Manali To Ladakh Via Zanskar | Complete Traverse
- Leh Ladakh
- 14D/13N
- Leisure Tour
Tour Information
Transfers Included
Stay Included
Sightseeing Inluded
Breakfast & Dinner Inluded
Overview
This 14-day trans-Himalayan adventure takes you from the lush valleys of Manali to the stark, majestic landscapes of Ladakh and Zanskar, before circling back through the Changthang plateau. The journey begins with a scenic ascent into the Himalayas through Jispa, where rivers, forests, and snowy peaks welcome travelers. From there, the route cuts into the secluded and raw beauty of Padum in Zanskar, a remote Tibetan-Buddhist region surrounded by glaciers and rocky peaks.
Traversing the dramatic Suru Valley, the itinerary continues toward Kargil, before detouring into the unique cultural pocket of the Aryan Valley. After reaching Leh, time is set aside for acclimatization and exploration of the town’s monasteries and markets. The high-altitude desert unfolds further in Nubra and the border village of Turtuk, followed by the mesmerizing Pangong Lake.
From here, the route dives deeper into the Changthang region with visits to the remote Hanle Observatory, the shimmering beauty of Tso Moriri Lake, and the salt-flat wonder of Tso Kar. The journey ends with a scenic crossing through Sarchu, reconnecting with the Manali-Leh highway.
This route combines intense natural beauty with cultural depth, from monasteries and high-altitude lakes to offbeat tribal villages and stark Himalayan wilderness. Ideal for adventurers and culture seekers, it offers a perfect mix of rugged roads, silent monasteries, nomadic encounters, and unforgettable scenery.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Manali – Drive to Jispa
Distance: Approx. 140 km
Travel Time: 5–6 hours
Begin your adventure with a drive from Manali toward Jispa, ascending through the Rohtang Tunnel (Atal Tunnel) into the rugged Lahaul region. The landscape transitions from pine forests to rocky cliffs and flowing rivers. Along the way, stop at Sissu, known for its waterfall and glacier views, and Keylong, the district headquarters of Lahaul.
Continue along the Bhaga River to reach Jispa, a scenic village at about 3,200 meters altitude. The area is dotted with quaint homes, grazing yaks, and snow-capped peaks in the distance. You can take an easy walk by the riverside or visit the local monastery. The day serves as a soft acclimatization period before ascending further. Overnight stay in Jispa, surrounded by fresh mountain air and stunning alpine scenery.
Day 2: Drive to Padum – Enroute Sightseeing
Distance: Approx. 210 km
Travel Time: 10–11 hours
Depart early for a thrilling overland journey from Jispa to Padum, the heart of Zanskar. This route includes high mountain passes, river fords, and unpaved roads, passing through raw Himalayan wilderness. En route, witness the Shinku La Pass, connecting Lahaul to Zanskar. Descend into dramatic valleys carved by ancient glaciers and follow the wild Tsarap River through vast, barren terrain. The route is adorned with remote villages and occasional nomadic camps. Stop for a moment of silence at Gombo Ranjan, a sacred mountain revered by Buddhists.
As you approach Padum, the valley opens up with expansive views of distant monasteries and mud villages. At an altitude of over 3,600 meters, Padum is peaceful yet awe-inspiring. After a long journey, settle into your accommodation for a quiet night in this isolated but culturally rich valley.
Day 3: Padum Exploration
Distance: Approx. 60–70 km
Travel Time: 2–3 hours (local travel)
Spend the day exploring the cultural and spiritual heart of Zanskar. Begin with a visit to Karsha Monastery, the largest in the valley, perched dramatically on a ridge above the valley floor. Admire its ancient murals, sacred relics, and panoramic views of the mountains and river plains. Continue to Stongdey Monastery, another significant center for Buddhist learning, known for its vibrant paintings and peaceful ambience.
Explore Zangla, once the seat of a small kingdom, and visit the partially restored Zangla Palace. Nearby villages like Sani and Pibiting offer close interactions with Zanskari life—stone homes, barley fields, and prayer flags flapping in the wind. With few tourists and limited connectivity, Padum offers a genuine, off-the-grid Himalayan experience. Return to your guesthouse or camp for another night under the stars.
Day 4: Drive to Kargil via Suru Valley
Distance: Approx. 240 km
Travel Time: 8–9 hours
Depart from Padum and drive through the magnificent Suru Valley, one of the most scenic routes in Ladakh. The road passes ancient villages, Buddhist chortens, and pastures framed by the Nun-Kun peaks, some of the highest in the Indian Himalayas. Stop at Rangdum Monastery, an isolated gompa set on a hillock in a vast open plain. As you continue, the terrain becomes greener, with riverside villages like Parkachik and Panikhar, known for their traditional architecture and stunning landscapes. The views constantly shift between glaciers, waterfalls, and high mountains.
Arrive in Kargil, a historical town that served as a key stop on ancient Silk Route trade. Spend the evening relaxing or exploring the local bazaar and interacting with the warm, multi-ethnic community. Overnight stay in Kargil.
Day 5: Explore Aryan Valley
Distance: Approx. 160 km (round trip)
Travel Time: 5–6 hours
Set out for a unique cultural experience in the Aryan Valley, home to the Brokpa tribe, believed to be descendants of Alexander the Great’s army. Drive along the Indus River toward villages like Dah and Hanu, where the people have distinct facial features, language, and traditional dress. The valley is famous for its fertile fields, apricot orchards, and vibrant floral headgear worn by the women. Engage with the local community to learn about their mythology, animist traditions, and rich oral history.
This offbeat detour offers a rare glimpse into a culture untouched by mainstream influences. Return to Kargil for an overnight stay, enriched by the cultural contrasts between the Aryan Valley and Buddhist Zanskar.
Day 6: Drive to Leh – Acclimatization
Distance: Approx. 220 km
Travel Time: 5–6 hours
Leave Kargil and follow the scenic Srinagar-Leh Highway, tracing the Indus River. En route, stop at Mulbekh Chamba, home to a giant rock-carved Maitreya Buddha. Continue past Lamayuru Monastery, perched dramatically among moon-like landscapes. The road winds through Fotu La and Namik La, two high-altitude passes, offering commanding views of Ladakh’s arid terrain. Arrive in Leh and settle in for rest and acclimatization at 3,500 meters.
The oxygen level is lower here, so take it easy. You may explore nearby cafés or take a slow walk through the old city to visit the Leh Palace or Shanti Stupa. Overnight in Leh.
Day 7: Explore Leh
Distance (local travel): Approx. 50–60 km
Travel Time: 2–3 hours
Spend the day exploring Leh’s cultural and historical highlights. Visit Thiksey Monastery, a striking 12-storey structure resembling Tibet’s Potala Palace, home to a massive seated Buddha statue. Proceed to Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest in Ladakh, famous for its masked dance festivals and hidden library of ancient texts. On the way back, stop at Shey Palace, the former seat of Ladakhi royalty. Wrap up your tour with a visit to the Stok Palace Museum, showcasing royal artifacts, or simply enjoy shopping in Leh Market for prayer flags, singing bowls, and local handicrafts. Overnight in Leh.
Day 8: Nubra Sightseeing
Distance: Approx. 130 km
Travel Time: 5–6 hours
Drive over the dramatic Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads on Earth, into the Nubra Valley. The landscape changes drastically as you descend into the valley—sand dunes, grazing camels, and green oases emerge from the desert. Visit Diskit Monastery, the oldest and largest in Nubra, home to a towering statue of Maitreya Buddha. Continue to Hunder Sand Dunes, where you can ride Bactrian camels and walk barefoot on the soft, golden sand. The blend of desert, mountains, and glacial rivers creates a surreal atmosphere. Spend the evening enjoying the crisp mountain air in a camp or guesthouse. Overnight in Nubra.
Day 9: Turtuk Day Tour
Distance: Approx. 90 km (one way)
Travel Time: 3 hours (one way)
Take a day trip to Turtuk, India’s last village on the edge of the Line of Control. Unlike the rest of Ladakh, Turtuk belongs to the Balti culture, with distinct customs, language, and architecture. Explore the narrow lanes, stone homes, and lush apricot orchards. Visit the Royal House, where descendants of the Balti kings live, and the local Mosque and Museum.
The village has a calm, fertile charm, with the Shyok River meandering alongside it. Photography, conversation with locals, and traditional food tasting make for a deeply enriching experience. Return to Nubra for the night.
Day 10: Explore Pangong Lake
Distance: Approx. 160 km
Travel Time: 6–7 hours
Leave Nubra and drive to the world-famous Pangong Lake, taking the scenic Shyok River route. The road hugs the river, passing through dramatic mountain canyons, sand patches, and scattered villages. As you approach Pangong Tso, the lake’s stunning hues emerge—shifting between deep blue, turquoise, and emerald depending on the light. This high-altitude lake stretches over 130 km, a third of which lies in India.
Walk along the lakeshore, take in the crisp air, and soak in the silence of this surreal landscape. The stark mountains reflected in the still water make this one of the most iconic and photogenic places in Ladakh. Enjoy a peaceful evening in a lakeside camp or eco-resort under a sky filled with stars. Overnight at Pangong.
Day 11: Drive to Hanle and Explore Hanle
Distance: Approx. 175 km
Travel Time: 6–7 hours
Depart Pangong and head toward the remote settlement of Hanle, passing through the wild beauty of the Changthang plateau. The terrain here is stark and open, dotted with nomadic camps and herds of yaks or kiangs. En route, you’ll pass Rezang La, a historic battleground of the 1962 India-China war. Upon arrival in Hanle, visit the Indian Astronomical Observatory, one of the highest in the world. Though access may be restricted, the surrounding area offers spectacular views and extreme serenity.
You can also visit Hanle Monastery, overlooking a green oasis in the middle of barren hills. Hanle is among the most remote, quiet, and clear-skied places in India, making it ideal for stargazing. Overnight stay in Hanle.
Day 12: Explore Tso Moriri Lake
Distance: Approx. 160 km
Travel Time: 5–6 hours
Drive from Hanle to Tso Moriri, another breathtaking high-altitude lake located in the Rupshu Valley. The route passes through uninhabited expanses, wild plateaus, and dry riverbeds. As you reach Tso Moriri, you’ll witness an alpine lake framed by snow-clad peaks and inhabited by migratory birds like black-necked cranes and bar-headed geese.
The lake, at over 4,500 meters altitude, is sacred to locals and stunningly isolated. Walk along the serene shoreline, visit the nearby Korzok Monastery, and explore the Korzok village, home to Changpa nomads. The blue waters of the lake against brown mountains create an unreal palette. Overnight in a basic homestay or eco-camp near the lake, far from all modern distractions.
Day 13: Drive to Sarchu via Tso Kar Lake
Distance: Approx. 220 km
Travel Time: 7–8 hours
Today, head toward Sarchu, rejoining the Manali–Leh highway. En route, stop at Tso Kar, a high-altitude saltwater lake surrounded by marshes, white mineral deposits, and nomadic grazing grounds. This lesser-known lake is ideal for spotting wildlife like wild asses (kiangs) and foxes. Continue across the high passes of Polokongka La and Lachulung La, and through the surreal plains of Morey Plains, with their endless views and smooth roads.
The route also includes the twisting loops of Gata Loops and the rugged Nakee La Pass. Arrive at Sarchu, a windswept plateau on the Himachal–Ladakh border, often used as a midway stop. Overnight stay in tents at Sarchu.
Day 14: Sarchu to Manali – Trip Ends
Distance: Approx. 220 km
Travel Time: 6–7 hours
Depart Sarchu and head back to Manali, passing through the high passes of Baralacha La and Zingzing Bar, and alongside the Bhaga River. The landscape gradually transitions from barren rockscapes to pine forests as you re-enter Lahaul Valley, and eventually cross the Atal Tunnel back into Manali. Optional brief stops can be made at Deepak Tal and Sissu for photography and refreshment.
By the time you descend into Manali, you’ll have completed an epic trans-Himalayan circuit. The journey ends with memories of high-altitude lakes, remote villages, wild terrain, and a cultural richness rarely found elsewhere. Drop at Manali.
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
- Adil Langoo (Tour & Travel Expert)
For customisation, group discounts, change in itinerary or stay options etc
Tour Information
Transfers Included
Stay Included
Sightseeing Inluded
Breakfast & Dinner Inluded
Call Now
Chat With UsRelated Tours
5D/ 4N
6D/ 5N
6D/ 5N
4 Days / 3 Nights
