OFFBEAT LADAKH: ZANSKAR
SNEAK PEAK
Ladakh has been the most loved of mountain lovers for the longest time but we decided to take things a notch above. To show you the side of Ladakh that is raw, rugged and offbeat. A land where tall towering peaks stare at you, where you’ll cross glaciers and waterfalls and stumble upon the most awe-inspiring ancient Buddhist monasteries. Welcome to Zanskar.
If you love road trips then prepare for one that you won’t ever forget, you’ll gaze out at otherworldly terrains, you’ll walk at a spot called the moonscape! New friends with whom you’ll explore a lesser visited side of Ladakh – one that shall make your jaw drop.
Day 1, Saturday: Land in Srinagar and kickstart your much-awaited Zanskar adventure! Meet your new travel gang and hit the road together. The journey from Srinagar to Kargil maybe long but it winds through green valleys, sparkling rivers, and majestic mountain views to keep your spirit elated. Bond over chai breaks and photo stops before reaching Kargil, your first night in the lap of nature. O/N Kargil
Day 2, Sunday: The road trip vibes kick in full swing today! After breakfast, hit the road for a long but unforgettable drive towards Padum – the heart of the Zanskar . The journey is equal parts adventurous as it is mesmerizing! Because we’ll cross the high altitude Pensi La Pass and Drang Drung glacier for the rush of the mountains as well as visit the Rangdum Gompa and Stongdey Monastery to breathe in the Buddhist calm of this region. O/N Padum
Day 3, Monday: Wake up to the peaceful aura of Padum and get ready to explore its roots. Today’s all about soaking in the beauty of Zanskar’s local gems — Visit Sheela waterfall for a touch of freshness, Gyalwa Ringna Buddha Statue – 20 feet high carvings of the Five Wisdom Buddhas in natural rock!; Karsha Gompa – largest monastery in all of Zanskar, home to 100 monks! and Raru Lake which serves as the starting point of significant trails in the region. Enter another era with new friends! O/N at Padum.
Day 4, Tuesday: The most awaited day of the trip!! Ready to walk into wonder?! We’re driving to Purne and then trekking to the ONLY cave monastery of Ladakh! The stunning Phugtal Monastery – the cave of Buddha, hidden in the cliffs and echoing with centuries of peace. If your idea of travel is the rugged wonders, then this moment is where you put one foot after the other to trek to a jaw dropping view. These are the sort of moments that we live for! O/N Purne
Day 5, Wednesday: After relishing yesterday’s trek, today we keep the day light and start our drive back, en route we visit Gonpo Rangjon – a rocky hill like structure right in front of your eyes! It is a unique sight. Post this we proceed to Padum to unwind, relive the memories, and enjoy a relaxed evening with your gang. O/N Padum
Day 6, Thursday: Begin your journey back from Padum to Lamayuru – which is referred to as the “moonscape”, guess you’re one step closer to knowing what the land on the moon looks like! This day is about passing by local villages, taking a moment to observe them, about looking out at the landscapes, about singing songs with your new mates and savouring the moment with ease. We’ll visit the Lamayuru monastery at 11,520 ft! O/N Lamayuru
Day 7, Friday: We’re whisking you off to Leh! For the grand finale, how about we go for river rafting? The cold water splashing on us, the squeals of adrenaline with new friends, the waves leaping up, time to let looooose! For a goodbye that’s also soothing, we’ll even pay our respects at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Not to forget giving a tribute to our war heroes at the Hall of Fame. Evening, who’s in the mood to check out the local market and hit some cafes?! O/N Leh
Day 8, Saturday: Say goodbye with the promise of meeting again! Fly out to home cities. Optional extension: Wish to visit Pangong Lake too? Extend your stay for the weekend and visit the lake, we can help with the arrangements 🙂
GET DETAILS!
- 1 night’s accommodation at Kargil on dual basis
- 3 nights accommodation at Padum on dual basis
- 1 night’s stay in a homestay at Purne on dual basis
- 1 night's accommodation at Lamayuru on dual basis
- Airport pick up from Srinagar airport as per specified flight timings
- Airport drop at Leh airport as per specified flight timings.
- Private tempo traveller for the entire journey from Sringar to Leh and across Zanskar for all specified points.
- Phugtal monastery trek
- Permits for Zanskar and Leh
- Breakfasts from Sep 14th - 20th.
- Government fees
- Oxygen cylinder in the vehicle (precautionary)
- Special freebies!
- GST included
- Trip leader and friend from team MM&Co.
- Lunches and dinners
- Rafting, bike rental, ATV ride or other miscellaneous activities
- Anything not expressly mentioned under Inclusions
- 80 days or more before the trip start date: full refund
- Between 80 to 65 days before the trip start date: 75% refund
- Between 65 to 50 days before the trip start date: 50% refund
- 50 days before the trip: no refund
- If you're unable to make it for the trip on account of an emergency, then to make things easier for you we'd be happy to accommodate your friend (of the same gender) in your place (subject to being informed in time for getting permits/paperwork ready) (please note: costs for flights and other expenses would be self borne, we would simply swap the seat)
