Zanskar Valley tour package offers an incredible journey through one of the most remote and stunning regions in Ladakh. This region is known for its dramatic landscapes, ancient monasteries, towering peaks, glaciers, innocent people, and cultural richness.
Tour packages typically range from 7 to 12 days, depending on the itinerary, and include visits to key attractions such as Padum, the capital of Zanskar, the enchanting Phugtal Monastery (Phuktal) built in a cave, the beautiful Zongkhul Monastery, Karsha monastery, Stongdey monastery, Zangla, Sani Gompa, and the breathtaking Drang Drung Glacier. Adventure seekers can also enjoy rafting on the Zanskar River or trekking through the scenic Zanskar Range.
These packages often start from Leh or Manali or Kargil, include accommodation, meals, transportation (taxi), and permits. Some tours focus on cultural exploration to remote villages where you can interact with the locals and learn about their traditional lifestyles. Others emphasize adventure activities, such as trekking routes like the Chadar Trek, where you walk on the frozen Zanskar River during winter, or the more accessible summer treks like Lamayuru to Padum. Family/leisure tours generally include visit to scenic places.
Tour operators provide a range of services, from budget to luxury, ensuring that travelers can choose a package that best suits their preferences and comfort level.
Many people want to book their hotels and taxis themselves while travelling to a tourist destination, but Zanskar being a remote location in Ladakh with limited accommodation, taxi and connectivity options, tourists are advised to book their complete Zanskar valley tour package in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
Here are a few most demanding Zanskar Valley Tour Packages:
- Zanskar Valley Tour Package from Delhi for 7 Nights 8 Days
2. Zanskar Valley Tour Package with Phugtal Monastery
3. Zanskar Valley Tour Package from Manali with Leh Ladakh
4. Zanskar Valley with Leh Ladakh Tour Package for 11 Days
5. Manali – Shinkula Pass – Gonbo Rangjon Tour Package from Delhi
All Zanskar Valley Tour Packages
Zanskar Valley tour package is perfect for those looking to experience the unspoiled beauty of the Himalayas, offering a mix of adventure, spirituality, and cultural immersion. Before booking, ensure that your package includes minimum of two acclimatization days in Leh or Manali or Kargil/Srinagar as Zanskar’s high altitude can pose challenges for those not accustomed to such elevations.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Ladakh, a Zanskar Valley tour promises a memorable experience in one of India’s most breathtaking regions.
Best Time to Visit Zanskar Valley of Ladakh
The best time to visit Zanskar Valley is from June to September. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the valley is accessible as the snow melts, opening up the mountain passes. The temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C, making it ideal for trekking, sightseeing, and enjoying outdoor activities. The roads are also clear, allowing for smooth travel to remote areas.
Generally, Zanskar can be visited even in May or October months, but the temperature remains little low and sometimes connecting roads are blocked due to snow, especially in early May and late October. However, it’s important to note that Zanskar experiences harsh winters, making the region inaccessible due to heavy snowfall. After new from Manali to Padum and Leh to Padum, the valley generally remains open in winter months in many days.
Weather for Zanskar Valley tour packages
The weather in Zanskar Valley varies significantly with the seasons.
- Summer (June to September): This is the best time to visit. The weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. The snow melts, and the roads open up, making travel easier.
- Winter (October to May): Winters are extremely harsh, with heavy snowfall and temperatures dropping to as low as -30°C. Most roads and passes, including the famous Pensi La and Shinku La, are closed due to snow, making the valley inaccessible by road in most of the days.
Due to the harsh conditions, it’s important to plan your visit carefully, keeping in mind the season and weather forecasts.
Hotels in Zanskar Valley
Accommodation in Zanskar Valley primarily consists of basic guesthouses, homestays, and small hotels, especially in the main town Padum. There are a few homestays and guesthouses in many villages like Rangdum, Karsha, Stongdey, Shagar, Purne, and Zangla. These accommodations provide simple and deluxe amenities, mostly with attached bathrooms, and are run by local families offering a chance to experience Zanskari culture.
Padum has now many good hotels and many more are under constructions. Many camping sites are being established. In remote areas, options are limited, so it’s advisable to book in advance. For travelers looking for more comfort, there are a few campsites with tents, especially during the summer months. If you book your Zanskar Valley tour package with us, we shall book the best possible hotels for you.
Permit to Visit Zanskar Valley
As on 2024, there is no need of specific permit to visit Zanskar Valley for Indian residents. Foreigners can make their protected area permit from deputy commissioner office in Kargil or Leh. If you visit Zanskar from Manali (via Shinkula pass) or Srinagar (via Kargil and Pensi La pass), there is no need of permit for Indian nationals, but if you come from Leh, all tourists, including Indian nationals need to make permit to visit Leh before moving to Zanskar. Permit to visit Leh can be made online. If you are booking through Discover Leh Ladakh, we shall take care of your permits.
10 Places to visit in Zanskar Valley
Zanskar Valley, located in Ladakh, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and thrilling adventures. Here are the top places to visit in Zanskar Valley:
- Phugtal Monastery: A remote and scenic monastery built into a cliffside cave, accessible by a trek.
- Karsha Monastery: The largest and most important monastery in Zanskar, offering stunning views of the valley.
- Stongde Monastery: Famous for its ancient artifacts and beautiful frescoes.
- Drang Drung Glacier: A breathtaking glacier viewed from Pensi La Pass.
- Zangla: A quaint village known for its fort and monastery.
- Padum: The main town of Zanskar, a base for exploring the region.
- Sani Monastery: One of the oldest monastic sites in Ladakh, with historical significance.
- Pensi La Pass: Offers panoramic views of the Zanskar and Suru valleys, and is a gateway to Zanskar.
- Dzongkul Monastery: Amazing monastery at a mountain face
- Padum Monastery: Get a bird eye view of Padum and nearby villages.
These destinations provide a mix of cultural, spiritual, and natural experiences, making Zanskar Valley a unique and unforgettable travel destination.
A common 09 Days itinerary for Zanskar valley tour package
Day 1: Arrival in Leh
Arrive at Leh airport and transfer to the hotel. Rest for acclimatization to adjust to the high altitude. In the evening, explore the local market and enjoy a leisurely walk around the town.
Day 2: Leh Local Sightseeing
Visit prominent landmarks such as Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace and Hall of Fame. Explore monasteries like Thiksey, Hemis, and Shey. Enjoy a leisurely walk in the town’s bazaar.
Day 3: Leh to Kargil
Drive from Leh to Kargil via the scenic Indus Valley. En route, visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Lamayuru Monastery, and the Moonland landscape. Overnight stay at Kargil.
Day 4: Kargil to Padum (Zanskar Valley)
Continue from Kargil to Rangdum, passing through the beautiful Suru Valley. Enjoy views of the Nun Kun peaks and visit the Rangdum Monastery. Continue your adventurous road journey to Padum, crossing the Pensi La Pass. Visit the Drang Drung Glacier en route. Arrive in Padum, the heart of Zanskar Valley, and settle into your accommodation.
Day 6: Explore Zanskar Valley
Visit the ancient monasteries of Karsha and Stongde, known for their stunning architecture and spiritual ambiance. Explore the Zangla Fort and experience the local culture of Zanskar Valley.
Day 7: Zanskar Adventure Day
Take a day for adventure activities like rafting on the Zanskar River or a short trek to Phugtal Monastery. The Phuktal Monastery is a remote monastic site built into a cliffside cave and is one of the region’s most famous attractions.
Day 8: Padum to Leh
Travel back to Leh via Zangla and Nimmu (or Wanla road), enjoying the serene beauty of the valley and the stunning mountain views. Overnight stay at Leh
Day 9: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Note: You can go to Manali from Padum in two days via Shinkula pass and Jispa, if you don’t want to return back to Leh. From Manali, we shall drop you in Delhi or Chandigarh.
Comments