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Zanskar Valley Expedition

8 Nights/9 Days | Leh – Sham Valley (Saspol) – Kargil – Padum – Rangdum – Drass – Sham Valley / Leh

This immersive Himalayan journey takes travelers deep into the dramatic landscapes of Zanskar Valley, one of the most remote and untouched regions of the Indian Himalayas. Surrounded by towering peaks, ancient monasteries, vast glaciers, and historic villages, Zanskar offers a truly off-the-beaten-path Himalayan adventure.

The journey begins and ends in the cultural heart of Ladakh — Leh — or in the tranquil villages of Sham Valley, often called the Apricot Valley of Ladakh. Guests looking for a more authentic cultural experience may stay in the charming village of Saspol at Moljoks Heritage House, a beautifully restored Ladakhi heritage home surrounded by apricot orchards and traditional mud-brick houses.

The expedition combines historic monasteries, high Himalayan passes, glaciers, remote valleys and cultural villages, creating one of the most spectacular road journeys in Ladakh.

Day 1: Arrival in Leh – Drive to Sham Valley / Saspol:

Altitude: Leh – 3,500 m / 11,500 ft | Saspol – 3,200 m / 10,500 ftDistance: 65 km | Drive Time: 2–2.5 hours

Upon arrival at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, one of the highest commercial airports in the world, you will be welcomed and driven towards the scenic Sham Valley, following the ancient trade route along the Indus River.

Your first stop is Gurudwara Pathar Sahib (3,600 m). Built in memory of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, the shrine commemorates a legend where the Guru subdued a demon who attempted to crush him with a boulder. The rock bearing the imprint of the Guru’s body is preserved inside the shrine.

Continue to the fascinating Magnetic Hill (3,700 m), where vehicles appear to roll uphill due to a natural optical illusion created by the surrounding landscape.

A short drive further brings you to the spectacular Indus–Zanskar Confluence (3,200 m), where the emerald waters of the Indus River meet the turquoise Zanskar River. The confluence forms a dramatic landscape framed by rugged mountains and is a popular viewpoint for photography.

From here continue along the Indus River to reach Saspol village, a peaceful settlement known for its apricot orchards and traditional Ladakhi houses.

Check in at Moljoks Heritage House or a hotel in Leh and spend the evening relaxing and acclimatizing to the altitude.

Overnight Stay: Saspol / Leh

Day 2: Sham Valley Exploration – Ancient Monasteries and Heritage Villages:

Altitude Range: 3,100–3,400 mDistance: 60–80 km round trip | Drive Time: 3–4 hours

After breakfast, explore the cultural highlights of Sham Valley.

The first stop is the remarkable Alchi Monastery (3,100 m), one of the most important cultural sites in Ladakh. Founded in the 11th century by the great translator Rinchen Zangpo, the monastery is famous for its rare Kashmiri-influenced murals, elaborate wooden carvings, and Indo-Tibetan Buddhist artwork. Unlike most Ladakhi monasteries built on hilltops, Alchi is located on flat ground along the Indus River.

Continue to the historic Basgo Monastery (3,290 m). Basgo was once the capital of Lower Ladakh during the Namgyal dynasty. The ruins of its mud-brick fortress and temples rise dramatically above the village and contain ancient statues of Maitreya Buddha.

You may also explore the hidden Saspol Caves, ancient meditation caves carved into cliffs above the village. These caves contain rare Buddhist murals believed to date back to the 13th century.

Return to your accommodation in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxing evening experiencing the peaceful village atmosphere.

Overnight Stay: Saspol / Leh

Day 3: Saspol / Leh to Kargil via Lamayuru:

Altitude: Kargil – 2,670 m / 8,760 ftDistance: 180 km | Drive Time: 5–6 hours

Today drive along the legendary Srinagar–Leh highway towards Kargil.

En route visit Lamayuru Monastery (3,510 m), one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. The surrounding landscape is known as Moonland, where centuries of erosion have created unusual formations resembling the surface of the moon.

Continue across two high mountain passes:

• Fotu La – 4,108 m / 13,478 ft (highest point on the Srinagar–Leh highway)• Namika La – 3,700 m / 12,139 ft

Further ahead visit Mulbekh Maitreya Buddha, a magnificent 9-meter rock-carved statue believed to date back to the 7th century.

Arrive in Kargil by evening.

Overnight Stay: Kargil

Day 4: Kargil to Padum – Through Suru Valley:

Altitude: Padum – 3,657 m / 12,000 ftDistance: 240 km | Drive Time: 9–10 hours

Today’s journey takes you through the stunning Suru Valley, one of the most scenic valleys in Ladakh known for its greenery, glaciers and dramatic mountain views.

Key stops include:

• Sankoo – a beautiful agricultural village surrounded by barley fields and orchards.• Panikhar – offering magnificent views of the Nun-Kun massif, the highest mountain peaks in Ladakh rising above 7,000 m.• Parkachik – known for spectacular views of the Parkachik Glacier.

Continue towards Rangdum, a remote settlement surrounded by vast high-altitude plains.

Soon after cross Penzi La (4,401 m / 14,436 ft), the gateway to Zanskar Valley.

Descend along the Stod River to reach Padum, the administrative center of Zanskar.

Overnight Stay: Padum

Day 5: Zanskar Monasteries and Villages:

Altitude Range: 3,500–3,800 mDistance: 70 km loop | Drive Time: 3–4 hours

Explore the cultural highlights of Zanskar.

Visit Stongde Monastery, dramatically perched on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the valley.

Continue to Zangla, where the ruins of the ancient Zangla Palace stand as a reminder of Zanskar’s royal history.

Later visit Karsha Monastery, the most important religious center in the region housing hundreds of monks.

End the day at Sani Monastery, known for the sacred Kanika Stupa, believed to be one of the oldest religious monuments in Ladakh.

Overnight Stay: Padum

Day 6: Padum to Rangdum – Glaciers and Twin Lakes:

Distance: 120 km | Drive Time: 4–5 hoursAltitude: Rangdum – 3,980 m / 13,058 ft

Drive towards Rangdum crossing Penzi La Pass once again.

Near the pass you will see the spectacular Drang Drung Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in Ladakh stretching across the mountainside.

Nearby lie the beautiful Statso and Langtso twin lakes, reflecting the surrounding snow peaks.

Visit Rangdum Monastery, dramatically located on a hill in the middle of vast alpine plains.

Overnight Stay: Suru Valley

Day 7: Rangdum to Drass via Suru Valley:

Distance: 160 km | Drive Time: 6–7 hoursAltitude: Drass – 3,280 m / 10,760 ft

Drive through the scenic Suru Valley towards Drass, famously known as the second coldest inhabited place in the world.

Enjoy spectacular views of the Nun-Kun mountain massif along the journey.

If road conditions allow, cross the scenic Umba La Pass, a less traveled route offering stunning Himalayan panoramas before descending to Drass.

Overnight Stay: Drass

Day 8: Drass to Sham Valley / Saspol:

Distance: 230 km | Drive Time: 7–8 hours

Visit the historic Kargil War Memorial, built in honor of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Kargil War.

Continue the scenic drive back via Lamayuru and Sham Valley before reaching Saspol or Leh.

Spend your final evening relaxing at Moljoks Heritage House or your hotel.

Overnight Stay: Saspol / Leh

Day 9: Departure from Leh:

Distance: 65 km from Saspol | Drive Time: 2 hours

After breakfast, transfer to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport for your onward flight.

Your journey concludes with unforgettable memories of remote Himalayan valleys, high mountain passes, ancient monasteries and Ladakh’s unique culture.

Day	Destination	Program	Hotel Name	Room Type
Day 1	Leh	Leh Arrival & Leisure Day	The Postcard Leh/Shel Ladakh/ Chamba Camp/Similar	The Willow Suites/The Copper Valley Suite/Executive Suite Tent
Day 2	Leh	Leh Local Sightseeing	The Postcard Leh/Shel Ladakh/ Chamba Camp/Similar	The Willow Suites/The Copper Valley Suite/Executive Suite Tent
Day 3	Kargil	Leh to Kargil	Hotel The Kargil/Similar	Premium Suite
Day 4	Padum	Kargil to Padum	Dee Grand Marq/Similar	Executive Room
Day 5	Padum	Padum Local Sightseeing	Dee Grand Marq/Similar	Executive Room
Day 6	Suru Valley	Padum to Rangdum	Hotel The Magpie/Similar	Deluxe
Day 7	Drass	Random to Drass Via Suru Valley	Hotel The D Meadows/ Similar	Deluxe
Day 8	Leh	Drass to Sham Valley/Leh	Moljoks Heritage House/Dolkhar Leh/The Grand Dragon Ladakh/Similar	Premium Heritage Suite/Duplex Villa/Luxury Room
Day 9	Departure	Departure from Leh	NA	NA

Zanskar & Ladakh Scenic Expedition