Level Picker
Need help?
Shortlist
0
Contact us

The Zanskar Odyssey

Starts from Leh
Total Duration

17 days

Avg. Activity

6 hrs/day

Trekking

10 days

Max. Altitude

Singge La (5,050m)

Overview

Zanskar, one of the world's remotest regions is famous for its arid lunar landscapes and the centuries old Tibetan Buddhist culture. Trek up and down seven passes, scenic valleys, village dotted meadows and far-flung monasteries which occupy spectacular fortified locations, high on rocky ridges surrounding the valleys. A must-do for adventure buffs.

Is this adventure right for me?

Share
Tailor-made Booking Options from

$1,611/ person

Ask a Question Book this adventure
Best Months
Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Highlights →

  • Experience the high altitudes of Ladakh

  • Trek through the magnificent landscape of the Zanskar valley

  • Explore scenic remote Ladakhi villages dotted with meadows

  • Cross seven high altitude passes on the Himalayas

  • Rangdum, an elliptical plateau surrounded by colourful hills

  • Age old Buddhist temples and monasteries in and around Leh
  •  
Route Map

The Zanskar Odyssey

Close
Daily Itinerary →
  • DAY 01

    Arrive at Leh

    Arrive at Leh (3500m) by flight. The flight to Ladakh is an amazing experience as one flies over the imposing Himalayan range offering breathtaking views. KVT representative will meet you at the airport and will transfer you to hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free for acclimatization and in the evening stroll around in the market area. (Meals: Nil)

    Overnight in hotel
  • DAY 02

    Leh sightseeing

    Today we will do the local exploration visiting Leh Palace, the nine storied palace built in 1553. One can have a beautiful view of Leh city and surrounding mountains. Then, we visit Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist white-domed stupa located on a hilltop. The Shanti Stupa holds the relics of the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama himself. Afterward, proceed to Shankar Gompa - it is a subsidiary of Spituk Monastery and belongs to the Gelugpa Sect. We also visit Namgyal Tsemo Monastery perched on a hilltop from where we have a bird’s-eye view of the Leh city. The Gompa has a three-storey high solid gold statue of Matireya Buddha and ancient manuscripts and frescoes. Later we visit the local market of Leh. (Meals: Breakfast)

    Overnight in hotel
  • DAY 03

    Drive to Lamayuru, Visit to the monastery

    In the morning after breakfast we leave Leh and drive towards Lamayuru (Distance: 125km) where we visit Lamayuru monastery this is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh region. The monastery is famous for its rich wall paintings, collections of thangkas, murals, scriptures and statues of different forms of Buddha and other deities. Later we head towards the campsite where we camp for the night. (Meals: Breakfast & dinner / Driving Time: 4 – 5 hrs)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 04

    1st Day Trekking: Trek to Wanla (3250m), en-route Prinkiti La

    This morning we have breakfast and begin our trek towards the campsite of Wanla; the trail leads us downwards from where we follow a stream and then we start ascending to the top of Prinkiti La (3750m | ‘La’ means Pass in Tibetan) after crossing the pass we descend towards a gorge from where we walk up to the Shillakung valley. Then we cross the river and walk further on the trail that will take us to the village of Wanla, where we camp for the night. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hrs)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 05

    2nd Day Trekking: Trek to Hanupatta (3760m)

    Today at the beginning we will be crossing a river and then keep on walking along the road until we reach at the spot where the trail splits into two: one goes to Zanskar valley and the other one goes to Ripchar valley. We follow the main trail along the river, later cross the river by bridge and we head towards a gorge which is very dangerous for ponies. A little further we walk and reach to the village of Hanupatta. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 06

    3rd Day Trekking: Trek to Photoksar (4200m), en-route Sirsir La

    After breakfast we start a gentle walk through the village towards Mani wall and Chortens then the trail is a steep ascend towards the pass of Sirsir La (4850m). We reach the pass from where we can see the next pass Singge La (5050m) and the magnificent view of Zanskar mountains range. Then the trail descends towards a small village of Photoksar our next campsite for the night. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 07

    4th Day Trekking: Trek to Singge La base (4300m), en-route Singge La

    We start our morning with heavy breakfast and continue our walk; the trail goes up to the pass of Bumiktse La (4200m); cross the pass then we descend to a beautiful valley. We keep on walking as the trail is gentle for now and we enjoy the scenic view of the valley and its village as well as the green fields. Then we start climbing a steep section that will take us to the pass of Singge La (5050m); from the pass we will be blessed again with a stunning view of Zanskar mountains range; then we descent all the way down towards our next campsite that is the base of Singge La where we camp for the night. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 7 – 8 hrs)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 08

    5th Day Trekking: Trek to Lingshed (3950m), en-route Kyukpa La and Morgon La

    This morning we continue our walk towards a village of Lingshed. We head towards a small pass of Kyukpa La (3850m) and then descend towards the villages of Gongma and Skyumpata. Again we cross another pass Morgon La (4100m), after which the trail is a gentle walk towards the beautiful village of Lingshed, our next campsite. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 09

    6th Day Trekking: Trek to Snertse (3800m) via Hanuma La

    Today after finishing breakfast we follow the trail beside the stream and then a gradual ascent to the pass of Hanuma La (4700m) from here we can watch the Lingshed monastery and then we descent through narrow valleys to the meadows of Snertse village the campsite for the night. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 7 – 8 hrs)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 10

    7th Day Trekking: Trek to Hanumil (3450m), en-route Parfi La

    Morning we start trekking through the trail that goes upwards for sometimes to Zingchan where we cross the river Oma Chu by bridge. Now we start a steep ascent towards the pass of Parfi La (3950m). From the pass we descend to the Zanskar River from where the trail is easy walk to reach the village of Hanumil where we camp for the night. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 11

    8th Day Trekking: Trek to Pishu (3400m)

    This day after breakfast we trek towards Pishu village our next campsite; we walk along the right side of Zanskar River and reach village of Pidmo, here we cross a bridge and carry on walking on the trail that would lead us towards our campsite, Pishu village. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hrs)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 12

    9th Day Trekking: Trek to Karsha (3650m)

    Today morning we move on towards Karsha village through the hot and dusty trail beside the Zanskar River en-route crossing Rinam village. We will visit the famous Karsha monastery - located on the hilltop with a magnificent view of the valley and belongs to the Gelugpa order. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hrs)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 13

    10th Day Trekking: Trek to Padum (3669m)

    Morning we finish breakfast and leave Karsha village; on the way we cross Doda River through a bridge and head towards Pipiting, visit the monastery and finally we reach Padum known for its scenic beauty and serves as the capital for Zanskar region. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trek ends / Trekking Time: 3 – 4hrs)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 14

    Drive to Rangdum (3657m) en-route Pensi La

    Today early morning we have breakfast and drive towards our next stopover, Rangdum (Distance: 140km | 7-8hrs drive). The drive is challenging as the condition of road is not so good and after driving for some time the road goes upwards to the pass of Pensi La (4400m). Reach pass and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature as we can watch Drang Drung glacier, Stat Tso and Lam Tso (Tso means Lake). Then we continue our drive towards Rangdum, reach there and visit Rangdum monastery located on the hilltop and belongs to Gelugpa sect; later relax in the tents. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Driving Time: 7 – 8 hrs)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 15

    Drive to Kargil (2676m)

    Morning after breakfast we drive towards Kargil (Distance: 100km | 5-6hrs drive) on the way we cross Parkachan and Panikhar villages which lies in the beautiful Suru valley. Kargil is the largest town in Ladakh after Leh; we reach Kargil and check-in to the hotel.(Meals: Breakfast / Driving Time: 5 – 6 hrs)

    Overnight in hotel
  • DAY 16

    Drive to Leh

    Today we head towards Leh en-route visiting Alchi Monastery, one of the oldest and famous monasteries of Ladakh, founded in 11th century and located on the bank of Indus River. Afterwards we drive to Leh, and upon arrival we check-in to hotel. (Meals: Breakfast / Driving Time: 6 - 7hrs)

    Overnight in hotel
  • DAY 17

    Depart Leh

    Morning we will be transferred to the airport for flight to Delhi. Upon arrival connect international flight back to home country.

    Trip Ends
  •  

Similar Adventures

5 Options →

Tags
Ladakh and Zanskar The Himalayas Trekking Level 3
Top

Booking your adventure with KVT

01

Pick your adventure

Select from our latest catalogue of inspiring adventures for all fitness levels

02

Customise your adventure

We will help you personalise your selected adventure as per your budget and requirements

03

Live your adventure

Enjoy your personalised KVT adventure with quality service and safety standards

Pick Your Level

Close

Fairly easy starter adventures with 5-6 hours activity per day. May include some uphill sections. Reasonable physical fitness recommended.

Pick Your Level 1 Adventure

12 Adventures

Moderate adventures with 5-7 hours of activity per day. May include steep uphill and downhill sections or some days at high altitudes. Good level of physical fitness recommended.

Pick Your Level 2 Adventure

16 Adventures

Combination of moderate and strenuous adventures with 6-8 hours of activity per day. Expect steep uphill and downhill sections, often at high altitudes. Good physical fitness and some preparation is recommended.

Pick Your Level 3 Adventure

8 Adventures

Moderate and challenging 6-8 hours activity per day with occasional longer days on high passes. Expect high altitudes, difficult terrain and changeable weather patterns. Good physical fitness and preparation is recommended. Previous experience is desirable but not vital.

Pick Your Level 4 Adventure

5 Adventures

Need help?

Help Center

We are here to answer your questions and help you in planning your next adventure

Call us

WhatsApp

Email us