Zanskar Group Tour Phugtal Baralacha La 8D

Highlights

A raw Himalayan road journey into Zanskar for travellers who want to go beyond Manali, beyond Spiti, and beyond the usual Ladakh circuit
Cross Shinku La, the high mountain pass that connects Lahaul with Zanskar, and feel the moment you enter a completely different world
Walk towards Phugtal Monastery, a cave monastery in the remote Lungnak Valley that feels like nothing else in the Himalayas
Witness Gonbo Rangjon, one of the most dramatic sacred mountain formations on this route
Drive towards Pensi La and Drang Drung Glacier if the road is open. The scale of the landscape here is unlike anything on regular Himachal routes
Cover Deepak Tal, Suraj Tal, and Baralacha La on the return through Lahaul
Budget group departure for travellers who want Zanskar without booking an expensive private trip

Package Options

Start & End Point (required)

Trip Dates (required)

No departures available for upcoming dates

Itinerary

Board the overnight Volvo from Delhi and meet your group. Rest well. The real Himalayan route begins from Manali tomorrow.

Board Overnight Volvo or Shared Transfer from Delhi

20:00 – 21:00

Delhi

Overnight Journey to Manali

21:00 – 07:00

Delhi to Manali

Inclusions

Overnight Volvo or shared transfer from Delhi to Manali and back
Shared Tempo Traveller or SUV for the full Manali to Zanskar to Manali expedition route
5 nights stay in clean and comfortable mountain properties on sharing basis: Manali (1N), Purne/Kargyak/Gonbo Rangjon side (1N), Padum (2N), Jispa/Keylong (1N)
Breakfast and dinner on all stay nights (5 breakfasts and 5 dinners)
Trip captain or on ground coordinator
Experienced mountain terrain driver
Phugtal Monastery visit with walk from the last motorable point
Padum and nearby sightseeing: Karsha Monastery, Stongdey Monastery, Zangla Palace, Sani, Rangdum side, or Sheela Waterfall (covered based on time and conditions)
Pensi La and Drang Drung Glacier excursion (condition based)
Deepak Tal, Suraj Tal, and Baralacha La sightseeing on the return (condition based)
Basic first aid support and oxygen cylinder in the expedition vehicle (chargeable only if used)
Driver allowance, fuel, tolls, and parking
All taxes included
Travel Coffee on ground coordination and support

Exclusions

Lunches (eat at local dhabas along the route)
Meals during Volvo journey (Day 1 and Day 7 evening, self paid at highway stops)
Snacks, chai, water, tips, and personal shopping
Entry tickets, monastery fees, and camera charges
Travel insurance (strongly recommended for remote high altitude travel)
Medical or evacuation expenses
Any extra stay, transport, or meal cost due to roadblocks, landslides, snowfall, or route diversions
Anything not listed in the Inclusions

Your Trip in a Nutshell

Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Start / End Point: Delhi
Stay: Manali (1N) • Purne / Kargyak / Gonbo Rangjon Side (1N) • Padum (2N) • Jispa / Keylong (1N) • Overnight Volvo (2N)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner on all 5 stay nights (10 meals total)

Main Highlight: Raw Zanskar road journey from Delhi covering Shinku La, Gonbo Rangjon, Phugtal Monastery, Padum, Pensi La, Drang Drung Glacier, Deepak Tal, Suraj Tal, and Baralacha La
Best Season: June to September
Ideal For: Solo travellers, friends, backpackers, photographers, and offbeat Himalayan travellers who want something rawer than Spiti and less crowded than Ladakh

Know Before You Go

Zanskar is remote high altitude travel. Roads can be rough, broken, and dusty. Stays are basic. Network disappears for stretches. This is not a regular holiday and that is exactly the point
Shinku La, Baralacha La, Pensi La, Drang Drung Glacier, Suraj Tal, and Deepak Tal are all condition based. They get covered only if the road is open and safe. The trip captain calls it on ground
Phugtal Monastery requires walking from the last motorable point. The distance depends on road conditions. You should be comfortable walking for 1 to 2 hours on mountain trails
The route, stay location, and sightseeing may change depending on snow clearance, landslides, weather, and local administration updates. Flexibility is part of the deal
Breakfast and dinner on stay nights are covered. Lunches and Volvo meals are on you. Carry cash because online payments do not work in most of Zanskar
Hot water, electricity, and room heating may be limited in remote areas. Pack accordingly
Carry warm layers, comfortable walking shoes, rain protection, a torch, power bank, sunscreen, and personal medicines. Full packing list shared before the trip
This trip works best for travellers who are comfortable with long drives, high altitude, and simple mountain conditions. If you want luxury stays, short travel days, or fully predictable comfort, this is not the trip for you

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a Delhi to Delhi trip?

Yes. Overnight Volvo from Delhi to Manali, full Zanskar expedition by shared vehicle, and overnight Volvo back from Manali to Delhi.

What vehicle is used?

Delhi to Manali and back by Volvo or shared transfer. The Manali to Zanskar to Manali expedition route is covered by shared Tempo Traveller or SUV depending on group size and road conditions.

Is Phugtal Monastery included?

Yes. You walk towards Phugtal from the last motorable point. The walking distance varies depending on road conditions. Be comfortable walking 1 to 2 hours on mountain trails.

Are Baralacha La, Suraj Tal, and Deepak Tal included?

Yes, as condition based sightseeing on Day 7. They get covered if the road is open, timing is safe, and weather allows.

Is Drang Drung Glacier included?

Yes, as a condition based excursion on Day 5. Covered only if the road to Pensi La is open and safe.

Is Shipki La or Shinku La the pass on this route?

This route crosses Shinku La, the pass connecting Lahaul with Zanskar. Shinku La is different from Shipki La which is on the Kinnaur border side.

Is this suitable for first time mountain travellers?

Zanskar suits travellers comfortable with long drives, rough roads, and basic mountain stays. First timers can join but should be mentally prepared for remote conditions, limited network, and simple facilities.

Will there be mobile network?

Weak or unavailable in most of Zanskar. Inform your family before the trip. Carry a power bank and download offline maps.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. Road conditions, landslides, snow clearance, and weather can change the route, stay location, and sightseeing plan. Flexibility is part of travelling in Zanskar. Safety always comes first.

What kind of stays?

Simple, clean mountain stays on sharing basis. Basic comfort, not luxury. Hot water and electricity may be limited in remote areas. This is Zanskar, not Shimla.

What meals are included?

Breakfast and dinner on all 5 stay nights. That is 10 meals. Lunches and Volvo journey meals are on you.

Who should avoid this trip?

Travellers who want luxury stays, short travel days, strong mobile network, relaxed sightseeing, or fully predictable comfort. This is a raw Himalayan expedition, not a holiday.

Is this good for solo travellers?

Very. Most people on Zanskar group departures come solo or with a friend. The group format makes remote travel easier, safer, and more social.

Best time for this trip?

June to September depending on road conditions. Shinku La and the Zanskar road need to be open for this route to work.

Do I need to be very fit?

You do not need to be an athlete. But you should be comfortable with long drives, high altitude (up to 16,000 ft), and 1 to 2 hours of walking towards Phugtal Monastery. Basic fitness and a flexible mindset go a long way.