• After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin the journey towards Jispa. Drive through the Solang Valley and cross the impressive Atal Tunnel, which connects Manali with the Lahaul Valley. On emerging from the tunnel, experience a dramatic transformation in the landscape, from the lush slopes of Manali to the rugged mountains of Lahaul. Stop near Sissu to enjoy views of the waterfall, the Chandra River and the surrounding peaks. Continue towards Tandi, located near the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers, and then pass through Keylong, the administrative centre of Lahaul. Travel onward through Gemur and smaller mountain settlements before reaching Jispa, situated along the banks of the Bhaga River. On arrival, check in at the hotel, camp or guest house. The evening will be free for acclimatisation and rest. Guests may enjoy a gentle walk near the river, but strenuous activity should be avoided due to the increasing altitude.
• Overnight stay: Jispa
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner

• After an early breakfast, check out and proceed towards Darcha, an important settlement on the historic route connecting Lahaul with Zanskar. After completing the necessary checkpoint formalities, continue through remote and rugged high-altitude terrain towards Shinku La Pass. The drive passes barren valleys, glacial streams, rocky mountain slopes and vast isolated stretches. Reach Shinku La Pass, situated at an altitude of approximately 5,091 metres. Weather and road conditions permitting, stop briefly to enjoy the panoramic landscape, fluttering prayer flags and surrounding snow-covered peaks. Due to the extreme altitude and strong winds, the halt will remain short. Descend from the pass into the remote Lungnak Valley and continue towards Kargyak village, one of the first major settlements after entering Zanskar from the Himachal side. The village is known for its traditional stone-and-mud houses, cultivated fields and isolated Himalayan setting. Continue towards the magnificent Gombo Rangjon, a sacred and dramatic mountain formation rising vertically from the valley floor. Revered by the people of Zanskar, Gombo Rangjon is one of the most iconic natural landmarks of the region. On arrival, check in at the camp, guest house or homestay. Spend the evening enjoying sunset views of the sacred mountain and the surrounding valley. On clear nights, the remote location offers excellent opportunities for stargazing and viewing the Milky Way.
• Overnight stay: Gombo Rangjon area
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner

• After a very early breakfast, check out and continue through the spectacular landscapes of the Lungnak Valley towards Purne. Travel past Kargyak, isolated villages, river crossings, grazing grounds and dramatic rock formations.
  Reach Purne, the main base for visiting the extraordinary Phuktal Monastery, one of the most isolated and visually striking Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas. Depending on the operational status of the road, proceed by vehicle to the nearest accessible road head and begin the walk to the monastery. The trail follows the Tsarap River through a dramatic canyon landscape. The exact walking distance and duration will depend on how far the motorable road is open at the time of travel. The route may include narrow paths, uneven surfaces and moderate ascents and descents. Phuktal Monastery, also known as Phugtal Gompa, is built into the mouth of a natural cave high above the river. The monastery appears to emerge directly from the cliff and has served for centuries as a centre of Buddhist learning, meditation and spiritual retreat. Explore the monastery complex, including its prayer halls, cave chambers, monastic quarters, ancient scriptures and sacred spring. Enjoy remarkable views over the Tsarap River and the remote Lungnak Valley while gaining an insight into the traditional monastic life of Zanskar. After the visit, walk back to the road head and continue by vehicle towards Padum. The onward drive passes through remote settlements, barren valleys, Buddhist chortens and striking high-altitude landscapes.
  On arrival in Padum, check in at the hotel or guest house and rest after the long and physically demanding day.
• Overnight stay: Padum
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner

• After breakfast, begin a full-day exploration of Padum and its surrounding cultural and natural attractions.
  Start with a visit to Karsha Monastery, the largest and one of the most important monastic establishments in Zanskar. The monastery is dramatically positioned on a hillside overlooking the Padum Valley and the banks of the Doda River.
• Explore the monastery’s prayer halls, assembly areas, monastic quarters and traditional religious spaces. Karsha is particularly known for its extensive collection of Buddhist art, historic scriptures and ancient wall paintings. Subject to access and permission, visit the Lhabrang or teaching room, where centuries-old murals provide a rare insight into the artistic and spiritual traditions of Zanskar. Some of these paintings are believed to be approximately 500 years old.
  From the monastery, enjoy expansive views across the Doda River, cultivated fields, Padum Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. Time may be spent walking through the nearby village and observing the traditional lifestyle of the local community.
• Continue towards Sani village and Sani Lake, a peaceful water body situated near one of the oldest monastic settlements in the region. The lake and its surrounding landscape provide a serene setting for photography and a relaxed walk. The area is also known for its association with Zanskar’s ancient Buddhist heritage.
  Later, return to Padum and explore Padum Market and its surrounding lanes. The market serves as the commercial centre of Zanskar and offers small shops selling woollens, handicrafts, local produce, household goods and daily essentials. Guests may also enjoy time at local cafés or take a short walk through nearby residential areas.
  The remainder of the evening will be at leisure.
• Overnight stay: Padum
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner

• After a very early breakfast, check out and begin the long return journey towards Sissu. Travel back through the remote Zanskar landscape, passing Purne, the Lungnak Valley, Kargyak village and the towering Gombo Rangjon mountain.
  Continue towards Shinku La Pass, crossing the high-altitude route back into Himachal Pradesh. The movement across the pass will remain subject to weather, road conditions, checkpoint permissions and the driver’s safety assessment.
  Descend towards Darcha and continue through Jispa, Gemur, Keylong and Tandi. Follow the Bhaga River and later the Chandra River through the dramatic landscapes of Lahaul.
  On arrival in Sissu, check in at the hotel and rest after the exceptionally long driving day. Depending on arrival time and energy levels, guests may take a short evening walk or simply relax at the property.
• Overnight stay: Sissu
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner

• After an early breakfast, check out and begin the return journey to Chandigarh. Drive through the beautiful Lahaul Valley and cross the Atal Tunnel to reach Manali.
  Subject to available time and traffic conditions, stop briefly in Manali or Kullu for refreshments, lunch or local shopping. Continue through Mandi, Sundernagar, Bilaspur and Kiratpur towards Chandigarh.
  On arrival, transfer to Chandigarh Airport, Railway Station or an agreed city location for the onward journey.
  The expedition concludes with memorable experiences of Lahaul, Shinku La Pass, Kargyak village, the sacred Gombo Rangjon mountain, the remote Lungnak Valley, Phuktal Monastery, Padum, Karsha Monastery, the Doda River and Sani Lake.
• Meals: Breakfast

This is a high-altitude expedition involving long driving days, a pass crossing at over 5,000 metres, and a moderate walk to Phuktal Monastery. It is best suited to physically fit travellers with prior high-altitude or long-road-trip experience rather than first-time mountain travellers.

Shinku La Pass and the Zanskar route are typically accessible from June to September, when roads are open and weather conditions are more stable. Travel outside this window is not advisable due to snow and unpredictable road closures.

Phuktal Monastery is not directly motorable. From Purne, travellers proceed by vehicle to the nearest accessible road head and then walk along the Tsarap River to the monastery. The exact distance depends on how far the road is open at the time of travel.

Checkpoint formalities are required at Darcha before proceeding towards Shinku La Pass and Zanskar. GHAS manages all necessary checkpoint documentation and permissions as part of the tour arrangements.

Accommodation in remote sections such as Gombo Rangjon is typically in camps, guest houses, or homestays, while Padum and Jispa offer hotel or guest house options. Facilities are basic in the more remote stretches, in keeping with the expedition nature of this route.

Yes, GHAS can customize this Tour Package based on your travel style, duration, and comfort preferences.

GHAS offers destination expertise, premium logistics, owned fleet operations, and deep local experience in crafting authentic experiential Himalayan journeys.

Please feel free to contact below mentioned phone number or email

Phone : +91 98162 17644 / +91 97699 47009
Email : info@himalayanadrenaline.com / team@ghas.in