The Zanskar Traverse – Manali to Srinagar
₹30,990.00
Venture into the heart of the Himalayas — from the lush valleys of Kullu-Manali to the stark beauty of Lahaul, the untouched landscapes of Zanskar, and the serene meadows of Kashmir.
Venture into the heart of the Himalayas — from the lush valleys of Kullu-Manali to the stark beauty of Lahaul, the untouched landscapes of Zanskar, and the serene meadows of Kashmir. Guided by local experts, you’ll uncover Zanskar’s deep-rooted traditions, visiting hidden monasteries, sacred caves and centuries-old villages untouched by modernity.
Our expeditions are rooted in sustainable and responsible tourism, actively offsetting carbon footprints and empowering local communities. With Ecosphere, every journey leaves a positive impact, making your travels truly Climate Positive
- Cross the Atal Tunnel into Lahaul & Zanskar’s dramatic landscapes.
- Navigate high-altitude passes like Shinku La, Pensi La & Zoji La.
- Marvel at the towering Gonbo Rangjon, a sacred mountain revered by locals.
- Visit ancient monasteries and palaces offering a glimpse into Zanskar’s rich Buddhist culture & history.
- Explore Zanskar’s heritage from Phugtal & Karsha Monastery to the historic Zangla Palace.
- Discover Padum, the heart of Zanskar, surrounded by monasteries and scenic vistas.
- Traverse the remote Rangdum valley, home to one of the most isolated monasteries in the Himalayas.
- Pay homage to India’s brave soldiers at the Kargil War Memorial.
- Traverse the picturesque valleys of Sonmarg and Srinagar.
Manali - Jispa - Gonbo Rangyon - Purne - Padum - Rangdum - Kargil - Sonmarg - Srinagar
Program
Day 1Manali - Sissu - Jispa
- Travel through the Atal Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in the world.
- Stop at Sissu Lake, a stunning Himalayan water body.
- Explore Ghondla Fort, a historic Ladakhi fortress offering panoramic views.
- Visit Shashur Monastery, known for its ancient murals and peaceful setting.
- Stay overnight in Jispa, a scenic Himalayan village by the Bhaga River.
Day 2Jispa - Gonbo Rangjon - Phugtal Monastery - Purne
- Cross Shinku La Pass (5,091 m/16,580 ft), a thrilling high-altitude route to Zanskar.
- Witness the sacred Gonbo Rangjon, a towering monolithic rock revered by locals.
- Arrive at Purne, a remote settlement by the Tsarap River.
- Trek to Phugtal Monastery, a spectacular cliffside monastery built within a cave—one of the most isolated Buddhist retreats in the world.
- Stay overnight in Purne, absorbing the tranquility of Zanskar.
Day 3Purne - Sheela Waterfall - Ichar - Bardan - Padum
- Witness the breathtaking Sheela Waterfall, a hidden gem in Zanskar.
- Visit Ichar & Bardan Monastery, known for their rich Buddhist heritage.
- Arrive in Padum, the capital of Zanskar, nestled in a wide valley surrounded by towering peaks.
Day 4Explore Padum
- Visit Karsha Monastery, the largest monastery in Zanskar, offering panoramic valley views.
- Explore Stongde Monastery, known for its striking white-washed architecture.
- Discover Zangla Palace, once a royal residence, now an ancient relic.
- Relax at Sani Lake, a peaceful, high-altitude lake near Sani Monastery.
- Stay overnight in Padum, enjoying the tranquility of Zanskar.
Day 5Padum - Zongkhul - Pensi La - Drang Drung - Rangdum - Kargil
- Visit Zongkhul Monastery, a meditation retreat built into a cave.
- Cross Pensi La Pass (4,400 m / 14,436 ft), the gateway to Suru Valley.
- Marvel at the Drang Drung Glacier, one of Ladakh’s largest ice formations.
- Explore Rangdum Monastery, a stunning fortress-like structure amid a vast, desolate valley.
- Arrive in Kargil, a historic town along the Indus River.
Day 6Kargil - Zoji La - Sonmarg
- Pay homage at the Kargil War Memorial, a tribute to India’s brave soldiers.
- Cross Zoji La Pass (3,528 m / 11,575 ft), a rugged and scenic gateway into Kashmir.
- Arrive in Sonmarg, known as the “Meadow of Gold,” surrounded by lush green valleys.
Day 7Sonmarg - Srinagar
- Travel through the breathtaking Kashmir Valley, with its lush meadows and serene lakes.
- End your incredible Zanskar Expedition with a memorable evening in Srinagar.
- All accommodation – Day 1 to Day 6
- Transfers – Day 1 to Day 7
- Breakfast & Dinner – Day 1 Dinner to Day 7 Breakfast
- Dedicated Local Guide for a fully immersive experience – Day 1 to Day 7
- Monastery fees
- 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
- Pick & Drop to Delhi or Chandigarh (this can be included at an additional cost)
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
