Overview
Explore the hidden gem of Ladakh on an 8-day expedition through the rugged and remote Zanskar Valley. The journey starts in Leh for acclimatization before hitting the road towards Kargil. You'll witness the confluence of rivers, anti-gravity hills, ancient rock carvings, and the serene beauty of Drang Drung Glacier. Ride past breathtaking high-altitude passes including Penzi La and Shinku La, as well as test your skills on the famous Gata Loops. Discover centuries-old monasteries like Karsha and the cliff-side Phuktal Monastery. Every day presents new stunning landscapes, thrilling terrain, and authentic cultural experiences, making this expedition an absolute dream for bikers.
Day-wise Itinerary
Arrival at Leh Airport | Acclimatization Day
• Welcome to The Land of High Passes! The group will assemble at the airport, and a designated vehicle will drop you at your hotel. • After checking in, the rest of the day is at leisure. Travelers are strongly advised to acclimatize for a safe journey ahead. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities, and rest well. • In the evening, your trip captain will conduct a tour briefing session. • Dinner will be followed by an overnight stay in Leh. Note: Pickup timings are 9 AM and 12 PM. Kindly manage your travel plans accordingly, as the schedule is fixed.
Leh Local Sightseeing | Ride to Kargil (210 Km)
• Post breakfast, we will start our journey from Leh to Kargil. • En route, we will visit Sangam, the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers, followed by a stop at The Hall of Fame, a war memorial maintained by the Indian Army. • We will explore Magnetic Hill, an anti-gravity phenomenon, and visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Further along, we will traverse Lamayuru Hills, as well as Fotula Pass (13,479 ft.) and Namika La (12,198 ft.), two of the highest passes on this route. • Upon reaching Kargil, we will check into our hotel. Dinner will be followed by an overnight stay in Kargil. Highlights of the day: Hall of Fame, Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Sangam, Lamayuru, Fotula Pass, Namika La.
Kargil to Padum (295 km) Via Penzi La Pass
• After an early breakfast, we will head towards Padum, the capital of Zanskar Valley, known for ancient rock carvings dating back to the 8th century. • En route, we will pass through Rangdum, a culturally rich village in Suru Valley, and cross Penzi La Pass (14,000 ft.), the gateway to Zanskar. • From the pass, you can view the stunning Statso and Langtso lakes. • We will also witness the breathtaking Drang Drung Glacier before reaching Padum. • Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel. • Dinner will be followed by an overnight stay in Padum. Highlights of the day: Padum, Rangdum, Penzi La Pass, Drang Drung Glacier.
Padum Local Sightseeing | Karsha Monastery
• After breakfast, we will explore Padum. • We will start with Karsha Monastery, Zanskar's largest monastery, located on the banks of the Doda River. Karsha is a treasure trove of Buddhist art, particularly the 500-year-old wall paintings in the lHabrang (teaching room). • Afterwards, we will explore Padum Market and its surroundings. • The rest of the day will be at leisure. • After sightseeing, we will return to Padum for dinner and an overnight stay. Highlight of the day: Karsha Monastery, Padum
Padum to Purne Via Phuktal Monastery (56 Km)
• After breakfast, proceed towards the scenic village of Purne. • En route, visit the iconic Phuktal Monastery, which is built into a cliff in the Lungnak Valley. • Explore the monastery's natural caves, believed to have been used by sages over 2,500 years ago. • Continue the journey through rugged Zanskar terrain. • Upon arrival in Purne, check in to a cottage/homestay. Dinner and overnight stay. Highlights of the day: Purne, Phuktal Monastery
Purne to Sarchu via Gombo Rangzan & Shinku La Pass
• After breakfast, we will journey towards Sarchu, traversing the rugged terrain of Zanskar Valley. • En route, we will pass through Kargyak, the last village of Zanskar, offering incredible views. You will also witness Gombo Rangzan, a sacred mountain in Ladakh. • We will cross Shinku La Pass (16,500 ft.), which connects Zanskar in Ladakh with Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh, before joining the Leh-Manali Highway at Darcha. • Upon arrival in Sarchu, we will check into our campsite. Dinner will be followed by an overnight stay. Highlights of the day: Kargyak, Gombo Rangzan, Shinku La Pass.
Sarchu to Leh (230 Kms) Via Gata Loops
• Post breakfast, we will ride from Sarchu to Leh • En route, we will be traversing three iconic high-altitude passes which are Nakee La (15,547 ft), Lachung La (16,600 ft), and Tanglang La (17,480 ft) • We will also be riding through the enthralling Gata Loops which consists of 21 hairpin bends on the Manali Leh Highway. • We will also be traversing the iconic More Plains which is an aesthetic 40 Kilometer stretch of land & Upshi which is a tiny Ladakhi hamlet. • Lastly, we will visit the Shanti Stupa which is known for its beautiful white dome shape, statues, and intricate carvings. • In the evening, we’ll check into our designated hotel. • Dinner followed by an overnight stay in Leh. Highlights of the day: Gata Loops, Nakee La, Lachung La, Pang, More Plains, Tanglang La, Upshi, Shanti Stupa.
Departure from Leh
• We can guarantee that you will wake up feeling truly fulfilled with a lingering sense of peace and calmness within. Greet yourself with a hearty breakfast and take a few minutes to simply reminisce about the last few days. • With loads of memories etched in your heart, bid a bittersweet goodbye to your friends as you head back home from the Leh Airport. Note: The pickup timings are 9 AM and 12 PM, and the drop-off time is at 9 AM. Please note that the schedule for pickup is fixed and hence we advise you to manage your travel plans accordingly.
Inclusions
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels/camps on double sharing
- Breakfast and Dinner (MAP Plan)
- Airport pick-up and drop
- Inner Line Permits and Environmental fees
- Dedicated Innova/Xylo for sightseeing
- Oxygen cylinder in the vehicle for emergencies
Exclusions
- Airfare to and from Leh
- Lunches
- Monastery entrance fees
- Camel ride or ATV ride charges
- Personal expenses (laundry, tips, etc.)
₹40,000
Save ₹5,000 per person!
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2 Adults