Offers

Best of Ladakh with Zanskar Valley(13 Nights)

Srinagar, Kargil, Padum, Rangdum, Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Leh

for Off-Beat Traveller, Experiential Traveller

Holiday Overview

Nishat Garden
Shankaracharya Temple (Photo Courtesy: Burke John)
Karsha Monastery (Photo Courtesy: hamon jp)
Rangdum Monastery - Photo Courtesy Hanon JP
Pangong Lake (Nivalink Trip Dated - 15 July 2010)
Double Humped Camel Ride (Nivalink Trip Dated - 30 July 2014)
Diskit Monastery (Nivalink Trip Dated - 30 July 2014)
Diskit Monastery from a distance (Nivalink Trip Dated - 30 July 2014)
Khardungla Pass
Gurdwara Pathar Sahib
Leh Palace (Photo Courtesy: Beefy SAFC)
Spituk Monastery (Photo Courtesy: Redtigerxyz)
Hall of Fame Museum - Photos Courtesy Milind Kshirsagar
Shey Monastery (Nivalink Trip Dated - 30 July 2014)
Thiksey Monastery (Nivalink Trip Dated - 30 July 2014)
Hemis Monastery (Nivalink Trip Dated - 30 July 2014)
Shanti Stupa Leh (Nivalink Trip Dated - 30 July 2014)

Best of Ladakh with Zanskar Valley is a two week itinerary that transcends travellers across Ladakh covering offbeat region of Zanskar valley alongwith most popular destinations of Ladakh such as Leh, Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake.

Route

Srinagar(1) - Kargil(1) - Padum(3) - Rangdum(1) - Kargil(1) - Leh(2) - Nubra Valley(2) - Pangong Lake(1) - Leh(1)

Summarised Itinerary
  • Day-1 Arrival at Srinagar
  • Day-2 Travel to Kargil
  • Day-3 Travel to Padum
  • Day-4 Exploration around Padum
  • Day-5 Exploration around Padum
  • Day-6 Return to Rangdum
  • Day-7 Return to Kargil
  • Day-8 Travel to Leh Via Lamayuru
  • Day-9 Leh Exploration
  • Day-10 Travel to Nubra Valley via Khardung La
  • Day-11 Turtuk Excursion with Diskit visit in evening
  • Day-12 Nubra - Pangong
  • Day-13 Return to Leh
  • Day-14 Departure
Sightseeing Summary

Kargil - Kargil War Memorial (54.00 kms), Lamayuru Monastery (149.00 kms), Pangong Lake (149.00 kms)

Leh - Hall of Fame Museum (4.00 kms), Shanti Stupa (5.00 kms), Sindhu Bank (10.00 kms), Shey Monastery (15.00 kms), Thiksey Monastery (19.00 kms), Gurdwara Pathar Sahib (25.00 kms), Khardungla Pass (39.00 kms), Hemis Monastery (45.00 kms), Alchi Monastery (70.00 kms), Lamayuru Monastery (109.00 kms), Pangong Lake (128.00 kms)

Nubra Valley - Double Humped Camel Ride (5.00 kms), Diskit Monastery (14.00 kms), Turtuk Village (80.00 kms)

Padum - Karsha Monastery (6.00 kms)

Pangong Lake - Pangong Lake (0.50 kms)

Rangdum - Rangdum Monastery (0.50 kms)

Preferred Arrival /Departure Destination
Arrival - Srinagar Departure - Leh
Best Season to Travel
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Popular Extensions to the Itinerary

Additional - 1 night will allow you to visit Tsomoriri Lake (Between Pangong Lake and Leh)

Distances
  • Srinagar to Kargil -204 kms (8 hrs)
  • Kargil to Padum -240 kms (10 hrs)
  • Padum to Rangdum -110 kms (5 hrs)
  • Rangdum to Kargil -130 kms (5 hrs)
  • Kargil to Leh -234 kms (10 hrs)
  • Leh to Nubra Valley -125 kms (5 hrs)
  • Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake -170 kms (6 hrs)
  • Pangong Lake to Leh -150 kms (5 hrs)
Route

Srinagar(1) - Kargil(1) - Padum(3) - Rangdum(1) - Kargil(1) - Leh(2) - Nubra Valley(2) - Pangong Lake(1) - Leh(1)

Detailed Itinerary

Day-1 Arrival at Srinagar Today you arrive at Srinagar during the day for overnight transit stay.

Day-2 Travel to Kargil Today you travel to Kargil (200 kms) via Sonamarg (85 kms), Zojila Pass and Kargil War Memorial (Drass). Reach Kargil by late afternoon / evening.

Day-3 Travel to Padum Today you depart early at 7 AM to travel 250 kms (10 hours) to Padum (16000 ft asl) via Rangdum and Penzi La. Padum is the only town in Zanskar region and a base point to explore the area.

Day-4 Exploration around Padum Today after some rest and acclimatisation, you explore round Padum visiting Tungri village (17 KMs) and Zongkhul Monastery (37 Kms). Total time spent 3 hours.

Day-5 Exploration around Padum Today do further exploration around Padum including Sani, Stongdey, and Karsha monasteries, Zang La Fort and Sheela Village Waterfall. Total drive time - 3-4 hours.

Day-6 Return to Rangdum Today you return to Rangdum (120 kms - 4-5 hours). Enroute you take stunning pictures of Drang Drung Glacier, do some wildlife photography (Marmots) and capture superb views of Penzi La pass and Statso – Langtso Twin Lakes.

Day-7 Return to Kargil Today you return to Kargil. Enroute you spend time at Panikhar village, The rock-carved Maitreya at Kartse Khar and take the unexplored Umba La route on the way back to reach Kargil via drass (Total drive time 8 hours)

Day-8 Travel to Leh Via Lamayuru  Today you tarvel to Leh (230 kms) via Mulbekh Buddhas (Stopover), Lamayuru Monastery, Magnetic hills, Alchi Monastery, Indus-Zanskar confluence and Pathar Sahib Gurdwara. Reach Leh by evening

Day-9 Leh Exploration Today you explore monasteries in and around Leh such as Shey, Thiksey alongwith scenic areas of Sindhu Ghat, Stok Palace (Museum) and Shanti Stupa (Evening visit recommended).

Day-10 Travel to Nubra Valley via Khardung La oday you drive to Nubra Valley (Known as the Valley of Flowers and the warmest region in Ladakh) via Khardungla pass (18360 ft asl - one of the highest motorable passes in the world). En route, admire the spectacular views of the never-ending snow-capped mountain ranges around Khardungla Pass and North Pullu (Riverside)/ After spending some time at Khardungla, proceed to Nubra (130 kms from Leh - 4 hours). You arrive by afternoon and later in the evening proceed to Hunder, the high altitude desert area for a Camel ride.

Day-11 Turtuk Excursion with Diskit visit in evening Today you undertake a day excursion to Turtuk (100 kms one way), a village on the Indo-Pak border having its unique ethnic character and stunning views enroute. In the evening you visit Diskit Monastery for spectacular views of the Nubra Valley

Day-12 Nubra - Pangong Today you travel to Pangong (15000 ft asl - 190 kms - 7 hours) via Durbuk. This is one of the most remote, adventurous and exhilarating drives of Ladakh. You reach Pangong by afternoon. Pangong is breezy and where you arrive for stunning views of the lake. Rest of the day you walk around Pangong lake reliving the "3 Idiots" moments.

Day-13 Return to Leh Today you return to Leh (150 kms - 4 hours - One way) via Chang La Pass (16000 ft). Enroute you will sight Marmots and have an option to visit Ancient Monasteries of Shey, Hemis and Thiksey. In the evening you may do market visit or enjoy some local style Tibetan dining.

Day-14 Departure Depart for onward journey.

Detailed Sightseeing

Kargil :

  • Kargil War Memorial - Kargil War Memorial at Drass is the ultimate tribute to Indian soldiers martyred in Kargil war and is a must visit for travellers on Srinagar - Leh route.

  • Lamayuru Monastery - Lamayuru is one of the largest and oldest gompas in Ladakh and visited enroute on the Leh - Srinagar route. It has a population of around 150 permanent monks resident.

  • Pangong Lake - Pangong Lake is an high altitude lake visited ex-Leh (128 kms). The lake is 134 kms long and max 5 km wide. Pangong drive from Leh is most spectacular via Changla pass and staying overnight at Pangong Lake is nothing short of an experience. Pangong area is also renowned for bird watching as its a nesting grounds for migratory birds like Bar headed Geese and being considered for a Ramsar site.

Leh :

  • Hall of Fame Museum - Hall of Fame Leh is a museum constructed and maintained by the Indian army in memory of the brave soldiers who lost their lives in the Indo-Pak wars

  • Shanti Stupa - Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist stupa on a hilltop near Leh built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura. The Shanti Stupa holds the relics of the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama himself. The stupa has become a tourist attraction not only due to its religious significance but also due to its location which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Sindhu Bank - Sindhu Ghat is situated at 10 km up stream the Indus River from Leh near the Shey monastery. It is a peaceful river bank offering excellent views of the area around.

  • Shey Monastery - The Shey Monastery and the Shey Palace complex are located 15 kilometres south of Leh on the Leh-Manali road. Shey was the summer capital of Ladakh in the past

  • Thiksey Monastery - Thikse Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Yellow Hat sect at 19 kms and is noted for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet and is the largest gompa in central Ladakh. The monastery is located at an altitude of 11,800 ft asl and is a 12-storey complex and houses many items of Buddhist art such as stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings and swords.

  • Gurdwara Pathar Sahib - Gurdwara Pathar Sahib was constructed in 1517 to commemorate the visit to the Ladakh region of Guru Nanak Dev in the region. Gurdwara is located at about 25 kms from Leh, on the Leh-Kargil road, 12000 ft above sea level.

  • Khardungla Pass - Khardung La (17582 ft asl) is one of the worlds highest motorable passes at 39 kms from Leh. Khardung La offers spectacular views and is kind of must visit for any traveller to Leh.

  • Hemis Monastery - Hemis Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Lineage, located at 45 kms from Ladakh. The monastery existed before 11th century and was re-established in 1672 by the Ladakhi king. The annual Hemis festival honoring Padmasambhava is held here in early June.

  • Alchi Monastery - At 70 kms from Leh, Alchi Choskor(10000 - 11000 ft) is situated on the banks of Indus River. It is the Jewel among Ladakhs monasteries. The main attraction here is the Alchi Gompa, a Buddhist worshipping place and study center, with an estimated 1000 years old

  • Lamayuru Monastery - Lamayuru is one of the largest and oldest gompas in Ladakh and visited enroute on the Leh - Srinagar route. It has a population of around 150 permanent monks resident.

  • Pangong Lake - Pangong Lake is an high altitude lake visited ex-Leh (128 kms). The lake is 134 kms long and max 5 km wide. Pangong drive from Leh is most spectacular via Changla pass and staying overnight at Pangong Lake is nothing short of an experience. Pangong area is also renowned for bird watching as its a nesting grounds for migratory birds like Bar headed Geese and being considered for a Ramsar site.

Nubra Valley :

  • Double Humped Camel Ride - Nubra Valley (120 kms from Leh) is known for being the high altitude desert area and home to double humped camels. A camel ride here is popular with tourists.

  • Diskit Monastery - Diskit Monastery is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley region of Ladakh. Lachung Temple and Hundur Monastery are also located nearby.

  • Turtuk Village - Turtuk Village is a popular excursion for travellers to Nubra Valley. Set at 80 kms from Hunder, The village was part of Pakistan until 1971, when the Indian army occupied the village during a border war along the Line of Control and is the only village in Indian control that has Gilgit - Baltistan ethnicity population.

Padum :

  • Karsha Monastery - Karsha Monastery built in 11th century is the largest monastic establishment of Zanskar at 6 Km from Padum. Monastery is set on a hill by a river and offers excellent views of the area. It has the largest library of religious text in Zanskar. There are eight temples and two assembly halls in the complex, which also houses a large and priceless Thangka and smaller but valuable scrolls and precious idols.

Pangong Lake :

  • Pangong Lake - Pangong Lake is an high altitude lake visited ex-Leh (128 kms). The lake is 134 kms long and max 5 km wide. Pangong drive from Leh is most spectacular via Changla pass and staying overnight at Pangong Lake is nothing short of an experience. Pangong area is also renowned for bird watching as its a nesting grounds for migratory birds like Bar headed Geese and being considered for a Ramsar site.

Rangdum :

  • Rangdum Monastery - Rangdum Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery belonging to the Gelugpa sect, situated at an altitude of 12000 ft asl at the head of the Suru Valley enroute to Zanskar valley in Ladakh.

Destination Overview

Srinagar - Srinagar is the summer capital city of Kashmir. Srinagar is a city famous for its lake experience. Houseboats, Shikaras and Mughal gardens, Handicraft shops all combine to give a unique holiday experience.

Kargil - Kargil (8200 ft asl) is one of the coldest regions in India on the Srinagar - Leh highway.

Padum - Padum (also spelt Padam) located 240 km from Kargil is the largest town and administrative center of Zanskar Valley.

Rangdum - Rangdum is located midway between Kargil and Padum and is about 100 kms from Kargil.

Leh - Leh lies at altitude of 10500 ft and the region basically is a high altitude desert and home to ancient monasteries, offers some extreme weather and exceptional views.

Nubra Valley - Nubra Valley (120 kms from Leh) is known for being the high altitude desert area having sand dunes and the double humped camels.

Pangong Lake - Pangong Lake (160 kms from Leh) is situated at about 14,200 feet and is the world’s highest saltwater lake.

Access
Prefered Arrival : No ImageSrinagar
Prefered Departure : No ImageLeh
Distances
  • Srinagar to Kargil -204 kms (8 hrs)
  • Kargil to Padum -240 kms (10 hrs)
  • Padum to Rangdum -110 kms (5 hrs)
  • Rangdum to Kargil -130 kms (5 hrs)
  • Kargil to Leh -234 kms (10 hrs)
  • Leh to Nubra Valley -125 kms (5 hrs)
  • Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake -170 kms (6 hrs)
  • Pangong Lake to Leh -150 kms (5 hrs)

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Travel Ideas incorporated in the itinerary

Ladakh Experience

Ladakh (9000 - 17000 ft asl) is home to a number of high altitude monasteries. Guests typically more

Lines indicate the best available driving routes.
Arrows indicate connectivity other than Road (e.g. Waterways or Air).
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Distances
  • Srinagar to Kargil -204 kms (8 hrs)
  • Kargil to Padum -240 kms (10 hrs)
  • Padum to Rangdum -110 kms (5 hrs)
  • Rangdum to Kargil -130 kms (5 hrs)
  • Kargil to Leh -234 kms (10 hrs)
  • Leh to Nubra Valley -125 kms (5 hrs)
  • Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake -170 kms (6 hrs)
  • Pangong Lake to Leh -150 kms (5 hrs)

Expert Speak

Best of Ladakh with Zanskar Valley is best done during June-Sept when all roads are open and weather is not too cold and mountain passes enroute are now snow filled.

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Nivalink has taken over 300 trips across India and select destinations overseas over last 10 years to verify hotels, evaluate destinations and understand its suitability with different profiles of customers across different seasons.

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