Highlights of the circuit
Zanskar lies between the principal chain of the Himalayas to the south and the Zanskar Range to the north. The most isolated of all the trans-Himalayan valleys, made inaccessible for nearly eight months a year due to heavy snowfall resulting in closure of all the access passes, Zanskar has the distinction of being the least interfered with microcosms of Ladakh, and thus one of the last few surviving cultural satellites of Tibet. This geographical isolation together with the esoteric nature of Buddhism practiced here has enabled its some ten thousand inhabitants to preserve and perpetuate their cultural identity. Our jeep tour brings you to Zanskar via Sham, the Lower Ladakh, and the magnificent Suru Valley under the shadows of the Nun – Kun massif. Continuing over the Pensi La (4400m), a picturesque pass adorned with two small alpine lakes, a western gateway to Zanskar, we marvel at the breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas to the west and south. As the Zanskar road winds down the steep slopes of the watershed to the head of the Stod Valley, one of Zanskar's main tributary valleys, the majestic Drang-Drung glacier looms into full view. From here we descend into the geographical and cultural heartland of Zanskar where the streams and rivers of the region form the main Zanskar River. Here within the mountain ramparts of this lost Shangri-La stand a number of ancient and fascinating monastic establishments, most notably the monasteries of Karsha, Zangla, Stongde, and Bardan, the highlight of our journey.
Region: Zhung (Middle Ladakh), Sham (Lower Ladakh), Kargil, Suru Valley, Zanskar
Best season to go: May to October
Max. Altitude: 4400m
Duration: 16 Days
Places to covered: Delhi, Leh, Shanti Stupa, Sangkar Gompa, Shey, Thikse, Hemis, Likir Gompa and Alchi Gompa, Lamayuru Gompa, Rangdum, Karsha, Zangla Castle, Stongde Gompa, Bardan Gompa, Parkhachik, Mulbekh, Agra
Day 01: Flight to Leh, Delhi to Leh flight is very early morning, transfer to hotel and rest
Day 02: Morning sightseeing - Shanti Stupa, and Sangkar Gompa; lunch at hotel, afternoon rest.
Day 03: Full day of sightseeing – famous Ladakh monasteries - Shey, Thikse, Hemis; picnic lunch, return to Leh
Day 04: Full day of sightseeing - Likir Gompa and Alchi Gompa; picnic lunch, overnight at Uletokpo Camp.
Day 05: Full day of sightseeing - Lamayuru Gompa; picnic lunch; return to Uletokpo Camp.
Day 06: Drive to Rangdum, overnight in our camp.
Day 07: Morning visit Rangdum Gompa, then drives to Karsha via Pensi La (4400m); visit Karsha Gompa; overnight in our camp.
Day 08: Visit Zangla Castle and Stongde Gompa, drive back to Karsha; overnight at our camp.
Day 09: Visit Bardan Gompa and drive back to Sani, overnight camp at Sani; overnight at our camp.
Day 10: Drive to Parkhachik; overnight at our camp.
Day 11: Drive to Mulbekh; overnight at our camp
Day 12: Drive back to Leh; stay in hotel.
Day 13: Full day at your leisure, shopping, cultural program show in the evening.
Day 14: Fly back to Delhi and transfer to hotel.
Day 15: Drive to Agra; lunch in a hotel in Agra, after lunch visit Taj Mahal.
Day 16: Morning sightseeing around Agra, after lunch drive back to Delhi; depart India
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