Overview

Experience the remote landscapes of Ladakh with TrekNomads on the Ladakh Zanskar Valley Premium Expedition. This journey takes you through the beautiful Zanskar region, known for its snow-covered landscapes, remote villages, dramatic mountains, and ancient monasteries. The experience combines high-altitude adventure, local culture, and comfortable stays, making it a great choice for those looking to explore a less-travelled part of the Himalayas.

Leh – Gateway to Ladakh

Located at an altitude of around 3,500 metres, Leh is the capital of Ladakh and an important stop before exploring the Zanskar Valley. Its Tibetan-Buddhist culture, historic monasteries, markets, and mountain surroundings make it an interesting place to explore and acclimatise.

As part of the journey, you can experience Leh sightseeing and visit places such as Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Hemis Monastery. This time in Leh also allows you to prepare for the high-altitude journey into Zanskar.

Explore the Remote Zanskar Valley

The Zanskar Valley is known for its rugged Himalayan scenery, snow-covered peaks, remote settlements, and traditional way of life. The journey takes you through places such as Padum, Yugar, Shaday, and other remote villages, offering an opportunity to experience the culture and lifestyle of the Zanskari people.

The region is also home to remarkable monasteries, including Phugtal Monastery and Mune Monastery. Set among the dramatic mountain landscape, these monasteries add a cultural and spiritual element to the Zanskar Valley exploration.

What to Expect from the Premium Package

  • High-altitude exploration through the remote Zanskar Valley
  • Experienced TrekNomads guides and support throughout the journey
  • Comfortable homestays and guesthouses in remote villages
  • Opportunities to experience local culture and visit historic monasteries
  • Scenic drives and time for acclimatisation in Leh
  • Opportunities to capture the dramatic landscapes of Ladakh

The Ladakh Zanskar Valley Premium Expedition brings together Himalayan landscapes, remote villages, historic monasteries, and high-altitude adventure. It is ideal for travellers who want to explore the quieter side of Ladakh while experiencing the unique culture and landscapes of the Zanskar region.

8 Nights 9 Days 05 Dec, 12 Dec, 19 Dec, and more Leh
Dates and Rates
Group Departures
date & duration availability price
Itinerary

Short Itinerary:

  • ​Day 01: Arrival in Leh (3,500 m)
  • Day 02: Leh Acclimatisation, Sightseeing & Preparation Day
  • Day 03: Leh to Padum via Nerak Waterfall & Karsha Monastery
  • Day 04: Padum to Drang Drung Glacier to Zongkul Monastery
  • Day 05: Padum to Yugar Village via Gonbo Rangjon via Shila Waterfalls & Bardan Monastery
  • Day 06: Yugar to Shaday Village via Phugtal Monastery – Mune Monastery
  • Day 07: Shaday to Yugar Village
  • Day 08: Yugar Village to Leh 
  • Day 09: Departure from Leh

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Leh (3,500 m)

  • Altitude: 3,500 m | Travel Distance: 10 km | Travel Time: 30 min
    Arrive in Leh and transfer to your hotel. Spend the day resting and acclimatising to the high altitude. In the evening, take a leisurely walk around the vibrant Leh market.
    Overnight: Leh (Hotel)

Day 02: Leh Acclimatisation, Sightseeing & Preparation Day

Explore the rich culture and heritage of Leh by visiting Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Hemis Monastery. In the afternoon, attend a gear check and trek briefing with your guide.
Altitude: 3,500 m | Travel Distance: 40 km | Travel Time: 4–5 hours | Overnight: Leh (Hotel)

Day 03: Leh to Padum via Nerak Waterfall & Karsha Monastery

Drive across the frozen Zanskar Valley, stopping at the breathtaking Nerak Waterfall. Visit Karsha Monastery, the largest in Zanskar, before continuing to Padum.
Altitude: Padum – 3,550 m | Travel Distance: 210 km | Travel Time: 9–10 hours | Overnight: Padum (Hotel/Guesthouse)

Day 04: Padum to Drang Drung Glacier and Zongkul Monastery

Drive to one of Ladakh’s largest glaciers, Drang Drung, and marvel at the surrounding peaks. Explore the ancient Zongkul cave monastery, historically associated with Naropa, before returning to Padum.
Altitude: Drang Drung Glacier – 3,900 m | Zongkul Monastery – 3,800 m | Travel Distance: 45 km | Travel Time: 2–3 hours | Trek Distance: 3–4 km | Trek Time: 1–2 hours | Overnight: Padum (Hotel/Guesthouse)

Day 05: Padum to Yugar Village via Gonbo Rangjon via Shila Waterfalls & Bardan Monastery

Drive through scenic Zanskar Valley, visiting the Shila Waterfalls and Bardan Monastery. Continue to the sacred peak Gonbo Rangjon, then reach Yugar Village for your homestay.
Altitude: Gonbo Rangjon – 4,100 m | Yugar – 3,900 m | Travel Distance: 55 km | Travel Time: 3–4 hours
| Trek Distance: 4–5 km | Trek Time: 2 hours | Overnight: Yugar Village (Homestay)

Day 06: Yugar to Shaday Village via Phugtal Monastery – Mune Monastery

Begin the trek to the iconic Phugtal Monastery, a cliffside cave monastery. En route, visit Mune Monastery, then continue to Shaday Village, experiencing the unique remote Himalayan terrain.
Altitude: Phugtal Monastery – 3,800 m | Shaday Village – 3,900 m | Travel Distance: 5 km | Travel Time: 15–20 min
| Trek Distance: 12 km | Trek Time: 5–6 hours | Overnight: Shaday Village (Homestay)

Day 07: Shaday to Yugar Village

Retrace your steps along the frozen river and scenic trails back to Yugar Village. Enjoy the serene valley views and capture the beauty of Zanskar’s remote landscape.
Altitude: Yugar Village – 3,900 m | Trek Distance: 12 km | Trek Time: 4–5 hours | Overnight: Yugar Village (Homestay)

Day 08: Yugar Village to Leh 

Drive back to Leh along the Zanskar Valley, taking in the dramatic Himalayan scenery one last time.
Altitude: Leh – 3,500 m | Travel Distance: 210 km | Travel Time: 9–10 hours | Overnight: Leh (Hotel)

Day 09: Departure from Leh

Transfer to Leh airport for your onward flight, concluding the trek.
Altitude: 3,500 m | Travel Distance: 10 km | Travel Time: 30 min

Risk and Liability 

We will endeavor to make your program smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, the entire course of trekking depends on the ranges of the mighty mountains, physical health, and environmental conditions. Therefore, TrekNomads shall not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstance and natural disasters such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snowing, cancellation of flight and delay, any types of sickness including altitude sickness.

Fitness Criteria 

This trek requires a good level of fitness.

To register for this trek you are required to complete a 5K run in under 35 minutes. Once you do register, please share the run details with our Trek Captain. 

If you're not already following a fitness regime, you would need to follow the regime that will be shared with you. The training routine is spread over four months and you would be expected to work out at least 4 times a week. The regime is designed to help you climb smarter even in higher altitudes. The regime consists of a good combination of exercises that works on all parts of your body including - Upper Body, Core, Endurance, Lower Body, Shoulder strength and along with streamlining your breathing pattern. When followed religiously, you can rest assured that you will be ready for the trek. Not only does this regime help you with the trek, but it will also help you inculcate a sense of fitness in your day-to-day life. 

Do’s and Don’ts:

  • We believe in leaving the mountains in a better condition, which is why we follow a no-litter policy on our treks. Each trekker will have to bring back the waste that is created during the trek.
  • Trekking is best enjoyed when you’ve worn comfortable clothes. Try and avoid wearing Jeans, bright colours and heavy apparels as much as possible.
  • A lighter backpack always helps you have a better trek, try and carry just as much as needed.
  • Always be in sight of your trek lead, if you feel the need to stop for any reason at all, please keep the trek lead informed.
  • If you do come across any reptiles, animals or even insects during the trek, please keep your calm and let it patiently pass by. Any kind of noise and panic will scare them as well.
  • Do not venture out into the forest/waterfalls on your own as it may be dangerous.
  • Trekking is a good adventure, having said that, it is our primary responsibility to take good care of ourselves and be compassionate towards fellow trekkers
  • If, at any point, during the trek, you feel uneasy or unwell, please inform the trek lead immediately
  • Tune in to the sounds of nature while on a trek and avoid carrying speakers or playing music during the course of the trek
  • To help you enjoy the trek to the fullest, we avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol, and other intoxicants during the course of the trek
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Premium Perks
Premium Perks
  • Stay in a premium 3-star hotel in Leh with centrally heated rooms and attached bathrooms, giving you proper comfort at 3,500m.
  • Get airport pick-up and drop-off, with your arrival and departure logistics handled.
  • Enjoy hot drinking water during the trekking days, especially valuable in freezing winter conditions.
  • Get hot water for hot packs, helping you stay warm inside your sleeping bag at night.
  • Have access to a portable oxygen cylinder as part of the first-aid setup, adding an important layer of high-altitude preparedness.
  • Get a dedicated mountaineering-qualified professional trek guide.
  • Leave your excess luggage safely in Leh while you head into the remote Zanskar region, instead of carrying everything throughout the journey.
  • Enjoy all major meals covered across the trekking section, reducing the need to arrange food independently in remote areas.
Inclusions
Inclusions & Exclusions

What is included in the tour

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off 
  • 03 nights accommodation at a premium 3-star Hotel in Leh with centrally heated room and attached washroom on a double/triple sharing basis with dinner and breakfast 
  • 05 nights of homestay on a double/triple sharing basis during the trek
  • Dinner on Day 1, (BF/Dinner) meals on Day 2 & 3, (BF/Lunch/Dinner) meals from Day 4 to Day 8 and BF on Day 9
  • Standard vegetarian food for breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek 
  • Hot drinking water facility during the trekking days
  • Hot water will be provided for hot packs to keep you warm inside your sleeping bag.
  • Transportation as per the itinerary 
  • 1 Mountaineering qualified & professional trek guide (Number of guides depending on the group size)
  • Basic First Aid Kit with a portable oxygen cylinder.
  • The facility of keeping extra luggage at Leh when leaving for the trek
  • All government, local taxes and service charges
  • 15% discount coupon on Gokyo Trek Apparel and Gear
  • 10% discount coupon on Fast&Up products
  • 20% discount coupon on BMore products
  • Personalised Dri-Fit T-shirt 
  • TrekNomads goodies

What is NOT included in the tour

  • The cost to reach Leh and back
  • Medical checkup and insurance fees
  • Personal accident and travel insurance
  • Medical, Emergency Rescue and Evacuation costs, hospitalization charges, etc.
  • Any additional charges by Govt and Forest Dept / LAHDC/ ALTOA / Adventure Insurance Premium / Any other authority
  • Personal trekking gear
  • Tips for guide, porter, etc
  • Food (Lunch) during your stay at Leh
  • Local sightseeing and monastery entrance fee, camera fee, etc
  • Transportation is not on a disposal basis. It is strictly as per the program, any extra running will be charged extra. 
  • Any other expenses incurred apart from the inclusions
  • All personal, medical, evacuation and emergency expenses like extra day stay out of itinerary, helicopter services and vehicle charges due to delays, landslides and evacuation
  • Expenses incurred for guide or porter during extra days stay, transport, flight, helicopter service, etc (divided amongst the group which utilises the services of guides/porters on extra days)
  • Expenses incurred for accommodation, travel, food, etc due to the closure of the trek route by government officials, defence personnel and tourism department based on weather conditions, security concerns, etc
  • Deluxe Package does not include meals at Leh, porter for extra luggage and airport pick up and drop
Type of Trek
Himalayan Treks
Trek Gradient
Difficult
Treknical Details

Altitude Map:

  • Leh: 11,400 ft (3,500 m)
  • Tsomo Paldar: 10,400 ft (3,200 m)
  • Tibb Cave: 10,800 ft (3,300 m)
  • Nerak: 11,100 ft (3,400 m)
  • Best Months to trek: January, First week of February

Other Details:

  • Trek Gradient: Difficult
  • Trek Distance: 60+ Km
  • Assembling Point: Leh
  • Trek Duration: 25+ hours
  • Average Temperature: -5 to -15 degrees (during the day) and -15 to -25 degrees (during the night)
  • Season: Early January - Early February
  • Nearest Airport: : Leh Airport (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport)
  • Nearest ATM: Leh Airport and Market
FAQ's

How difficult is the Ladakh Zanskar Valley Expedition?

It's graded difficult. While much of the journey is covered by road, the trek also includes altitude gains up to around 4,100m, cold temperatures, and remote terrain, so a good level of physical fitness is required.

How do I get around during this trip?

Mostly by road. Long scenic drives connect Leh to Padum and the villages beyond, with shorter treks of a few hours built in on select days, like the walk to Phugtal Monastery on Day 6.

What is the highest point on this trip?

Gonbo Rangjon at around 4,100m, reached on Day 5 en route to Yugar Village.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

A mix of hotel stays in Leh and homestays in the villages. You'll get 3 nights in a premium 3-star hotel in Leh with attached washrooms, and 5 nights of homestay accommodation on a double or triple sharing basis during the trek.

What is Phugtal Monastery?

A cliffside cave monastery in the Zanskar Valley, reached during the trek on Day 6, and one of the more iconic cultural stops on this itinerary along with Karsha, Zongkul, Bardan, and Mune Monasteries.

What's the best time of year for this trip?

The best time for this expedition is from early January to the first week of February, with January and the beginning of February offering the most suitable conditions for the journey. 

Is travel insurance included?

No, personal accident and travel insurance aren't included in this package and need to be arranged separately, along with any medical or evacuation costs.

Is food included throughout the trip?

Yes, standard vegetarian meals are included for most of the trip, though the exact meals vary slightly by day, dinner only on Day 1, breakfast and dinner on Days 2-3, and full board from Day 4 to Day 8, with breakfast on the final day.

Can I store extra luggage during the trek?

Yes, the package includes the facility to leave extra luggage in Leh while you're out on the trek.

What's the nearest airport and ATM?

Leh Airport (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport) is the nearest airport, and ATMs are available both at the airport and in Leh Market.