Zanskar And Leh Expedition
About
Zanskar
& Leh
Embark on a breathtaking expedition from the lush valleys of Manali to the remote heart of Zanskar and the highlands of Leh. Journey through Lahaul, Sissu, and Jispa into wild Himalayan terrain—crossing rivers, cliffs, and ancient villages like Purne and Padum, the cultural heart of Zanskar.
From Padum, drive across dramatic mountain passes to Leh, where Tibetan culture thrives. The adventure peaks with a high-altitude route to Hanle via the iconic Pangong Lake, one of Earth’s most surreal landscapes.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS:
- Gonbo Rangjon Viewpoint – Witness the sacred freestanding peak, revered in Zanskari mythology and set amidst surreal Himalayan backdrops.
- Riverside Lunch in Purne and Padum – Relish a peaceful, open-air lunch by the river, surrounded by dramatic mountain views.
- View of Drang Drung Glacier – Marvel at this towering glacier near Pensi La, a visual highlight of the Zanskar region.
- Exploration of Leh – Dive into Ladakh’s spiritual core with visits to monasteries, markets, and cultural landmarks.
- Drive Along Pangong Lake – Experience the stunning blues of Pangong Tso, with ever-changing hues and endless views.
- Demchok – Journey to one of Ladakh’s most remote and geopolitically significant frontiers, located near the Indo-China border.
- Umling La Pass – Conquer the legendary Umling La (19,024 ft), the highest motorable road on Earth.
- High Mountain Crossings – Navigate thrilling passes including Shinkula, Pensi La, and Changla, each with stunning Himalayan vistas.
- Tso Moriri Bliss – Soak in the serenity of Tso Moriri, a pristine high-altitude lake set against barren mountains and home to rare wildlife and migratory birds.
Expedition Details
Cost
INR 1,35,000/- per person +taxes
Dates
6th to 18th Sept. 2025
Duration
13 Days, 12 Nights
Region, Country
Zanskar Valley and Ladakh
Weather
Min 10°C / Max 25°C
Terrain
Tarmac & Off-Road
Expedition Vehicle
Available on Rent
Mahindra Thar A/T and Toyota Fortuner A/T
Group Size
Upto 12 Like Minded Adventurers
drive
2100 Kms
ITINERARY
DAY 1
ARRIVAL IN CHANDIGARH
Your adventure kicks off in the vibrant city of Chandigarh. As our convoy assembles, participants meet fellow travellers and the Beyond Xpeditions crew over a short briefing and vehicle handover.
After check-ins and a relaxed evening, we gear up for the road ahead. This day is all about arrivals, introductions, prepping for the journey, and soaking in the excitement of what’s to come.
DAY 2
CHANDIGARH TO JISPA
We begin our drive early, leaving the city behind as the landscape shifts dramatically from plains to mountains. The convoy cruises through winding roads, pine forests, and riverside stretches as we ascend into Himachal Pradesh.
By late afternoon, we reach the tranquil village of Jispa, nestled along the Bhaga River—our first real taste of Himalayan altitude and raw beauty.
DAY 3
JISPA TO PURNE
After an early start, we ascend the formidable Shinku La Pass (16,580 ft), a gateway into Zanskar’s raw and untouched wilderness.
Along the way, we make a special stop at the awe-inspiring Gonbo Rangjon, a sacred monolith rising alone in the valley.
Midway, we break for a riverside lunch like no other. Expect a curated live station serving wood-fired pizzas and gourmet burgers. Post lunch, the convoy navigates off-road trails and river crossings before reaching Purne.
DAY 4
PURNE (TREK TO PHUGTAL)
Today is a day of slow exploration and high rewards. We stay parked at Purne, using the day to soak in the silence and surreal beauty of Zanskar’s deep interior.
Adventurous participants can embark on an optional hike to Phugtal Monastery, one of the most visually striking and remote monastic complexes in the world, built dramatically into a cliffside cave.
Those who choose to stay back can enjoy a relaxed day by the river, with light walks, warm local hospitality, and the luxury of doing nothing, surrounded by absolute wilderness.
DAY 5
PURNE TO PADUM
Today’s journey takes us deeper into Zanskar as we drive from Purne to Padum, the region’s cultural and administrative hub. En route, we stop for a comforting lunch featuring freshly made pizzas, prepared hot in the middle of the mountains, a slice of comfort in the wild.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Padum and check in. In the evening, we gather for a traditional cultural performance by local artists, offering a rare glimpse into Zanskari music, dance, and storytelling, celebrated under the stars.
DAY 6
DRIVE TO DRANG DRUNG GLACIER
Today, set out on a spectacular drive from Padum to the iconic Drang Drung Glacier, one of the largest and most stunning glaciers in Ladakh.
The route takes you over the majestic Pensi La Pass (14,500 ft), a high-altitude gateway that offers panoramic views of snow-draped peaks and the awe-inspiring glacier snaking through the valley below.
After spending time at the glacier viewpoint, return to Padum by afternoon. The rest of the day is at leisure—relax, explore the village, or enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by the dramatic Zanskari landscape.
DAY 7
PADUM TO LEH
Today marks one of the longest and most scenic drives of the expedition as we journey from Padum to Leh, crossing vast valleys, winding gorges, and high mountain passes. This route offers a front-row seat to the ever-changing moods of the Himalayas—from raw Zanskari wilderness to the spiritual highlands of Ladakh.
The convoy moves through remote villages and barren landscapes, with breaks for lunch, fuel, and photos along the way. As we approach Leh, prayer flags fluttering in the wind and distant monasteries begin to dot the horizon—signs that we’re entering Ladakh’s cultural capital.
After check-in, the evening is yours to relax, take in the comfort of a warm bed after the epic day’s journey.
DAY 8
FREE DAY AT LEH
We begin our day with a drive up to Shanti Stupa, offering sweeping views of the Leh valley. From there, we visit the historic Leh Palace, a 17th-century royal residence that echoes Ladakh’s regal past.
After lunch at The Tibetan Kitchen, we set out to explore two of Ladakh’s most revered monasteries—Hemis, known for its rich history and vibrant murals, and Thiksey, perched dramatically on a hill and home to a towering statue of Maitreya Buddha.
The evening is free to revisit the Leh market, sip coffee at a café, or simply relax at the hotel.
DAY 9
LEH TO HANLE
We depart Leh and head toward Hanle, one of Ladakh’s most isolated and extraordinary settlements, nestled deep in the Changthang plateau near the Indo-China border. The drive is surreal, wide-open landscapes, stark high-altitude deserts, and glimpses of wild yak herds and nomadic life.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Hanle. After settling in, we visit the Indian Astronomical Observatory, one of the highest observatories on the planet, known for it’s cutting-edge space research.
As night falls, prepare for a stargazing experience like no other. The Milky Way, planets, and constellations stretching endlessly above.
DAY 10
HANLE TO UMLING LA AND DEMCHOK
Today is one of the most powerful and unforgettable days of the expedition. We set out early from Hanle for a high-altitude adventure to Umling La (19,024 ft), the highest motorable pass in the world. The drive is stark and otherworldly, cutting across windswept plains and frozen silence, as the convoy slowly climbs toward the summit.
After spending time at Umling La for photos, we continue onward to Demchok, a geopolitically sensitive border village located right at the edge of India, along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
We return to Hanle by evening, carrying the weight of altitude, silence, and a rare glimpse into a world few ever see.
DAY 11
HANLE TO TSO MORIRI
After two unforgettable nights in Hanle, we begin our journey towards the breathtaking Tso Moriri Lake, one of Ladakh’s most serene and spiritually charged high-altitude lakes. By late afternoon, we arrive at Tso Moriri (14,836 ft), its deep blue waters framed by snow-capped peaks and golden grasslands. The lake is not only a visual marvel but also an ecological sanctuary, home to migratory birds and rare Himalayan wildlife.
We settle into our stay near the lake, with the evening free to walk by the shore, breathe in the silence, and reflect on the magnitude of the journey so far.
DAY 12
TSO MORIRI TO MANALI
Today, we begin the long and scenic descent from the high-altitude wilderness of Ladakh back into the lush valleys of Himachal. The drive from Tso Moriri to Manali is nothing short of epic, crossing multiple dramatic landscapes, high mountain passes and witnessing the terrain gradually shift from barren plateaus to pine-covered slopes.
It’s a day of quiet reflection and shifting perspectives, both literally and metaphorically, as we retrace parts of our journey with new eyes. En route, we break for meals and short stops before reaching Manali by evening.
After the raw remoteness of the last few days, Manali’s warmth, energy, and tree-lined streets feel like a welcome return to civilization.
DAY 13
MANALI TO CHANDIGARH
Our final drive takes us from the alpine charm of Manali back to where it all began. As we wind through the scenic Kullu Valley and descend into the plains, the landscapes change, but the memories remain vivid.
After days of off-roading, high passes, remote villages, and shared experiences, we arrive in Chandigarh by evening and check in for one last night together. This evening is about celebration, reflection, and laughter—over a farewell dinner with the crew and fellow adventurers who now feel like family.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
Immersive Local Experiences
You don’t just pass through, you connect. From sharing meals with locals to cultural performances and age-old traditions, we bridge worlds.
Cinematic Storytelling
Unparalleled Hospitality and Safety
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