Offbeat Zanskar – Winter
₹29,990.00
Embark on an extraordinary winter journey through Zanskar. Explore the frozen Zanskar River, hidden monasteries, sacred caves and the unique way of life in one of the last untouched frontiers of the Himalayas
Embark on an extraordinary winter journey through Zanskar. As winter blankets the region in snow, witness the frozen Zanskar River, snow-covered mountains and the unique way of life of communities in one of the last untouched frontiers of the Himalayas, steeped in tradition and spiritual heritage.
Beginning in the cultural heart of Leh and travelling into the remote landscapes of Zanskar, experience a side of the Himalayas that few travellers get to see.
- Travel from Leh towards Zanskar via Nimoo and Nerak, experiencing the spectacular landscapes of the newly opened route to Padum.
- Explore Leh and its cultural landmarks, including Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame and Leh Market.
- Discover Padum, the cultural heart of Zanskar and experience the surreal beauty of Gonbo Rangyon.
- Visit the spectacular Phugtal Monastery,built into a cliffside and accessible through the remote Zanskar landscape, subject to winter accessibility.
- Explore Karsha Monastery, one of the largest and most important monastic complexes in Zanskar.
- Meet and interact with local communities, gaining an insight into their traditions and winter lifestyle.
- Experience the raw, quiet and immersive side of Ladakh and Zanskar, far from the crowds of the summer season.
Guided by local experts, explore Zanskar’s rich traditions, spiritual heritage, and resilient way of life. Committed to sustainability and responsible tourism, we actively offset all carbon footprints and support local communities, ensuring that your journey with Ecosphere is Climate Positive.
Manali - Jispa - Gonbo Rangyon - Purne - Padum - Rangdum - Gonborangyon - Manali
Program
Day 1Arrive Leh
- Your journey beings as you arrive in Leh.
- Rest and acclimatize today to the high altitude of Leh at 3,500 m / 11,500 ft.
- Take it easy to avoid altitude sickness.
Day 2Leh Sightseeing
- Today we will spend the day acclimatising to the altitude and explore Leh & its surroundings
- Explore the historic Leh Palace and pay your respect at the Hall of Fame – the war memorial dedicated to the heroes of the Himalayan borders.
- Visit the magnificent Thiksey Monastery, one of Ladakh’s most iconic monasteries.
- Stroll through Leh’s Main Bazaar, filled with local crafts and Tibetan artifacts.
- End the day at Shanti Stupa, offering panoramic views of Leh.
Day 3Leh - Sham Valley - Nimoo - Nerak - Padum
- Begin your journey from Leh towards Zanskar via the scenic Sham Valley.
- Visit Sangam, where the Indus and Zanskar Rivers meet and stop at Magnetic Hill
- Visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, an important Sikh pilgrimage site nestled in the mountains.
- Continue towards Nimoo and Nerak, following the newly opened route into Zanskar.
- Arrive in Padum, the cultural heart of Zanskar, by evening.
Day 4Explore Padum - Karsha - Sani - Stongdey
- Begin the day exploring Padum. Visit Karsha Monastery, one of the largest monastic complexes in Zanskar, perched on the mountainside.
- Visit the historic Sani Monastery and the beautiful Sani Lake.
- Drive to Stongdey Monastery, spectacularly situated on a hill overlooking the Zanskar Valley.
- Stay overnight in Padum, absorbing the region’s peaceful vibes.
Day 5Padum - Purne - Phugtal - Gonbo Rangyon - Padum
- Drive from Padum to Purne, following the dramatic road through the Zanskar Valley.
- From Purne, begin the trek towards the spectacular Phugtal Monastery, one of the most remote and remarkable monasteries in the Himalayas. (trek is subject to weather and trail conditions)
- Experience the surreal beauty of Gonbo Rangyon, a sacred rock revered by locals and travellers alike.(subject to road and weather conditions)
- Travel back to Padum for overnight stay.
Day 6Padum - Zangla - Leh
- Begin the journey back to Leh.
- Discover Zangla Palace, a historic fortress with breathtaking views.
- Relax after the long drive and enjoy your final evening in Ladakh.
Day 7Departure Leh
- Board your flight with unforgettable memories of Ladakh’s breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventures.
- All accommodation – Day 1 to Day 6
- Transfers – Day 2 to Day 6
- Common Airport Shuttle – Day 1 & Day 7
- Breakfast & Dinner – Day 1 Dinner to Day 7 Breakfast
- Local Guide cum Driver for a fully immersive experience – Day 1 to Day 7
- Driver night charges, parking, toll etc
- First Aid Kit
- GST @ 5%
- Tips & Insurance
- Mineral water and beverages (other than those provided)
- Expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances, road blocks or medical emergencies
- Add on experiences entail an additional charge
Why Travel with Us?
WE ARE LOCAL
Experience the Himalayas with Those Who Know Them Best. With us you will experience the region like an insider.
GOOD KARMA
What you pay for your trip goes directly towards funding several community initiatives from Healthcare to building Climate Resilience.
YOUR IN SAFE HANDS
Your safety is our utmost priority. We ensure our trips and staff follow the highest safety standards and protocols. In case of an emergency, air ambulance services are just a call away.
CLIMATE POSITIVE TRIP
Traveling with us means you leave a Negative Carbon Footprint – all your carbon emissions + more is offset by our award winning solar projects. You’re not just reducing your environmental impact—you’re actively making a positive difference for the planet.
AWARDED & FEATURED
Internationally recognized as a leader in responsible travel and recommended by leading travel guides, magazines and blogs.
Dont just take our word for it!
The experience with ‘Spiti Ecosphere’ was one of its kind, as it not only provided my wife and me with an experience of a lifetime, but also opened our minds to the hidden world of Spiti. Ecosphere ensured that it was a safe, clean, scenic and educative journey for us. Most importantly, it was humbling to see how Spiti Ecosphere, especially Ishita has changed the lives of the people of Spiti, by the untiring energy, that Ecosphere dedicates for the better upliftment of the local people. I would sincerely advise anyone to only use Spiti Ecosphere, if one plans Spiti as their destination.
A genuine responsible travel agency led by warm and sincere people. If you are looking for a real experience of Spiti in a way that supports the locals and protects their environment, Ecosphere must be your choice.
Spiti has left an unimaginable impressions on our minds and souls. Kudos to Ecosphere for organizing a very memorable trip and introducing us to the wonderful world of spiti with its magnificent peaks.A big thank you and warm hugs to the entire team of Ecosphere for doing such wonderful projects.!! Hoping to be back in spiti very soon. Once again thank you team Ecosphere for making our holidays so memorable and taking care of us like a family. Took care of us like family.
Spiti with Ecosphere was a life changing experience for me. I grew up as a person while 'living like a local' in this wonderland. Understanding the local way of life, its merits, its struggle and its sanctity had a profound effect on me. I've never traveled with an itinerary, so I was apprehensive doing the same here, but Ecosphere has done a wonderful job, not only in managing this programme for us but good work done by this organization is visible everywhere which somehow makes me feel extremely proud that I was tiny part of their efforts to do something good for real and not just for show. This was travelling redefined for me and I looking forward to be a part of the good work again, for sure.
This was the most rewarding experience of my life. . Spiti Ecosphere gave me an amazing volunteering opportunity that allowed me to help build a greenhouse in a small village in Spiti Valley, a mountain desert where nothing grows. I signed up for Ecosphere’s 2-week voluntourism program that combines volunteer work with the opportunity to explore the beauty of the valley without the negative side effects of commercial tourism. . What Ishita and Ecosphere are doing in Spiti is remarkable. Ecosphere is helping local communities create sustainable means of living through its many projects, volunteerism being just one of them.
Spiti with Ecosphere was a life changing experience for me. I grew up as a person while 'living like a local' in this wonderland. Understanding the local way of life, its merits, its struggle and its sanctity had a profound effect on me. I've never traveled with an itinerary, so I was apprehensive doing the same here, but Ecosphere has done a wonderful job, not only in managing this programme for us but good work done by this organization is visible everywhere which somehow makes me feel extremely proud that I was tiny part of their efforts to do something good for real and not just for show. This was travelling redefined for me and I looking forward to be a part of the good work again, for sure.
Outlook
World Travel and Tourism Council
Virgin Holidays & Responsible Travel
Wild Asia
Travel+Leisure
The Ashden Awards For Sustainable Energy
The Sierra Club
L’Oréal Paris
CNN IBN & Reliance Foundation
CNN-IBN
The IIPTI Global Awards
Economic Times
