Kashmir To Zanskar Valley

After breakfast at the Srinagar houseboat, enjoy a visit to the famous Mughal Gardens. Begin with Nishat Garden, known as the ’Garden of Pleasure,’ built in the 16th century (1633) by Mughal King Asif Khan. Next, explore Shalimar Garden, known as the ’Garden of Love,’ constructed in the 16th century (1619) by Mughal King Jahangir for his beloved wife Noor Jahan (Mehr-un-Nissa). Afterward, proceed to Chashmashahi. The Chashma Shahi Mughal gardens in Srinagar have been cherished by emperors and picnickers alike and have now been restored to their past glory despite violent political unrest in the region. Overnight stay at the hotel in Srinagar.

After breakfast, drive directly to Kargil (204 kms), passing through Sonmarg. Situated at an altitude of 9000 ft, Sonmarg, also known as the ”Meadow of Gold,” boasts snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River meanders through the valley, abounding with trout and mahaseer. Stop at Sonmarg for photography and enjoy horse riding or tea. Continue the journey towards Kargil, passing over Zojila Pass. Pause at Drass, the second-coldest inhabited place in the world, for a cup of tea. Drive along the Drass River until you reach Kargil and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Kargil hotel.

In the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, drive to Rangdum village through the Suru Valley. Over the Zanskar Range, you can witness the magnificent NUN and KUN peaks, both towering above 7,000m. The population of the Suru Valley, up to Parkachik, is predominantly Muslim. The jeep road from Kargil to Zanskar-Rangdum has been in excellent condition for the past two years since the region became a union territory under Leh Ladakh. En route to Rangdum, enjoy the picturesque landscapes, perfect for photography. Overnight stay at Rangdum.

Today, we will be crossing over the Pentsela Pass. At the top of the pass, the view is stunning, featuring an abundance of medicinal plants, and the slopes are inhabited by the brown bear. Glaciers flank both sides of the pass. Later, continue the drive until Padum, the headquarters of Zanskar Valley. Overnight stay at Padum

After breakfast in the morning, drive to Karsha Monastery, founded in the 10th century by Phagspa Sherab and currently under the control of the younger brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It is the largest Gelukpa monastery in Zanskar. The view from the monastery is exceptionally beautiful, surrounded by mountains. Close to the monastery, there is another wonderful nunnery to visit, around 15km away. Dorjayzong Nunnery is an ancient Tibetan Buddhist nunnery situated in the remote high-altitude area of Zanskar. The nunnery was founded about 700 years ago by Master Sherab Zangpo, renowned as the Bodhisattva from the upper region of Tibet. Later, return to Padum.

Today, we will head towards the eastern part of the Zanskar region, also known as Sham Valley. On the way, we will visit the famous Stongde Monastery, where more than 65 monks reside. Perched on a hilltop, the monastery offers a magnificent view. Later, we will drive further to visit the Zangla King’s Palace and the nunnery. Although the king still resides in Zangla village, many ASHOKA ADVENTURE guests often visit the king and queen’s house for a cup of tea with them. Afterward, drive back to Padum. Overnight stay in Padum.

Today, we will visit one of the most sacred monasteries, Zungkhul, which is located 38 km from Padum. Zungkhul was blessed by the great Indian yogi, the esteemed Naropa, around the 11th century. The monastery features two attractive meditation caves, with the old one adorned with beautiful paintings. On the way back to Padum, we will visit Sani Palace, renowned for the sacred Kaniska Stupa and Narpo Temple. The area also hosts a sacred lake, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque valley of Zanskar Sani. Later, we will visit my house for a cup of tea before returning to Padum. Overnight stay in Padum.

In the early morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for Ulley Tokpo village via Lingshed/Neryak village. Today’s journey is a bit lengthy, and the jeep road is suitable only till Wanla village for today. En route from Padum to Ulley Tokpo, we will traverse three to four high passes, with Singee La Pass at 5,100 meters being one of the highest in this route. We’ll also pass through Photoksar village and several other villages before reaching Ulley Tokpo. Ulley Tokpo stands out as one of the most beautiful resorts in Ladakh, promising an enjoyable stay. Overnight at Ulley.

After breakfast, embark on a visit to Alchi and Likir monasteries. Along the way, you can explore Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and experience the phenomenon of Magnetic Hill, as well as enjoy the scenic view at Sangam, where the Indus and Zanskar Rivers converge. Later, drive back to Leh. Overnight stay in Leh.

After breakfast, visit the monasteries of Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis.

Shey: Once the ancient capital of Ladakh, even after King Singee Namgyal constructed a more imposing palace in Leh, the kings continued to regard Shey as their real home. The significance of Shey, the heartland of Ladakh, is evident through the numerous chortens around the village, particularly surrounding the palace complex and the barren plain to the north of the road.

Thiksey: Among the largest and most impressive Gompas, Thiksey features several temples housing images, stupas, and exquisite wall paintings. The gompa also boasts a two-storied statue of Buddha, with the main prayer hall around its shoulder.

Hemis: Dedicated to Padmasambhava, Hemis offers visitors a series of scenes where lamas, adorned in richly colored brocade gowns and sometimes bizarrely hideous masks, partake in solemn dance and mime around the huge flagpole in the courtyard. The performance is accompanied by the plaintive melody of the shawn, the moan of eleven feet horns, the beat of drums, and the clash of cymbals. Founded in the 1630s by Tsang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of Singee Namgyal, Hemis stands as the largest and richest of the Ladakh Gompas, nestled into the mountainside a little way up a glen in the Zanskar range.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to Pangong Lake. This route takes you through the picturesque villages of Shey and Thiksey before turning off the Indus valley through the side valleys of Chemrey and Sakti. The Ladakh range is crossed by the Chang-La (18,000 feet/5,475 meters), which, despite its high elevation, is one of the more accessible passes. It remains open for much of the year, even in winter, except during periods of heavy snowfall. Just beyond the foot of the pass is Tangse, which has an ancient temple.

Pangong Lake, the highest saltwater lake in the world, is shared by two countries, with India holding 25% and China 75%. Enjoy the beauty of the lake while appreciating the changing colors of this fascinating high-altitude lake. Return to Leh in the evening.

Overnight stay in Leh.

Departure to airport with lots of sweet memories of zanskar ladakh