Zanskar & Ladakh Overland: 15-Day Private Monastic & Healing Odyssey
Overview & Info
Journey into the deepest silence of the Himalayas with Travel Astu, your specialist in high-altitude spiritual exploration. This "Zanskar & Ladakh Overland" program by Astu is a masterfully choreographed 15-day private expedition that ventures beyond the tourist map into the hidden heart of Zanskar. Travel Astu Pvt Ltd has engineered this comprehensive 15-day immersive itinerary to focus on deep monastic retreats, including the legendary cliffside Phuktal Monastery and rare shamanic healing encounters.
Your private mountain sanctuary with Astu Travel is defined by expert pacing and elite logistics. You will traverse the rugged terrain of the Zanskar and Ladakh ranges in a premium private SUV (Innova) or Tempo Traveller, accompanied by a professional English-speaking guide and a support crew trained for remote mountain travel. From meditative sessions with resident monks to the turquoise shores of Tso Moriri, every detail is managed for your safety and spiritual growth. With Astu, your Zanskar odyssey is a professionally managed pursuit of the extraordinary.
Day by day itinerary
Touchdown in the "Gateway to Enchantment." Your Travel Astu representative will facilitate a smooth transfer to your hotel. Dedicate this day to mandatory acclimatization. In the evening, visit the Shanti Stupa for a panoramic sunset view over the Indus Valley.
Highlights: Acclimatise, Leh Market, Shanti Stupa
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 3,500 meters (11,500 feet)
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 8 kms/ 4.9 miles (20 minutes)
Embark on a Heritage Walk through the labyrinthine lanes of Leh’s Old Town. Discover the Central Asian Museum and the Leh Palace, reflecting on the town's history as a critical trading hub on the Silk Road.
Highlights: Heritage Walk, Leh Palace, Leh Old Town Restoration Initiative (LOTI), Central Asian Museum, Leh Market
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 3,500 meters (11,500 feet)
Road condition: Good Distance / Time: 15 kms/ 9 miles (2 hours)
Drive through the enchanting Sham Valley. Stop at Likir to see the golden Buddha and the 11th-century frescoes of Alchi Monastery. Enjoy an authentic lunch at Alchi Kitchen before reaching the surreal "Moonland" of Lamayuru.
Highlights: Likir Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Alchi Kitchen, Lamayuru, Moonscape
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 3,510 meters (11,515 feet)
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 68 kms/ 42 miles (2 hours)
A spectacular 9-hour drive through the rugged Ladakh ranges. Pass the historic Wanla Monastery and traverse high mountain passes to reach Padum, the administrative and spiritual capital of Zanskar.
Highlights: Wanla, Padum
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 3,657 meters (11,998 feet)
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 260 kms / 162 miles (9 hours)
Spend a day of profound reflection at Karsha Monastery. Engage in meditative sessions with resident monks and interact with the young students at the monastic school, gaining insight into the life of a Zanskari monk.
Highlights: Karsha Monastery and Monastic School, little Monks
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 3,657 meters (11,998 feet)
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 260 kms / 162 miles (9 hours)
Visit the 12th-century Dzongkul Monastery, built into the cliffs. Explore the Naropa Cave, where the great saint once meditated, and soak in the deep spiritual resonance of this high-altitude sanctuary.
Highlights: Dzonkul Monastery, Naropa Cave
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 3,657 meters (11,998 feet)
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 260 kms / 162 miles (9 hours)
Depart at 5:00 AM for Cha Village. Embark on a stunning 2-3 hour trek to Phuktal Monastery. This ancient site, built around a natural cave, is one of the most remote and visually striking monasteries in the world.
Highlights: Cha Village, Trek to Phuktal Monastery
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 4,077 meters (13,373 feet)
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 260 kms / 162 miles (9 hours)
A dedicated day for immersion. Participate in morning prayers, engage in quiet meditation, and observe the simple, dedicated life of the 70 monks who call this cliffside cave home.
Highlights: Phuktal Monastery and Cave
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 4,077 meters (13,373 feet)
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 260 kms / 162 miles (9 hours)
Trek back to Cha Village and drive toward Padum. En route, visit the hilltop Bardan Monastery, renowned for its 17th-century frescoes and large assembly hall.
Highlights: Bardan Monastery, Padum
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 3,657 meters (11,998 feet)
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 260 kms / 162 miles (9 hours)
Begin your journey back toward central Ladakh. Arrive in the picturesque village of Wanla, known for its lush fields and historic monastery. Experience the warm hospitality of the Zanskar locals.
Highlights: Wanla village and Monastery
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 3,245 meters (10,646 feet)
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 260 kms / 162 miles (9 hours)
A short drive to the riverside retreat of Uletokpo. Spend the day unwinding in the apple and apricot orchards of your resort. A perfect day to rejuvenate your body after the Zanskar trek.
Highlights: Uletokpo, apple and apricot orchards, Indus River
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 3,550 meters (11,647 feet)
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 15 kms/ 9 miles (2 hours)
Follow the Indus River through diverse landscapes. Pause at Chumathang Hot Springs for a natural thermal soak before passing the hidden Kyagar Tso to reach the turquoise Tso Moriri Lake.
Highlights: Chumathang Hot Springs, Kyagar Tso, Tso Moriri
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 4,522 meters (14,836 feet)
Road condition: Good Distance / Time: 220 kms/ 136 miles (6:10 minutes)
Cross the mighty Tanglang La Pass. Encounter Changpa nomadic settlements and their Yak herds. Visit the geothermal Puga Hot Springs and the salt-crusts of Tsokar Lake before returning to Leh.
Highlights: Puga Hot Springs, Tsokar Lake, Nomadic Settlements, Yaks, Tanglang La Pass
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 3,500 meters (11,500 feet)
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 233 kms/ 145 miles (6 hours)
A day for the spirit. Consult with an Amchi at Men Tsee Khang to learn about Tibetan medicine. Later, participate in an authentic Shamanic healing session, using ancient divination to find clarity and energy.
Highlights: Men See Khang, Shamanic Healing
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 3,500 meters (11,500 feet)
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 40 kms/ 25 miles (1:20 minutes)
After a final Himalayan breakfast, your private Travel Astu vehicle will provide a seamless transfer to the Leh Airport for your return flight to Delhi.
Frequently Asked Questions
The trek from Cha Village is approximately 2-3 hours long. While the path is well-defined, it involves walking at altitudes above 13,000 ft. Travel Astu (also known as Astu) provides a professional guide and oxygen support to ensure the trek is manageable for those with moderate fitness.
Yes. Travel Astu Pvt Ltd arranges for these sessions to be facilitated by resident monks at Karsha and Phuktal. These are authentic experiences designed for guests seeking a deeper connection with Buddhist philosophy.
Zanskar requires rugged, mountain-tested vehicles. We provide Premium Private SUVs (Innova) or Tempo Travellers for larger groups, all piloted by mountain experts and equipped with Emergency Oxygen.
Absolutely. With Astu Travel, your quote is 100% all-inclusive. We handle all Inner Line Permits, monastic entry fees, and environmental taxes, so you never have to worry about cash or paperwork at remote checkpoints.
The window for Zanskar overland travel is narrow, typically from June to September, when the passes are free of snow and the river crossings are stable. We recommend booking well in advance for this peak season.
