Zanskar Valley – Leh Overland Safari

Day 01: Arrival in Leh and Acclimatisation (Altitude: approx. 11567ft)
Arrive at Leh airport and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to relax and get used to the high altitude. In the evening, you can take a gentle walk around the local market to stretch your legs and soak in the atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel in Leh.
(Meals included: Lunch and Dinner) 

Day 02: Leh Local Sightseeing – Exploring Hemis, Thiksey, and Shey
(Approx. 80 km, 4-5 hrs, Altitude: 11,500 ft)
After breakfast, set out to explore some of Ladakh’s most famous sites. Start with Hemis Monastery, the largest in the region. Next, visit Thiksey Monastery, known for its impressive Maitreya Buddha statue and beautiful views. Continue to Shey Palace, once the summer home of Ladakhi kings. In the evening, visit the beautiful Shanti Stupa on a hilltop to watch the sunset, then enjoy a stroll through the lively Leh Market.Overnight at the hotel in Leh.
(Meals included: Lunch and Dinner) 

Day 03: Leh to Padum – The Grand Drive into Zanskar (Approx. 300 km, 7–8 hrs, Altitude: 11,500 ft to 11,700 ft)
Our epic overland journey from Leh begins today. We head towards Photoksar via Wanla, with this segment offering stunning scenic views. We follow the broad Spong Valley, crossing a river before a long, gradual ascent to Sir Sir La (15,912ft). From the summit, enjoy magnificent views of the main Zanskar range and the formidable Singge La (16,700ft). We then descend to the village of Photoksar (13,780ft), nestled among green fields and dramatic mountain cliffs. After crossing Singge La (the highest pass on this route), we reach Lingshed. Our drive continues towards Zanskar, crossing the Kilima Bridge over the Zanskar River. By evening, we arrive in Padum, and if time permits, we may visit Zangla Fort and Stongdey Monastery en route
Overnight stay at Padum – the heart of Zanskar.
(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) 

Day 04: Zanskar Cultural Trail – Palace & Monasteries
After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Stone Hedge (Gyalwarigna). Drive to Sham Valley to explore Zangla Palace, perched atop a hill and sometimes referred to as Zangla Monastery. Continue to Stongdey Monastery, the second largest in Zanskar, founded in 1052 AD by Tibetan Lama Lhodak Marpa Choski Lodos.

Next, visit Karsha Monastery, the largest in Zanskar, beautifully situated above the Stod River in Padum Valley. Return to Padum by evening, with ample opportunities for photography and cultural immersion throughout the day. Overnight stay at Padum
(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) 

Day 05: Phugtal Monastery Hike – A Hidden Marvel of Zanskar
(Approx. 3 hrs drive + hike, Altitude: up to12,630 ft)
Today, we venture into the picturesque Lungnak Valley. Drive along a newly built road, passing through villages like Shila and Bardan (with a visit to Bardan Monastery), then continue along the Tsarap River to a plateau. Stop at Muney Monastery before reaching Anmu. From Anmu, embark on a scenic hike to Phugtal Monastery (12,631ft). The trail involves an hour-long ascent followed by a gentle descent along the river, through gorges and across a temporary bridge. A short walk reveals a breathtaking view of Phugtal, dramatically built into a limestone cliff with its main hall carved from a cave. After exploring this unique monastic complex, return on foot and drive back to Purne. Dinner and overnight at Purne.
(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) 

Day 06: Padum to Kargil – Through the Glaciers and Suru Valley
(Approx. 240 km / 8–9 hrs / Altitude: approx. 8,780ft in Kargil)
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive towards Kargil, exiting the Zanskar Valley. Ascend the Penzila Pass (13,780ft), the picturesque gateway to Zanskar (open during summer months). The area around Penzila offers breathtaking views of glaciated peaks, including the famous Drang Drung Glacier. Visit Rangdum Monastery, which is dramatically set in a remote landscape. Continue into the stunning Suru Valley, one of Ladakh's most picturesque regions. Enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Nun-Kun peaks and the impressive Parkachik Glacier before reaching Kargil by evening. Dinner and overnight stay in Kargil.
(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) 

Day 07: Return to Leh via Lamayuru & Moonland (Approx. 220 km / 6 hrs / Altitude: approx. 11567ft in Leh)
Depart early from Kargil for your return journey to Leh. En route, visit the historic Mulbekh Monastery, famous for its rock-carved Maitreya Buddha. Traverse Namika La (approx. 12,140ft) and Fatu La (13,450ft), major passes on the Srinagar-Leh highway. Make a final stop at the ancient Lamayuru Monastery, set against its surreal "moonland" terrain. Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) 

Day 08: Departure from Leh
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to Leh Airport for your onward journey.
(Meals included: Breakfast)