Manali to Leh Road Trip via Zanskar Valley
Category
Road Trip
Start - End
Manali - Padum - Leh
Duration
5 N - 6 D
Best Season
May to early October
Price
From : ₹ 52,000
Overview
- Duration: 6–8 Days
- Start – End: Manali to Leh (via Zanskar Valley)
- Route: Manali – Darcha – Shingo La – Padum – Lingshed – Wanla – Nimmu – Leh
- Elevation Range: 2,050 m to 5,050 m
- Best Season: May to early October
- Ideal For: Explorers, overland travelers, offbeat seekers, cultural enthusiasts
- Accommodation: Camps, homestays, guesthouses (basic to mid-range)
Highlights
Traverse the high-altitude Shingo La Pass (5,050 m) – now accessible by road
Explore remote Zanskar villages: Purne, Reru, Karsha
Visit Phugtal Monastery, built into a mountain cave
Cross dramatic Zanskar Gorge to reach Lingshed & Wanla
Scenic final drive to Leh via Nimmu – one of the wildest roads in the Himalayas
Optional extension to Nubra or Pangong
Itinerary
Route Highlights:
- Drive through Atal Tunnel (9.02 km – longest highway tunnel in India)
- Lahaul Valley landscapes: Sissu, Tandi confluence (Chandra-Bhaga), Keylong
- Stay: Guesthouse/Camp in Jispa
- Meals: Dinner
Travel Tip:
- Acclimatize slowly; avoid alcohol, drink plenty of fluids
- Ideal to arrive in Manali a day before the start
- Add-on: Visit Sissu Waterfall or take a short walk by the Bhaga River
Route Highlights:
- Cross Darcha (trekking hub) & enter remote Zanskar route
- Surreal climb to Shingo La Pass (5,050 m)
- Views of glaciers, prayer flags, sharp ridgelines
- Descend to Lakhang, continue to Purne
- Stay: Homestay in Purne (basic but warm hospitality)
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel Tip:
Shingo La is a high pass – drive slowly and allow for photo/rest breaks
- Add-on: Stop at Gonbo Ranjon for a quick break
Route Highlights:
- Hike to Phugtal Monastery – stunning cliffside cave monastery
- Return and continue to Padum via scenic Zanskar valley
- Stay: Guesthouse or camp in Padum
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel Tip:
- Start early for Phugtal; moderate trail (1 hr one way)
- Carry water, cap, snacks for the hike
Route Highlights:
- Explore Karsha Gompa – largest monastery in Zanskar
- Visit Stongdey Monastery – perched with valley views
- Explore the town of Padum (capital of Zanskar)
Stay: Guesthouse or Hotel in Padum
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel Tip:
- Use this day to relax and recharge
- WiFi/Network may be intermittent – inform loved ones in advance
Add-on: Visit Zangla Fort or try local Zanskari cuisine
Route Highlights:
- Drive through the narrow and wild Zanskar Gorge
- Rocky tunnels, raw Himalayan terrain
- Climb into the Lingshed region – isolated and scenic
Stay: Homestay in Lingshed
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Travel Tip:
This route is rugged – early start and packed food essential
Expect slow driving and stunning photo stops
Add-on: Evening walk around Lingshed village and monastery
Highlights:
- Climb Sirsir La Pass (4,800 m)
- Descend into Wanla Valley
- Optional visit to Lamayuru (Moonland & Monastery)
- Drive through the Indus Valley to Leh
Stay: Leh (Comfortable Hotel/Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast
Travel Tip: Long day – start early, rest as needed, and don’t skip Lamayuru if time allows
Essential Info
Cost Estimate
Group Tour (Shared SUV) Price ₹34,000 – ₹42,000 per person / Private SUV Tour (2–6 People) ₹78,000 – ₹1,10,000 total
Includes accommodation, transport, meals in remote areas, permits, experienced driver.
How to Reach
-
Fly In: Kullu (Bhuntar) Airport or Chandigarh – drive to Manali
-
Fly Out: Leh Airport (daily flights to Delhi & other cities)
-
Road Access: Atal Tunnel to Lahaul; exit via Leh
Homestay Add-On Experience
-
Stay with locals in Purne, Karsha, Lingshed
-
Enjoy Zanskari food, local legends, and authentic hospitality
-
Optional: Hike + overnight at Phugtal Monastery guesthouse
Monastery Highlights
| Monastery | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Phugtal | Cliff cave monastery – accessible by jeep + trail |
| Karsha Gompa | Largest monastery in Zanskar |
| Stongdey | Hilltop views of the Zanskar valley |
| Lingshed | Remote, serene, traditional gompa life |
Inclusions
- Private/shared vehicle with experienced driver
- Accommodation in guesthouses/homestays
- Inner Line Permits & route guidance
- Meals in remote zones (basic but hearty)
Exclusions
- Flights/train tickets
- Lunches/snacks, personal expenses
- Entry/donation to monasteries
- Tips, medical/emergency costs
- Adventure activities beyond itinerary
FAQs
May to early October, after snow melts from Shingo La.
Absolutely. We recommend Nubra, Pangong, or Tso Moriri extensions.
Jispa, Padum, and Leh: Guesthouses or hotels with basic to deluxe options.
Purne, Reru, Lingshed: Remote homestays with shared bathrooms, limited electricity, and local food.
Expect simplicity, warmth, and unmatched mountain hospitality.
Jispa, Padum, Leh: BSNL and Jio work well.
Between Purne and Lingshed: Very limited or no connectivity.
Carry a power bank or solar charger—electricity in remote homestays may be solar-based and limited to a few hours.
It’s a moderate 2-hour hike (one-way) on a trail carved into the cliffside. People with basic fitness can complete it comfortably. Carry water, hat, and walking stick if needed.
It is doable for families with children aged 8 and above who are used to mountain roads. Not recommended for infants or very young children due to high-altitude exposure and long drives.
Down jacket, thermal layers, gloves & woollen cap
Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
Water bottle, snacks, and altitude medication if prescribed
Good shoes (preferably waterproof trekking shoes)
Power bank, flashlight, toilet paper, and wet wipes
Personal ID and medical kit
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Balsari, P.O Chhiyal, Teh. Manali, District Kullu, 175131, Himachal Pradesh, India
Discover the hidden trails and breathtaking vistas of Himachal & Ladakh on our guided cycling, road trip, and hiking adventures with Himalayan Nature Escapes.
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