Kashmir – Manali Via Zanskar (7 Days)
Description
Highest points: Shingula Pass 5050m, Pantzela Pass 4200m, and Zojila Pass 3528m
Attraction places: Manali, Gonbo Ranjon, Purne, Phuktal, Bardan, Padum, Karsha, Zangla, Stongday, Stakrimoo, Sanni, NunKun view Rangdum monastery, Pentsela, Drangdrung glacier Draass, Srinagar Manali
Detailed Day-wise Itinerary
Our taxi will pick you up from Srinagar, and the journey toward Drass offers a stunning introduction to the landscapes of Ladakh. As you travel through the picturesque Sonamarg Valley, you are treated to lush meadows, flowing rivers, and snow-capped peaks. The ascent to Zoji La Pass (3,528 meters) is both thrilling and scenic, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
After crossing the pass, the terrain gradually transforms into the rugged high-altitude landscapes of the Kargil district. On reaching Drass, known as the second-coldest inhabited place in the world, you are greeted by striking mountain views and the rich cultural presence of the region. The route also offers glimpses of historical and strategic landmarks, making it a memorable part of the journey. It is around 150 km, and it takes 6-7 hours to reach Drass.
While in Drass, you can also visit the Drass War Memorial, a tribute to the brave soldiers of the Kargil War. Located along the Srinagar–Leh highway, the memorial offers a solemn and powerful experience, with views of the famous Tiger Hill and detailed exhibits honoring the sacrifices made during the 1999 conflict.
After the wonderful breakfast, the journey from Drass to Rangdum has stunning views of high-altitude landscapes, including the Kargil and Suru valleys and the view of Nun Kun Glacier. Drop off to hotel at Rangdum village.
While in Rangdum, you can visit the Rangdum Monastery overnight. From Drass to Rangdum is around 125km, taking around 4-5 hours.
Drive toward Padum Zanskar via Penzila Pass. On the way from Rangdum to Padum, especially around Drang Drung glacier, the view is breathtaking. The glacier itself is one of the largest in the region, with its long, widening ice flow visible from the road near the pensile pass.
In this area, you can often see Local people living in temporary settlements with their yaks. The journey will continue toward Padum through Stod valley and drop off to hotel. The distance between Rangdum to Padum is around 90 km, and it takes 4- 5 hours to reach Padum.
In the morning, you will drive for sightseeing around Padum. You will visit Zangla, Stongday monastery, and back to padum, after lunch you can visit Karsha Monastery and Sani monastery and drop off to hotel.
After the wonderful breakfast and drive toward Purne village. Between these, you can also visit Bardan monastery, which is a wonderful monastery in the Ladakh region. And the journey continues toward Purne, where you can visit the Phukal Monastery.
Please Note:
The Monastery is accessible only by foot from Purne, and it takes approximately 2 hours to reach the monastery. After spending some time at Phutal, you will return to Purne via the same route, which takes around 2 hours. and overnight stay at Purne.
Drive toward Gonboranjon and overnight at Gonboranjon. is the view of the untouched Zanskar landscape.as you walk through open meadow, alongside the clear water of the tserap river. and the majestic peak of gonboranjon is gradually come into views-standing tall in solitude with it striking pyramid shape.
The drive from Gonborangon to Manali via the Shinkula Pass is around 180km, and it takes around 8 to 9 hours.
