Zanskar Valley Expedition

• Land at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, one of the world’s highest airports.
• Check in to a boutique stay with Ladakhi architecture and mountain views.
• Rest and hydrate to acclimatize to the 11,500 ft altitude.
• Evening stroll to Shanti Stupa for a golden sunset over Leh town.

Explore the Leh Market for prayer flags, apricot products, and handmade curios.

• Drive to Shey Palace, once the summer capital of Ladakh.
• Visit Thiksey Monastery, famous for its 12-storey complex and giant Maitreya Buddha.
• Continue to Hemis Monastery, the largest and richest in Ladakh.
• Stop at Stok Palace Museum to view royal family artifacts.

Evening walk by the Indus River at Sindhu Ghat.

• Drive through the scenic Indus Valley, halting at Magnetic Hill to witness the gravity illusion.
• Stop at the Confluence of Indus & Zanskar Rivers at Nimmu.
• Explore Lamayuru Monastery, surrounded by moon-like landscapes.
• Drive past Fotu La and Namika La, high mountain passes with dramatic vistas.
• Arrive in Kargil, a town rich in war history, and check in to a riverside stay.

• Scenic drive through Suru Valley, with lush meadows and views of Nun-Kun peaks.
• Stop at Parkachik Glacier Viewpoint, a stunning glacial landscape.
• Visit remote villages like Panikhar for glimpses of Balti culture.
• Drive through rugged terrain and cross small wooden bridges over gushing streams.

Arrive in Rangdum, a high-altitude wilderness surrounded by barren mountains.

• Begin the journey across Pensi La Pass (14,000 ft) with breathtaking views of Drang-Drung Glacier.
• Capture surreal landscapes of Zanskar River Valley.
• Visit Karsha Monastery, the largest and most powerful in Zanskar.
• Explore Stongdey Monastery, known for its ancient murals.

Reach Padum, the administrative center of Zanskar, and check into a simple guesthouse.

• Morning visit to Zangla Palace, a half-ruined fortress with panoramic views.
• Trek or drive to Sani Monastery, one of the oldest Buddhist sites in Ladakh.
• Explore the village of Zangla, meeting locals and learning about Zanskari traditions.
• Walk along the Tsarap River, watching yaks grazing in the meadows.
• Evening storytelling session with locals about life in Zanskar during winter isolation.

• Retrace the route via Pensi La, enjoying the stark contrast of landscapes.
• Stop at scenic viewpoints for photography of the Drang-Drung Glacier.
• Picnic lunch in the lush meadows of Suru Valley.
• Interact with villagers at Trespone to learn about Balti art and culture.
• Overnight stay in Kargil, enjoying a warm Balti dinner.

• Early start for the return journey to Leh.
• Visit the Maitreya Buddha Statue at Mulbek, carved into a rock face.
• Stop at Alchi Monastery, home to 11th-century murals and intricate woodwork.
• Drive along the dramatic Indus River Gorge, with tea stops at local dhabas.
• Reach Leh by evening for last-minute shopping and café hopping.

• Transfer to Leh Airport for your flight out.
• Take one last look at the Stok Kangri range as you fly over the mighty Himalayas.
• Carry home memories of Zanskar’s untamed beauty and remote culture.