What is the best time to visit Zanskar?

Summer (June to September): The best time for general travel and trekking, with pleasant weather and clear roads. Winter (January-February): The Chadar Trek is a unique experience here, but it requires extreme cold-weather preparation.

What's the weather like in Zanskar?

Summer: Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C. Winter: Harsh, with temperatures dropping to -30°C. Rainfall: Limited in the summer months, but can occur.

Is it safe to travel to Zanskar Valley?

Travel to Zanskar can be safe if proper precautions are taken. Visitors should be aware of the challenges posed by high altitude, remote locations, and the region's inherent ruggedness. It is advisable to be in good physical health, acclimate properly to avoid altitude sickness, and travel with a local guide or tour operator who knows the terrain and weather conditions well. During winter, the Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar River is particularly risky and should only be attempted with experienced guides.

What should I pack for Zanskar Valley?

When packing for Zanskar, consider the season. In the summer, carry warm clothing for the cool evenings, good quality hiking boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Include layers that can be added or removed as temperature varies. If you're visiting in winter for the Chadar Trek, you will need specialized cold weather clothing including thermal layers, a heavy down jacket, waterproof and insulated gloves and boots, and other trekking gear. Regardless of the season, bring medications, a first-aid kit, and any necessary personal items, as supplies in the region can be limited.

How can I reach Zanskar Valley?

Zanskar is accessible by road during the summer when the snow melts. The main route to Zanskar is via Kargil through the Suru Valley. Tripoholic has specially curated itineraries to reach Zanskar from Delhi & Chandigarh.

Are permits required to visit Zanskar Valley?

Foreign tourists visiting Zanskar require an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which can be obtained from the District Magistrate’s office in Leh or Kargil, or online through the official Ladakh government portal. Indian travellers do not require any permits. For a hassle-free travel, join the Tripoholic group departures.

What are the major attractions in Zanskar Valley?

Major tourist attractions in Zanskar include the ancient Buddhist monasteries like Zongkul, Stongdey, and Karsha, the stunning trekking routes such as the Chadar Trek and the Zanskar trek, river rafting on the Zanskar River, and the picturesque high-altitude landscapes of the Zanskar Valley itself. Phugtal Monastery, which is built into a cliffside, is another fascinating site. Tripoholic covers most of these destinations in the itinerary.

ZANSKAR VALLEY EXPEDITION - LIMITED SEATS-FLAT 25% OFF

ZANSKAR VALLEY EXPEDITION

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Duration

5D/4N

Max People

Min Age

18+

Pickup

Delhi- Chandigarh

Overview of Zanskar Valley

Zanskar Valley is located in the southwestern region of Kargil in Ladakh. It is a hidden gem offering breathtaking beauty, actual adventure, and calmness. Zanskar Valley is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, raw cliffs, and crystal-clear blue rivers. Therefore, it remains untouched by mass tourism as it is often disconnected from the world. It offers adventure that will satisfy the adventure craving of travellers looking for thrills at every turn. It is an adventure dream for every traveller seeking peace and adventure at its peak. With its offbeat destination and culture-rich monasteries, Zanskar Valley will take you back in time.

Must-Visit Destinations in Zanskar Valley

Padum – Padum is the main administrative town in Zanskar Valley. Therefore, it is an ideal and perfect base for travellers.

Phugtal Monastery – Phugtal Monastery is an incredible cliffside monastery built into a cave that offers breathtaking views along with a spiritual touch. Making it a must-visit when visiting Zanskar.

Gumbok Ranjan – This holy and sacred mountain for the locals is one of the best destinations of Zanskar. Gumbok Ranjan is a tall mountain not connected to any mountain range. Hence, it is popularly and locally known as God’s Mountain, attracting tourists from around the country.

Drang Drung Glacier – One of the largest glaciers in Ladakh that is visible from the Pensi La. Pensi La is a mountain pass connecting the Kashmir Valley to Kargil and is known as the gateway to Zanskar Valley.

Highlights

Trekking and Adventure: Zanskar Valley is famous for its Chadar Trek, which you do on the frozen Zanskar River in winter. This trek attracts travellers from all around the world.
Spiritual Getaway: With many ancient monasteries, prayer flags, and chanting monks, Zanskar Valley is truly a spiritual destination.
Culture and Heritage: Just like Ladakh, Zanskar is famous for its Tibetan-influenced lifestyle, which takes you into a real Tibetan escape.

Trip Details

The best time to visit Zanskar Valley is from the month of June to September. In these months, the roads are completely open and the weather is pleasant. Therefore, make sure to carry essentials, as facilities in Zanskar Valley are limited. A trip to Zanskar Valley is not just a journey through mountains, but a passage into a completely different world. A world that is actually offbeat, raw, and real.

Included/Excluded

Transportation from Delhi to Manali and Manali to Delhi via Volvo
Transportation from Manali to Manali via 4X4 vehicles.
⁠Accommodation for 4 nights. (1 Night in Jispa, 1 Night in Gumbok Ranjon, 2 Nights in Padum.
Meals (4 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners)
⁠All the permits
⁠Fuel Charges
Trip Captain
Bonfire in Jispa if weather allows.

Anything not mentioned in the itinerary.
Any Entry charges or Monument fees
Unspecified Meals.
Any Personal Expenses/Tips/Permits
Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances, including medical emergencies and unforeseen weather conditions.
Room heater charges, Extra days' stay/food at any place during the tour, because of bad weather or road blocking due to snow.
Any damage to the bike must be borne by the client.

Tour Plan

DAY 0 DEPARTURE FROM DELHI/CHANDIGARH VIA VOLVO

Depart from Delhi/Chandigarh in the evening by Volvo bus.
Enjoy the scenic views and relax during the journey

DAY 1 MANALI ARRIVAL: JISPA STAY

Arrive in Manali early morning and freshen up.
⁠We will get out 4X4 Vehicles from Manali.
Depart for Jispa and check-in to your Campsite.
Explore the local market and enjoy the scenic views.
Relax overnight in Jispa.

DAY 2 JISPA TO GUMBOK RANJON

Depart from Jispa and drive to Gumbok Ranjon.
Enjoy the scenic views and relax during the journey.
⁠Gumbok Ranjon is a sacred mounain that is famous for standing alone without any range connecting to it.
Check-in to your Camp and enjoy dinner.
Relax overnight in Gumbok Ranjon.

DAY 3 PHUGTAL MONASTERY | PADUM ARRIVAL