zanskar. These are the best things to do in Zanskar Valley. Get to know them before you plan your travel to Zanskar.  

Trekking: Most trekkers and travelers know about the Chadar Trek or the Frozen Lake Trek which is the most sought-after trek in Zanskar Valley during the winter. This trek is possible only in the winter months because that’s when the temperatures are below freezing point and it’s extremely cold in this region keeping the Chadar Lake frozen.

Book here the most beautiful trek in Leh Ladakh: Markha Valley Trek

Not many people know that there are plenty of summer treks here too. From short day hikes to the long treks across the region. The Padum Darcha trek, the Lugnak Trail, and the Zanskar-Sham Valley trek are also popular in Zanskar.

Bike Rides: The Zanskar Valley is a biker’s dream. Bike riding in the Zanskar can give you an adrenaline rush. Besides, biking e here, and river rafting at Zanskar valley can be enjoyed too.

The bike tour makes you explore this place fully. You tend to go to that part of Zanskar which is otherwise quite inaccessible. The road in and around this valley are in bad conditions, so bikes let you go beyond them. The valley is connected to Leh, Srinagar, Kisthwar, Manali etc. And to explore these places nothing is best than the bike tour.

Enjoy the adventurous bike ride through: Leh Ladakh Bike trip

Baralachha Pass: A splendid pass through a spectacular landscape is what makes traveling through the Baralachha Pass a unique experience. This pass lets travelers get a view of the beautiful Zanskar mountains as well as the Pir Panjal mountain range.

Sangam Point: Sangam Point is a spectacular place to view an amazing blend of two beautiful rivers the Indus and the Zanskar rivers. The point where these two distinctly colored rivers meet is called the Sangam Point. Tourists are surely going to be bedazzled with this natural, colorful, and adorable show of the pristine Indus and Zanskar rivers. Everyone who comes here will take the most pictures of this truly picturesque display of nature, right here in the Zanskar Valley!

Festivals and Culture: If you thought Zanskar Valley was only about the mountains, rivers, lakes, and adventures then that’s not all about it. The festivals, celebrations, and culture of the Zanskar are what make this place a truly colorful and adorable one. The Sani festival, the holy dance by the Lamas, and the beautiful blend of Tibetan, North Indian, and Chinese cultures visit the Zanskar an amazing and enriching experience.

Monasteries: Visiting monasteries in Zanskar or for that matter anywhere in Ladakh is an amazing experience. Monasteries in Zanskar have enlightened monks, gorgeous Gautam Buddha statues, colorful artwork, and ethnic architecture to be impressed by. Monasteries are a place for meditation, peaceful stays, a celebration of holy festivals, and learning about the enlightened living of the Lamas from the monks themselves. Zanskar Valley has some great monasteries to be visited by all the tourists coming here. some of the popular monasteries are Likir Monastery, Alchi Monastery, and Thiksey Monastery.

Visiting monasteries is a beautiful experience for everyone and all age groups. Moreover, the monasteries in Zanskar are so aesthetic that clicking photographs here can give you some splendid photogenic memories to cherish for a long. The names of some monasteries in Zanskar are already mentioned in this blog, still, we add the names of the famous Tibetan-Indo monasteries in Zanskar Sani, Lingshed, Stongdey, and Phuktal monastery.

Local Cuisine and Delicacies: Whether you are on a trek or sightseeing in Zanskar, taking a break to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast, lunch, snacks at snack time, and dinner is essential and enjoyable. Thukpa (soup with vegetables and noodles), Momos, Skyu (traditional soup), Tingmo (steamed Tibetan bread with dal, cooked vegetables, or meat), Chutagi (a pasta-like dish served with vegetable-based sauce), Chhurpi (Yak Cheese), Khambir (Ladakhi wheat-bread) and the most important Kahwah (tea) are some of the local foods that every traveler in Zanskar must insist on and try out. This is all part of Zanskar valley trip.

Enjoying filling meals made from local ingredients as well as readily available noodles (known as Maggi in India) adds to the delightful experience for all visitors to the Zanskar. From very young to seniors, all can come to Zanskar Valley just to enjoy eating in nature’s spectacular setting!

Popular Places In Zanskar Valley 

Zanskar Valley is a stunning and remote valley known for its amazing landscapes, monasteries, and unique culture. Here are some of the best places to visit in Zanskar Valley:

1.    Padum: The largest and the prime town in Zanskar, Padum is the administrative center of Zanskar. It is surrounded by scenic landscapes. The old town, with its traditional houses and monasteries, is worth exploring. This is the place where you will get the best of stay options, rather only at Padum you get to stay in Zanskar Valley. 

2.    Karsha Monastery: One of the largest and the popular monasteries in Zanskar, Karsha Monastery provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It is an important religious center and a cultural center of the entire Zanskar Valley and has remained so for many decades now.  

3.    Zangla: Known for its ancient Zangla Palace, this village is a peaceful and charming place with beautiful mountain views. The palace is now in ruins, however, provides a glimpse into the history of the region. This is one of the best places to visit in Zanskar Valley. 

4.    Stongdey Monastery: While on the Zanskar Valley Trrip, you must visit this Monastery. Situated on top of the hill, Stongdey Monastery offers magnificent views of the Zanskar Valley. The monastery is known for its beautiful architecture and ancient artifacts.

5.    Phuktal Monastery: This monastery is built into the cliffs and is one of the most isolated monastic establishments in Zanskar. This is further remote in Zanskar Valley for which no transportation goes. You will have to embark on the trek to reach this monastery. The trek to Phuktal is an adventure in itself, taking you through scenic landscapes.

6.    Sani Monastery: Famous for its annual “Tsechu” festival, Sani Monastery is one of the oldest in Zanskar. The monastery has a collection of ancient murals and artifacts.

7.    Zongkhul Monastery: This monastery is situated in a cave. This monastery is an interesting site to visit. It is known for its beautiful frescoes and a meditation cave used by Naropa, a renowned Buddhist scholar.

8.    Suru Valley: Suru Valley is nearby and is an age-old destination for wanderers and ancient people. This forms part of the ancient route as well. It is known for its lush greenery, meadows, and the Drang Drung Glacier.

Highlights of Zanskar Valley Tour Packages

• The Zanskar Valley, which is 6,000 meters above sea level on average, is encircled by the breathtaking grandeur of the tranquil mountains.
• A walk known as the “Chadar” journey can be taken on the frozen Zanskar River during the winter months when it freezes to form a thick layer of ice.
• White water rafting and nighttime camping next to stunning mountains are both available at the Zanskar River.
• Adventure seekers can take on difficult treks on their zanskar valley trip like the Lugnak Trail Trek, Padum-Darcha Trek, and Zanskar-Sham Valley Trek in Zanskar thanks to its dangerous terrain.

Why Should Your Choose Zanskar Valley Trip?

You must choose Zanskar Valley because of the variety of things one can explore and experience here. The beautiful blue rivers, pristine lakes, spiritually enlightening monasteries, challenging roads, and passes, silver glaciers, and of course the people and its culture. Zanskar is home to many monasteries like Sani, Lingshed, Stongdey, Phuktal Monastery, and Alchi Monastery.

Going through the Pensi La Pass overlooking the glaciers and the view of Suru Valley can be a mesmerizing experience. Most travelers are recommended to visit Zanskar Valley from May to September to enjoy the beauty of this valley to the fullest.

Zanskar Valley Trek Highlights

Zanskar Valley offers heaven for trekking enthusiasts. It has plenty of trekking trails. From short treks to trans-Himalayan long treks, the Zanskar Valley trek is the common name given to all these treks inside Zanskar. These treks offer several opportunities that allow you to experience its stunning landscapes, remote villages, and traditional Ladakhi culture. One of the most famous treks in the region is the Chadar Trek, which takes place on the frozen Zanskar River during the winter months. Here are some trekking options in Zanskar Valley:

1.    Chadar Trek:

• Duration: Approximately 9-10 days
• Best Time: January to February (during the winter when the Zanskar River freezes)
• Highlights: Walking on the frozen river, stunning winter landscapes, visiting remote villages, and experiencing the unique culture of the region.

2.    Padum to Darcha Trek:

• Duration: About 8-10 days
• Best Time: Late June to September
• Highlights: Crossing high mountain passes, exploring remote villages, visiting monasteries, and enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayas.

3.    Stongdey to Zangla Trek:

• Duration: Approximately 5-6 days
• Best Time: June to September
• Highlights: Stongdey Monastery, beautiful landscapes, traditional villages, and a chance to experience the local culture.

4.    Phuktal Monastery Trek:

• Duration: 5-6 days
• Best Time: June to September
• Highlights: Trekking through picturesque landscapes, visiting the unique Phuktal Monastery built into the cliffs, and exploring remote villages.

5.    Darcha to Padum Trek:

• Duration: Around 14-16 days
• Best Time: June to September
• Highlights: Crossing high passes, scenic landscapes, remote villages, and monasteries along the way.

6.    Zangla to Karsha Trek:

• Duration: Approximately 7-8 days
• Best Time: June to September
• Highlights: Zangla village and palace, Karsha Monastery, panoramic views of the Zanskar Valley.

7.    Markha Valley Trek (extended to Zanskar):

• Duration: 15-18 days
• Best Time: June to September
• Highlights: Combining the popular Markha Valley Trek in Ladakh with an extension to Zanskar, offering diverse landscapes and cultural experiences.

Best Time For Zanskar Valley Tour Packages

This is the most frequent query regarding this valley. The best time to visit Zanskar Valley is from June to September. These are the prime summer months when the weather is pleasant, and the places are accessible. Here is how Zanskar Valley Trip looks in every season. 

Winter: Zanskar’s winter season starts in December and it lasts until March. During this time, the region receives significant snowfall and extremely low temperatures. Which makes this place quite difficult to travel. This season is not recommended for any sightseeing. 

However, the winter months provide the most thrilling experience. Just picture how freezing it would be to walk on a completely frozen lake.

Zanskar’s winter season is hip and exciting. It is quite cold outside, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to -25°C. 

We merely advise all of our readers and visitors to be aware that visiting Zanskar and Ladakh in the winter is not recommended due to numerous other inconveniences that one may have to endure. However, we advise the courageous and knowledgeable to join.

Summer: Zanskar’s summer season lasts from June to September. Summertime temperatures range from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. The daytime temperature can change from moderately hot to very hot. In Zanskar, the snow begins to melt in March, but it doesn’t melt and is cleared off the roads and valley until June. In Zanskar, summer may be a thrilling and exciting time of year. You can have a nice time in Zanskar throughout the summer if you have the right advice and assistance from travel experts.

Autumn: The autumn months of Zanskar are October and November. You get to see the most colorful landscape in these months. This is also quite a good time to visit this valley. However, the temperature gets cold in these months. Days are dry and sunny. Nights are cold and dry. 

Monsoon: Due to its location in a rain shadow, Zanskar (Ladakh) experiences moderate to low rainfall throughout the monsoon season. The temperature range is 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. All tourists to the Zanskar Valley are strongly advised to travel to and explore the valley during the monsoon season!

How To Reach Zanskar Valley?

The Zanskar Valley is accessible from both Leh and Srinagar. It can be reached in several

By Air: One option is to travel to Leh first, then hire a taxi to travel to Zanskar from Leh. Most places in India have transportation options to Leh, including air, rail, and road. Landing at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the most typical method of plane travel. You can take a taxi from the airport to get to Leh and/or Zanskar.

Similarly, you can land at Srinagar airport and then from there take a cab to Zanskar.

By Train: There are no direct trains to Leh or Zanskar from anywhere in India. To get to Leh or Zanskar, you can travel to Jammu Tawi and then take a taxi. Leh and Zanskar Valley are separated by 462 km, which can be travelled in 11 hours by car. Same way you can get from Jammu railway station to Srinagar by road.

By Road:  Both Leh and Srinagar are connected to road to the national highways. You can come via road from any city in India.

The best way to reach Zanskar Valley is from Srinagar. You will have to take the road of Srinagar-Kargil-Padum. The distance from Srinagar to Zanskar Valley is 532 kilometers. The road journey from Srinagar to Zanskar Valley is full of adventure. To reach Zanskar Valley take the Srinagar-Leh highway to reach Kargil. Once you reach Kargil you have to cross another 250 kilometers to reach Padum. Book a taxi service in Srinagar to reach the final destination.

The distance from Kargil to Zanskar Valley is 230 kilometers approximately. The road conditions are good. You will enjoy the breathtaking views from Kargil to Zanskar Valley.

Where To Stay At Zanskar Valley

Since Zanskar Valley is an offbeat tourist place, you need to have the information about where to stay at Zanskar in advance. Padum in Zanskar has a variety of lodging and stay options. Padum has a wide range of budgets for Three-Star hotels. Camp stays are also available in Padum.

Tourists can also stay at Government-run guesthouses in Sankoo, Panikhar, Parkachik, and Rangdum. Karsha in Zanskar has both private guest houses and monasteries where visitors can stay. Homestays are available across Zanskar including all the places mentioned in this part of the blog and Reru and Hanumil.

While in Zanskar remember to carry warm clothes, water, food packets, cash, fuel, hygiene and sanitation essentials, a basic medical first aid kit, torch, suitable mobile phone sim card for better connectivity and an overall good experience. For a detailed list of must-carry things for a tour or trek in Zanskar Valley, you can seek information from travel planners. In our package of Zanskar valley trip, all of the lodgings are included.

Transportation And Communication

Network: The mobile network in Zanskar is very poor. There are multiple on your sightseeing or while going to Zanskar where there is no network at all. You will be struggling to get in touch with the rest of the world. In some places, there is quite a good network. In the hotels, you will have a Wi-Fi facility in Zanskar. 

Transportation: Since this is a remote place with most of the road not in the right condition, you need to hire the best cab. Do not compromise on the cab quality and the driver credentials. Some shared cabs go to Zanskar Valley, however, they are very few. 

Road Condition of Zanskar Valley: The road condition to Zanskar Valley is not all good. You will see some patches which are extremely in bad condition. The road at times is very bumpy and cut off from the blacktop road. You will have to be careful about the road conditions to Zanskar. 

Things To Carry On Zanskar Valley

Zanskar Valley will take you to the remotest regions of Ladakh. This is the most offbeat place you can go to. However, it is equally rewarding with its divinely charming vibe and landscape. There are a few things to carry on the Zanskar Valley Trip that you need to keep in mind before you embark on this tour.

Documentation: You must always carry your original IDs with you. If you are Indian, the Adhar card original is enough. However, for foreign nationals, carrying an original passport is a must. 

Medicine: If you are on medicine, you must carry that as you won’t be finding any medical shops here. Only some basic medicine average that too quite remotely and scarcely. Also carry some basic medicine like pain killers, anti-fever, allergic, anti-sprain, etc. 

Tour Plan: To visit this remote place, we recommend booking through a Travel Company only. As the travel company has a lot of contacts and knows how to handle any kind of emergency they can guide you very well in this. Cliffhangers have the best-on-ground staff in Zanskar that takes care of any contingency here in this region. 

Tips For Visiting Zanskar Valley

Before visiting Zanskar Valley, you must keep in mind certain things to make your travel and vacation hassle-free and safe. Visiting Zanskar Valley can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it’s essential to be well-prepared due to the remote and challenging conditions. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip to Zanskar:

1.    Acclimatization: Acclimatization is an essential part of Zanskar Valley Trip. Since this valley is situated at a high altitude, so you have to acclimatize properly. Spend at least one day in Leh or another location like Kargil before heading to Zanskar.

2.    Weather and Clothing: Even in summer, temperatures can be cool, and winters are extremely cold. Bring warm feather jackets, insulated clothing, and waterproof gear. If you plan to trek during the winter, pack appropriate cold-weather clothing like thermals, fleece, gloves, woolen caps, woolen socks, etc.

3.    Permits: Obtain necessary permits before traveling to restricted areas or engaging in specific activities. This is especially important for treks and visits to certain monasteries.

4.    Local Culture: Respect the local culture and traditions. Zanskar has a rich Buddhist heritage, and it’s important to be mindful of local customs. 

5.    Transportation: Be prepared for bumpy and rough roads. 

6.    Cash and Essentials: Carry enough cash as ATMs are not available at most of the places in Zanskar. Bring essential items like a first aid kit, toiletries, and any specific medications you may need.

7.    Communication: Mobile network coverage in Zanskar can be limited. Inform your family or friends about your plans and be prepared for limited connectivity.

8.    Trekking Guides and Equipment: If you plan to trek, hire a local guide who is familiar with the terrain and weather conditions. 

Zanskar Valley Tour Packages

There are several tour packages to choose from, and you must review a lot of information about these tour packages before making your decision. From duration, itinerary, accommodation, and travel or miscellaneous support, all is to be gone through to finally decide upon your best Zanskar Tour Package. For you, we are mentioning the basic details of some significant Zanskar Valley Tour Packages.

Ladakh With Zanskar Valley Tour: This tour could last between 12 and 13 days. You can go to places like Leh, Zanskar, Kargil, Manali, and Pelling. The cost of such a package could be around INR 20,700 for a person.

Chadar Trek Tour: A Chadar trek can take around 8 to 9 days. You can also visit and travel in Zanskar and Leh through such a tour package. This tour can cost you at least INR 12,000.

Leh To Zanskar Motor Bike Tour: A motorbike tour of Zanskar Valley can take 12 to 13 days. Bike tours are costlier since they require special arrangements to be done by the travel planners. On average, a good Zanskar MotorBike Tour package can cost around INR 35000.

Darcha – Padum Trek in Zanskar: Trekking in Zanskar through Darcha and Padum can take around 10 days or more. Places like New Delhi, Manali, Darcha, Zanskar, and Leh can all be explored and enjoyed. This is one of the famous seats of Zanskar valley trip.

Darcha Lamayuru Trek Tour: You can choose to go on a Darcha Lamayuru Trek of around 15 days and on the way take a delightful experience of visiting New Delhi, Manali, Zanskar, Purnia, Padum, Kargil, Leh, Darcha, Diglipur, Nowrozabad (Khodargama).

Zanskar River Rafting Tour: The Zanskar River, which runs wholly within Ladakh, India, is the Indus River’s first significant tributary and has a volume equivalent to or greater than the main river. It rises in the Great Himalayan Range’s northeast and drains the Himalayas and the Zanskar Range in the Zanskar area. Near Nimo, it runs northeast to join the Indus River. A river rafting tour at Zanskar River can be a wonderful experience. Zanskar, Oskarsham, Skelleftea, Sodertalje, Uddevalla and more.

Ladakh With Zanskar Valley Tour Package: This can be an exciting tour package. You can cover Bethlehem, Zanskar, Padum Manali, Lamayuru, Rangdum, etc., and have the most spectacular tour experience ever. 10 to 15 days could be ideal to cover all these beautiful places.

A Zanskar and Nubra Valley Tour: This exploration can be of around 10 days and you can explore two spectacular valleys of Ladakh, the Zanskar, and Nubra.

Srinagar-Kargil-Zanskar-Tour: Srinagar and Kargil can also be visited with your Zanskar trip and get to know almost the whole of Jammu and Kashmir. You can spend a week or more in these beautiful destinations of North India. Such a tour package can cost you around INR 15000.

There are a variety of Zanskar Valley trip packages available, and before selecting one, you must research a lot of information about each one. To choose the finest Zanskar tour package, consider all factors including duration, itinerary, lodging, and travel or other support. We’ve listed the essential information about a few noteworthy Zanskar packages for your convenience. Zanskar Valley Trip takes around 8-10 days for a complete experience.

Tour of Ladakh and the Zanskar Valley: This trip could take 12 to 13 days. Such locations as Leh, Zanskar, Kargil, Manali, and Pelling are accessible. An individual could have to pay about INR 20,700 for such a package.

Tour of the Chadar trip: A Chadar trip might last between 8 and 9 days. Through such a tour package, you can also visit and travel to Zanskar and Leh. You might spend at least INR 12,000 on this excursion.

Zanskar River Rafting Tour: The Zanskar River is the Indus River’s first significant tributary and has a volume equal to or greater than the main river. It entirely resides in the Indian state of Ladakh. It begins in the northeast of the Great Himalayan Range and drains the Zanskar Range and Himalayas in the Zanskar region. It flows northeast to join the Indus River close to Nimo. A river rafting excursion on the Zanskar River can be a fantastic adventure. among others, Zanskar, Oskarsham, Skelleftea, Sodertalje, and Uddevalla.

Tour of Ladakh and the Zanskar Valley: This may be a thrilling itinerary. With the most amazing tour ever, you can visit Bethlehem, Zanskar, Padum Manali, Lamayuru, Rangdum, etc. It can take 10 to 15 days to visit all of these stunning locations.

Zanskar Valley vacation packages are widely available from Cliffhangers India. Contacting Cliffhangers India can be your best option if you’re specifically seeking the Zanskar Valley tour or trek. Numerous offers are waiting for you.