12 Days - Zanskar Valley Tour
PACKAGE STARTS RS. 28500
Route: Delhi–Leh-Sham Valley-Lamayuru-Kargil-Rangdum-Padum-Kargil-Leh-Delhi
Zanskar is a subdistrict or tehsil of the Kargil district, which lies in the Indian union territory of Ladakh. The administrative centre is Padum. Zanskar, together with the neighbouring region of Ladakh, was briefly a part of the kingdom of Guge in Western Tibet. it is a mountain range that separates Zanskar from Ladakh. The isolated Zanskar valley is known for its breathtaking landscapes and its remote and authentic villages. The easiest way of reaching Zanskar is from Kargil through Suru Valley. It is cut off from the rest of the world for over 9 months of the year because of heavy snowfall in the region. The only way of reaching Zanskar during the winter months of December to February is undertaking the challenging Chadar Trek. The history-rich monasteries in Zanskar are often built around ancient cliff top meditation caves, preserving an archaic form of Buddhism. Some of the famous tourist attractions in Zanskar district are the monasteries, Zongla, Zongkhul, Stongdey. The main town in zanaskar are padum and Kharsha. The zanaskar valley is separated from the suru valley by the Penzila pass which serves as a excellent camping places, offering breath taking views. It is a accessible through Gogan. It also remain closed for 08 months due to heavy snowfall.
Padum : Padum(3505 Mts. above sea level) is located around 240 km from Kargil in the Zanskar Valley and is the administrative center of Zanskar Sub-division of the Kargil district. This town is the most populated town of Zanskar that is inhabited by around 2000 people. Padum is named after Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche) the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. Padum in the Zanskar region uplifts the pristine and untouched beauty of Ladakh Valley. The town has also served as one of the historic capital to the Zanskar region. Padum is the base for many difficult treks such as Padum to Darcha via Shingo La, Padum to Lamayuru via Singge La, and Padum to Leh via Cha Cha La, Rubrang La, and the markha Valley. Among all the visitors to Padum, photographer and nature lovers are the most common. After driving up the majestic Indus Valley, you will reach Kargil, the second largest town in Ladakh where 90% of the population is Shia Muslim. The Kargil-Zanskar road goes through Muslim villages in the fertile Suru valley adorned with glaciers and the towering Nun-Kun peaks (7135m). After crossing Pensi La pass, drive down to Padum, the capital of Zanskar. Padum is the only town in and the administrative center of the Zanskar sub-district and is scenic and known for its Spartan splendor. Once you visit this wonderland, you will fall in love with it. The 240 km road connecting it to Kargil was completed in 1981. Padum has several hotels and restaurants for tourists. Padum is mostly inhabited by Buddhists, though there is a sizeable Sunni Muslim population (about 40%), mainly Balti who have been living in Padum since the 17th century. A mosque , was built in Padum in recent years to cater the local Muslim population, This is the only one in the Zanskar region.
Name of Tour : Zanskar Valley Tour
Highest Altitude : 5602 Mts.(Khardungla Pass)
Best Season : May to Oct
Duration of the Tour : 11 Nights / 12 Days
Outline Itinerary :
Day 01) Delhi – Leh Flight
Day 02) Leh Local sightseeing tour
Day 03) Khardungla(5602 Mts.) Excursion
Day 04) Leh – Tingmosgang/Sham Valley / 90 Kms / 04 Hrs drive
Day 05) Tingmosgang/Sham Valley - Lamayuru - Kargil / 143 Km / 05 Hrs drive
Day 06) Kargil – Rangdum / 130 Km / 06 Hrs drive
Day 07) Rangdum – Padum Via Suru Valley / 131 Km / 05 Hrs drive
Day 08) Padum
Day 09) Padum
Day 10) Padum – Rangdum - Kargil / 260 Km / 09-10 hrs drive
Day 11) Kargil – Leh / 220 Km / 08 hrs drive
Day 12) Leh - Delhi By Air
RATES
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Category
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Hotels |
Min 02 Pax |
Min 04 Pax |
Min 06 Pax |
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Standard
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Leh: May Flower or similar Tingmosgang/Sham Valley: Home Stay or similar Kargil : Green Land or similar Rangdum : Home Stay/Camp or similar Padum : Home Stay or similar |
High Season: Rs. 50500 Low Season : same |
High Season: Rs. 34000 Low Season : same |
High Season: Rs. 28500 Low Season : same |
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Deluxe
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Leh: City Palace or similar Tingmosgang/Sham Valley: Home Stay or similar Kargil : D’Zojila or similar Rangdum : Home Stay / Camp or similar Padum : Home Stay or similar |
High Season: Rs. 56000 Low Season : same |
High Season: Rs. 39500 Low Season : same |
High Season: Rs. 34000 Low Season : same |
|
Super Deluxe
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Leh: Royal Palace Leh or similar Tingmosgang/Sham Valley: Home Stay or similar Kargil : Highland Mountain or similar Rangdum : Home Stay / Camp or similar Padum : Home Stay or similar |
High Season: Rs. 58500 Low Season : same |
High Season: Rs. 42500 Low Season : same |
High Season: Rs. 36500 Low Season : same |
|
Luxury |
Leh: Ladakh Residency or similar Tingmosgang/Sham Valley: Home Stay or similar Kargil : Hotel The Kargil or similar Rangdum : Home Stay / Camp or similar Padum : Home Stay or similar |
High Season: Rs. 65000 Low Season : same |
High Season: Rs. 48500 Low Season : same |
High Season: Rs. 43500 Low Season : same |
QUOTATION INCLUDES:
- Accommodation in mentioned or similar category hotels on double/twin sharing basis
- All breakfasts and Dinners
- All ground transportation by one ac(nac in hills) Innova as required in the tour programme
- All Toll taxes, parking fee, state taxes and drivers allowances
QUOTATION EXCLUDES:
- Airfare/Train fare/Bus fare
- Any other meals
- Any expenditure of personal nature such as telephone calls, laundry, mini bar or drinks during meals, tips to driver, guide, helper, etc.
- Any kind of Insurance and medical evacuation
- Any Hotel before starts and after tour ends
- Guides and Monuments Fees
- GST
We can provide you all other travel services before tour starts and ends
Detail Itinerary :
Day 01) Delhi – Leh Flight
Arrive Leh, transfer to hotel, rest of the day at leisure. After lunch visit Local Bazaar by your own. Overnight in Hotel.
Ladakh : The mountain of Ladakh is not spectacular. As even the valleys are at an altitude of 3,500 mt. the summits are only 3,000 mt. higher. Because it is desert there is little snow on them and they look like big brown hills. They are dry and dusty, with clusters of willows and desert roses along the streams, yet Ladakh is a completely magical palace, remote with delightful, gentle, un-grasping people.
Land : Four mountain ranges cross Ladakh – Gt. Himalaya Zanskar, Ladakh and Karakoram – as do the Indus and its tributaries, Zanskar, Shingo and Shyok. Ladakh also has the world’s largest glaciers outside the Polar Regions, and the large and beautiful lake Pangong Tso, 150 kms long and 4 kms wide at a height of 4,000 mt.
People : There are four main groups: the Mons, nomads of Aryan stock, are usually professional entertainers, often musician; the Dards are found along the Indus valley, many converted to Islam, though some remained Buddhist; Tibetan from the bulk of the population in Central and Eastern Ladakh, though they have assumed the Ladakhi identity over generations; the Baltis with Central Asian Saka origins, mostly live in the Kargil region.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02) Leh Local sightseeing tour
Leh town (3505 mts.) is the headquarter of the Leh District and is the the largest town of Ladakh with an area of 45110 Sq Km. Town is bounded by Pakistan occupied Kashmir in the West, China in the north and eastern part, and Lahul Spiti of Himachal Pradesh in South East. In the ancient times the present Leh district was a part of Greater Ladakh spread over from Kailash Mansarover to Swaat (Dardistan). For a long time Leh remained the capital of the Rajas of Ladakh. Leh became an important centre for trade in Central Asia. It opened for foreigner in 1974 and since then Leh became an important destination in India. The most attractive feature of the landscape of Ladakh is the Buddhist monasteries.
Hemis : the position of Hemis monastery lying in a small isolated valley south of the Indus, belies its importance. As headquarters of the Drukpa (Old Buddhist) order, it administers monasteries throughout the whole Ladakh - from the Indus to the Zanskar valley and from the Markha to the Sumdah valley. Hemis was established at the behest of Senge Namgyal in the early 17th century and since than has enjoyed the patronage of the royal family of Ladakh. It provides monks as caretaker for royal monasteries at the Basgo, Leh and Shey palaces.
Shey : The Shey former palace of upper Ladakh before Leh was established, this site commanded an important vantage over the Indus valley. Since 1834 however, after the royal family moved to Stokh, much of the palace and fort fell into disrepair; even the marshland immediately below was once a clear lake.
Thiksey : This is one of the most imposing monasteries in the Indus valley, Thiksey was part of the original Delgupta order in the 15th century. The monk’s quarter’s stretch right the way along the hillside beneath the main assembly hall. The library at Thiksey is supposedly one of the finest in Ladakh and a multi - denominations Gompa has recently been constructed - proof indeed of the continuing vitality of Buddhism in Ladakh.
Shanti Stupa- Shanti Stupa at Changspa on the hilltop built by Japanese who harboured the ambition of spreading Buddhism across the world, in 1985 and was inaugurated by Dalai Lama in 1985.
Leh Palace : The Leh Palace, known as “Lhachen Palkhar” was built by Singey Namgyal in 1600 AD. It has 9 storeys. It was the home of the royal family until they were exiled to Stok in the 1830s. There are Buddhist wall paintings, centuries old 'tankas' or painted scrolls in the palace.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03) Khardungla(5602 Mts.) Excursion
Khardung-la pass is 43 Km from Leh town and this is the highest motor able pass in the world 5602 mts and has been recorded in the Gunnies Book of world records. From the top of the pass one can see the great view all the way south or the Indus valley to the seemingly endless peaks and the ridges of the Zanskar range. There is a small temple on the top.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04) Leh – Tingmosgang/Sham Valley / 90 Kms / 04 Hrs drive
After breakfast you drive downstream along the River Indus on Leh – Kargil Highway. Enroute visiting Gurudwara Patthar Sahib Nestled deep in the Himalayas .
Temisgam village, popularly known as Tingmosgang is set amidst the breath-taking Himalayan valley of Sham along the northern bank of the mighty Indus river, in the lower Ladakh on the popular Liker-Khaltse route, 90 km west of Leh. Themisgang is an important place from a historical point of view. It was here that the important peace treaty of Thingmosgang was signed in 1684. This marked the end of a protracted war between Tibet (supported by the Mongols) and Ladak, this is the only time in the history of the Mongol empire that the Mongols were defeated (on land). The Tingmosgang castle and monastery are located here and worth to visit.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05) Tingmosgang/Sham Valley - Lamayuru - Kargil / 143 Km / 05 Hrs drive
Post breakfast drive to Kargil enroute visiting the 11th century Lamayuru Monastery enroute visiting the mesmerizing Moon Landscapes , you will believe why the name of this area is Moonland. Exactly the same formations of Land are visible as on the moon.
Lamayuru Monastery: It is situated 125 Km from Leh. Monastery built on sand stone. This is the oldest known monastery which dates back to the 10th century. It belongs to the kar-gyut-pa (Red Hat) sect. it is said that long time ago Arahat Nimagung visited this place and he made a prophecy that monastery will come up at this spot. He made offering to the Naga serpent spitrits. The corns mixed with the earth and formed like Swastika or Yungdrung, later it came to be known as Yungdrung Monastery. Rinchen Zangpo, the Translator came to build many temples and stupas and so the teaching of the Kadampa School came to flourish greatly there but later it was taken over by Digungpa Order. Mahasiddha Naropa also came to this place and meditated here. There are renowned collection of carpets, thankas and frescoes. A festival “Yuru Kabgyad” is held on 17th and 18th of the 5th month of Tibetan calendar during which dances are performed.
Later Drive to Kargil over Fatu-la (4108 mts.) which is the highest pass on Srinagar – Leh road.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06) Kargil – Rangdum / 130 Km / 06 Hrs drive
after breakfast, In the morning we drive towards Rangdum and afternoon visit Rangdum Monastery
Rangdum is located around 130 km towards the south-east of Kargil and around 104 km from Padum at an altitude of 3,657 mts. in the beautiful Suru Valley in Leh District.
Rangdum Monastery: Rangdum is surrounded by steep hills, pastures, streams and rocky mountains. The 200-year-old Rangdum Monastery is situated in the most isolated part of the Suru Valley in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery belonging to the Gelugpa sect, situated on top of a small but steep sugarloaf hill at an altitude of 4,031 m falls in Suru Valley but culturally it is part of Zanskar. According to legend, the monastery was built by Gelek Yashy Takpa during the reign of King Tsewang Mangyul of Ladakh. The main attraction here is an imposing 18th century monastery perched picturesquely on a top of a hillock like an ancient fort. This monastery is home to 40 monks. The main highlight of the monastery is its central prayer hall with an amazing collection of Tibetan and other artifacts. The monastery looks like a fortified structure. Rangdum is also serves a base for different Trekking routes.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 07) Rangdum – Padum Via Suru Valley / 131 Km / 05 Hrs drive
Drive to Padum, On the way to Padum visit Sani Monastery, which belongs to the southern branch of the Drukpa Kagyupa School
Sani Gonpa : Sani is a village with this monastery in the Zanskar Valley and situated at a height of 3700 mts. It consists of approximately one hundred houses with approx. six hundred inhabitants. The monastery is home to one of the 108 chortens or stupas, a domed structure serving as a Buddhist shrine, constructed during the 1st century by King Kanishka.
Sani is dedicated to Padmasambhava, who is said to have meditated in 08th century in a small cave visible from the monastery on the other side of the river Zanskar and is considered its founder. There is an adjoining temple that is dedicated to Naropa, who is also said to have been at the site. 07 kms before reaching Padum this castle like monastery which unlike other monasteries of Ladakh, is built on level ground. According to a legend its origin is associated with Kanishka (Kushan ruler of 2nd century AD), on account of the Kanishka Stupa, which stands in the backyard of the walled complex. In the Sani Monastery every year in the sixth Tibetan month (July/ August), the Sani Nasgyal Festival takes place.
Padum : Padum(3505 Mts. above sea level) is located around 240 km from Kargil in the Zanskar Valley and is the administrative center of Zanskar Sub-division of the Kargil district. This town is the most populated town of Zanskar that is inhabited by around 2000 people. Padum is named after Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche) the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. Padum is the only town in and the administrative center of the Zanskar sub-district and is scenic and known for its Spartan splendor.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 08) Padum
Full day excursion to Karsha & Bardan Gompa / approx 06 Hrs
Karsha Monastery : 09 km from Padum this is the largest monastic establishment in Zanskar and founded during the 14th century by the translator Phagspa Shesrab under the Yellow Hat sect, This monastery is set on a hillock on top of the village. Karsha Gompa houses at least 100 monks and belongs to the Gelugpa order. The complex of white washed structures are imposing and can be seen from Padum. It is predominantly known for Avalokiteshvara temple. The monastery is a complex comprising eight temples, chapels, chortens, residential rooms for 100 monks and assembly halls. Karsha has also been the last point where the traditional Chadar Trek ends (The frozen river trek on Zanskar river). Every year Karsha monastery plays host to the Gustor festival, which is held in July and is an important festival. It is celebrated for two consecutive days to mark the victory of good over evil.
Burdan Monastery: Bardan Monastery of Ladakh, standing atop a rocky crag, lies at a distance 12 km to the Padum. Built in the 17th century founded by Deba Gyatso But it is famous as the seat of Lama Barapa. Bardan Monastery belongs to the Dugpa-Kargyud monastic order and it is also considered to be one of the first monasteries of this monastic order in Zanskar region. A number of smaller monasteries in the region come under the management of Bardan. One such monastery is the Sani Gompa. The monastery consists of a large Dukhang or assembly hall which has some grand statues of Buddhist figures and several small stupas in clay, bronze, wood and copper. Near Bardan Monastery lies the monastery of Muney, famous for its splendid art treasures.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 09) Padum
Full day excursion to Stongde and Zangla / 07 hrs tour
Stongde Monastery : The monastery of Stongde lies 18 km to the north of Padum on the road to Zangla and is perched atop a hillock overlooking the village. The gompa was founded in 1052 AD by Naropa's disciple, the famous translator Lama Marpa Lotsawa (1012-1097). It was taken over by the Gelugpa about four centuries later and became dedicated to Je Tsongkhapa. It displays several artistic works in the seven temples inside the monastery and inhabited by the resident community of about 60 Gelukpa monks. Stongdey is now the second largest monastic establishment of Zanskar
The best time to visit this gompa is during the Gustor festival which is held on the 28th - 29th day of every eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar in Stongdey monastery.
Zangla Monastery : Zangla is a village in Zanskar tehsil of Kargil district and is located 32 km from Padum, Zangla has an old castle, which is almost in ruins, there is a nunnery and an ancient monastery in a nearby village of Tsa-Zar which are worth seeing. Zangla Monastery is located near a ruined hilltop castle, nearby village of Tsa-zar, mid-way between Stongdey and Zangla village. Zangla Monastery is home to around 150 lamas. You can visit to the nunnery and witness the ascetic lifestyle of the small monastic community of nuns. You can visit the palace for its paintings and to interact with some lamas. Zangla is popular for some important treks in Zanskar like Chadar trek , Padum-Strongdey-Zangla-Karsha-Padum trek, Padum-Markha valley and Padum-Lamayuru trek.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day10) Padum – Rangdum - Kargil / 260 Km / 09-10 hrs drive
Drive back to Kargil
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 11) Kargil – Leh / 220 Km / 08 hrs drive
Drive back to Leh
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 12) Leh - Delhi By Air
Transfer in time to the airport to connect onwards destination flight.
Tour Ends but Memories Remains – Always
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