Zanskar Valley Tour | Srinagar to Srinagar
- 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 journey through the spectacular regions of Kashmir and Zanskar offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and offbeat adventure. Beginning in the charming city of Srinagar, your experience starts with a peaceful shikara ride on the iconic Dal Lake, followed by excursions to Gulmarg’s alpine meadows and the picturesque Pahalgam valley.
The itinerary then ascends into higher altitude terrain as you drive past Sonmarg and Drass—home to the famous Kargil War Memorial—on your way to Kargil. From there, you venture into the remote and mesmerizing Zanskar Valley, reaching Padum, the region’s quiet capital surrounded by snow-draped peaks and ancient monasteries. A highlight of the trip is a hike to the extraordinary Phuktal Monastery, carved into a cliff and accessible only by foot.
The return route retraces through the mountain passes, offering new perspectives on familiar valleys, concluding back in Srinagar. This itinerary combines lush valleys, glacial rivers, dramatic drives, and spiritual exploration. It’s an ideal journey for explorers seeking a deeper, rawer Himalayan experience with a touch of luxury in Kashmir’s serene beauty.
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, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, known for its lakes, gardens, and wooden architecture. After checking in to a houseboat or hotel near Dal Lake, unwind from the journey with a tranquil shikara ride. Glide over calm waters past floating gardens, local vendors, and reflections of the Zabarwan hills. Watch the sunset from the lake, setting the perfect tone for your trip. The slow rhythm of the shikara and soft murmurs of the lake provide the ultimate welcome to Kashmir. Overnight stay in Srinagar.
Day 2: Gulmarg Arrival & Sightseeing – Return to Srinagar
Distance: Approx. 50 km (one way)
Travel Time: 2 hours (one way)
Travel to Gulmarg, a renowned alpine destination known for its meadows, pine forests, and snowy peaks. On arrival, take the Gondola ride up to Apharwat Peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. In summer, the area is perfect for nature walks and pony rides across vast green meadows. In winter, it turns into a world-class skiing and snowboarding destination. Visit St. Mary’s Church and the historic Gulmarg Golf Course. After sightseeing, return to Srinagar by evening. Overnight stay in Srinagar.
Day 3: Drive to Pahalgam – Sightseeing
Distance: Approx. 90 km
Travel Time: 2.5–3 hours
Depart from Srinagar and drive to the lush green valleys of Pahalgam, often referred to as the “Valley of Shepherds.” On the way, visit the Avantipura ruins, an ancient Hindu temple site, and explore Anantnag’s natural springs. In Pahalgam, enjoy the riverside charm of the Lidder River, explore local markets, or take a short drive to Aru Valley, known for its alpine meadows and serene trekking trails. Another scenic spot, Betaab Valley, offers postcard-worthy scenery with lush greenery and clear water streams. Overnight stay in Pahalgam.
Day 4: Drive to Srinagar – Sightseeing
Distance: Approx. 90 km
Travel Time: 2.5–3 hours
Depart Pahalgam and return to Srinagar for a full day of sightseeing. Visit the famed Mughal Gardens—Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi—beautifully designed along Dal Lake with fountains, floral terraces, and views of the mountains. Explore the majestic Shankaracharya Temple, perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the city and lake below. Continue to the Jamia Masjid in the old city, a 14th-century wooden marvel known for its peaceful courtyards and unique Indo-Saracenic architecture. End the day wandering through the vibrant Lal Chowk market or enjoying a cup of kahwa by the lake. Overnight stay in Srinagar.
Day 5: Drive to Kargil – Via Sonmarg, Drass & Kargil Valley
Distance: Approx. 205 km
Travel Time: 7–8 hours
Begin your mountain adventure with a scenic drive from Srinagar to Kargil, crossing the high-altitude Zoji La Pass. Stop briefly at Sonmarg, surrounded by glacier-tipped peaks and alpine pastures. Drive onward to Drass, the second-coldest inhabited place on Earth, and visit the Kargil War Memorial, a tribute to Indian soldiers who served during the 1999 war.
The road hugs the Suru River, winding through a dramatic landscape of steep gorges and barren cliffs. Arrive in Kargil, a town with a blend of Buddhist and Muslim influences, and settle in for a peaceful evening. Overnight stay in Kargil.
Day 6: Drive to Padum – Enroute Sightseeing
Distance: Approx. 230 km
Travel Time: 9–10 hours
Leave Kargil early and journey deep into the Zanskar Valley, one of the most remote regions of the Himalayas. Travel through Suru Valley, passing the majestic Nun-Kun peaks and picturesque villages like Parkachik and Rangdum. Stop to explore Rangdum Monastery, sitting like a guardian on a hill in a vast plain. The road then climbs to Pensi La Pass, the gateway to Zanskar, offering stunning views of the Drang Drung Glacier.
Descend into the valley toward Padum, the administrative center of Zanskar. The raw beauty of this high-altitude desert and its isolation is truly unmatched. Overnight in Padum.
Day 7: Padum Sightseeing
Distance (local): Approx. 50 km
Travel Time: 2–3 hours
Spend the day exploring Padum and its surrounding monasteries and villages. Begin with Karsha Monastery, the largest in Zanskar, sprawling across the mountainside with a commanding view of the valley. Continue to Stongdey Monastery, known for its ancient murals and quiet ambiance. Visit Sani Monastery, one of the oldest in Ladakh, where Buddhist and Bon traditions intersect. Optionally, head to Zangla, a quiet village with a small palace and remnants of royal history. Engage with the locals and experience the Zanskari lifestyle, deeply rooted in simplicity, spirituality, and tradition. Overnight stay in Padum.
Day 8: 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 from where the trek to Phuktal Monastery begins. The trail follows the turquoise Tsarap River, cutting through narrow gorges and hanging wooden bridges. After a moderately challenging walk, Phuktal appears, dramatically carved into a cliff face, built around a natural cave that has served as a meditation site for centuries. This living monastery is a masterpiece of engineering and devotion, housing around 70 monks. Explore the prayer halls, ancient murals, and stone paths before trekking back to Purne. Return to Padum for the night, filled with awe from this rare spiritual gem.
Day 9: Drive Back to Kargil
Distance: Approx. 230 km
Travel Time: 9–10 hours
Begin your return journey by retracing the spectacular road from Padum to Kargil. Pass again through the Pensi La Pass, offering final glimpses of glaciers and open meadows, before descending into Suru Valley. Optional short stops can be made at local villages to interact with Zanskari families or capture photographs. The drive, though long, is scenic and meditative, following the winding path of rivers and framed by towering peaks. By late evening, arrive in Kargil, completing the round trip across Zanskar. Overnight stay in Kargil.
Day 10: Drive to Srinagar
Distance: Approx. 205 km
Travel Time: 7–8 hours
Depart from Kargil and head back to Srinagar, enjoying a reverse journey through Drass and Zoji La. The changing light gives new life to the already stunning mountain vistas. You may revisit favorite stops from earlier or discover a new viewpoint to admire the river valleys below. Upon arrival in Srinagar, relax with your final evening in the valley. Optional last-minute shopping or lakeside café visits are perfect for winding down. Overnight stay in Srinagar.
Day 11: Departure
Distance: 15–20 km to airport
Travel Time: 30–40 minutes
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Srinagar Airport for your departure. Carry with you a collection of unforgettable memories.
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 Inluded
Breakfast & Dinner Inluded
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