Zanskar Valley Trek

Arrival in Leh

Arrive in Leh and rest fully — the trek demands you start well-acclimatized.

🏨 Hotel in Leh

Leh Acclimatization

Active rest day with light sightseeing around Leh: Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, and a gear check with your trek lead.

• Shanti Stupa
• Leh Palace
• Gear check & briefing

🏨 Hotel in Leh

Leh to Kargil via Lamayuru

Drive west along the Indus, stopping at the lunar landscape and ancient monastery of Lamayuru before reaching Kargil for the night.

• Lamayuru 'Moonland'
• Lamayuru Monastery

🏨 Hotel in Kargil

Kargil to Padum

A long, spectacular drive into Zanskar over Pensi La pass, with views of the Drang-Drung Glacier, arriving at Padum, the valley's main town.

• Pensi La pass
• Drang-Drung Glacier viewpoint

🏨 Guesthouse in Padum

Padum — Monasteries & Rest

Acclimatize around Padum and visit the hillside Karsha and Stongdey monasteries, the largest in Zanskar.

• Karsha Monastery
• Stongdey Monastery

🏨 Guesthouse in Padum

Trek Begins — Padum to Bardan

Shoulder the packs and set off along the Lungnak River, trekking to a riverside camp near Bardan Monastery.

• First trekking day
• Bardan Monastery

🏨 Tented camp

Trek to Purne

Follow the river gorge through tiny hamlets and footbridges to the camp at Purne, gateway to Phugtal.

• River gorge trail
• Village footbridges

🏨 Tented camp at Purne

Phugtal Monastery & Return

The highlight: hike up to Phugtal Gompa, a honeycomb of whitewashed cells built into a cliff cave, then return to camp.

• Phugtal Monastery
• Cave spring visit

🏨 Tented camp

Trek Out & Drive to Kargil

Trek back to the roadhead and drive out of Zanskar toward Kargil for a hot meal and a real bed.

🏨 Hotel in Kargil

Kargil to Leh & Departure

Final scenic drive back to Leh and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.