7-Day Zanskar Valley Road Trip Itinerary from Delhi [Complete Guide 2025]

If you're dreaming of a road trip that takes you far beyond the crowds, into the untouched corners of the Himalayas — Zanskar Valley is your answer. This rugged and remote region of Ladakh offers unmatched scenery, sacred mountains like Gonbo Rangjon, ancient monasteries, and surreal high passes. In this detailed 7-day itinerary from Delhi, we’ll guide you through every stop — from Manali to Padum to Drang Drung Glacier — so you can plan an adventure that’s as wild as the roads that lead there.

Zanskar Valley Road Trip Itinerary: Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: Manali to Jispa

• Begin your ascent by crossing the Atal Tunnel into the dramatic Lahaul Valley.

• Scenic drive alongside the Chandra and Bhaga rivers.

• Overnight stay in Jispa (10,500 ft).

Highlights: Atal Tunnel, Keylong, riverside stay

Day 2: Jispa to Purne via Gonbo Rangjon

• Drive past Shinku La Pass (16,580 ft) – a stunning high-altitude stretch.

• Stop at Gonbo Rangjon, the sacred standalone peak revered by monks and locals.

• Reach Purne, a peaceful settlement near the Tsarap River.

Highlights: Shinku La, Gonbo Rangjon, rugged Himalayan terrain

Day 3: Purne to Padum

• Go for the famous Phuktal Monastery trek.

• Travel deeper into Zanskar Valley, reaching its heart — Padum.

• Cross traditional villages and pass by Karsha Monastery.

• Padum becomes your base for local exploration.

Highlights: Monastery views, traditional Zanskari homes, high-altitude culture

Day 4: Padum – Zangla – Drang Drung – Return

• Day excursion to Zangla Palace and the massive Drang Drung Glacier.

• Cross Pensi La, one of the most scenic mountain passes in Zanskar.

• Return to Padum by evening.

Highlights: Drang Drung Glacier, Zangla Palace, Pensi La views

Day 5: Padum to Gonbo (Backtrack)

• Begin your return journey, stopping once more at the spiritual backdrop of Gonbo Rangjon.

• Optional bonfire night under the stars.

  
  

Day 6: Gonbo to Manali + Overnight Journey to Delhi

• Cross Shinku La again and descend through Jispa to reach Manali by evening.

• Board your overnight bus or vehicle to Delhi.

  
  

Day 7: Arrival in Delhi

• Reach Delhi by morning with memories of untouched Himalayan grandeur.

Route Map Snapshot

Delhi → Manali → Jispa → Shinku La → Gonbo Rangjon → Purne → Padum → Zangla → Drang Drung → Gonbo → Manali → Delhi

 Best Time to Visit Zanskar by Road

• June to mid-September (ideal window before snow returns)

• Avoid shoulder seasons due to unpredictable pass closures

Travel Tips for Zanskar Valley Road Trip

• No phone signal: Only BSNL, and even that is patchy

• Stay hydrated and consider Diamox for altitude sickness

• Fuel up in Manali/Jispa — no pumps beyond

• 4x4 or experienced driver required for rough terrain

• Layered clothing is essential due to drastic temperature changes

Who Is This Trip For?

• True explorers seeking offbeat Himalayan adventures

• Bikers, 4x4 offroaders, drone artists, and photographers

• Soul searchers looking for solitude, silence, and sky

• Anyone who has already done Leh-Ladakh and wants more

  
  

Plan Your Zanskar Expedition

This Zanskar Valley road trip itinerary is more than just a route — it’s a path into a quieter, untouched world. Whether you're riding solo, traveling with friends, or joining a curated group expedition, this is one journey you'll remember forever.

For bookings, group departures, or to customize your own route, explore the official Zanskar Road Trip page on the Panny Fack India website — your trusted guide to offbeat Himalayan travel.

Looking for More Adventures?

If Zanskar felt wild, wait till you experience Spiti Valley — another raw, high-altitude circuit filled with moonscapes, monasteries, and the iconic Chicham Bridge.