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Julley!
I recently travelled to Zanskar and my mind, body and soul itched to take you all there and witness this real and raw valley at its wildest! Zanskar is an otherworldly place, cut off from the world for 6 months a year, specially when its high passes are covered with snow during the harsh winters. During the summer months of July, August & September it is accessible by road from Kargil, Ladakh and Manali. So, making the most of this opportunity, i have planned a few scheduled departures only for you keeping in mind the long weekends and public holidays.
Without any further ado, lets dive in!
Travel to Padum
"Zanskar" - The Place In Between
6n7d | Ex- Manali | Drive - Hike - Chill
Manali | Shinku - La | Gombo Ronjon | Padum | Purne | Phuktal | Manali
11 - 17 August
25 - 31 August
15 - 21 September
6 -12 October
Introduction
If your heart is seeking for an adventure in Zanskar, then this is the ultimate trip for you!
When the Indian and Eurasian plates collided 50 million years ago to create the Great Himalayan range, a piece of the prehistoric Tethys ocean floor slid beneath Tibet, to create Zanskar Range. Its arid terrain features untamed rock formations, with deep rivers diving along its geographical fault lines. Bearing its history from the Stone age, now, the landscape is studded with small and big mud houses along with Manes, Monasteries and Mosques, beautiful people who are always with a smile ready to help and fields of Barley & Peas. Small streams flow through these farms like veins of the land creating a constant Zen experience with their flowing sounds. The river Zanskar, which flows into Ladakh and meets river Indus at the most famous tourist destination - the Sangam, is formed by the river Sherap coming from Lahaul (Himachal Pradesh) and the river Stod / Pensila coming from the Valley of Kargil, all flowing through the lofty and colorful Trans Himalayas!
Sandwiched between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Zanskar has had its share of internal wars and external aggressions. It holds a mixed culture of Islam and Buddhism which makes this place so thrilling. One can see mosques along with the monasteries in the streets and people of both religions thrive in harmony. Zanskar was part of Western Tibet and became a Kingdom later in 6 AD. Post that both the Dogra Kings of Kashmir & the Namgyals of Ladakh had an eye on this strategic piece of land to make their Silk Trade routes more powerful. History went on and what happened next, we will tell you when we meet!
So come and experience tranquility and peace. Walk with us to one of the oldest monasteries and villages of this world! Stay in an authentic homestay with a local family! (If you are lucky, you can be on the team to harvest Peas of the season too!) Try the famous home brewed Arak with some local delicacies! Be a part of this history for not long but just for these few days to witness something so pristine and delicate!
Itinerary Overview
Day 1 - Arrive Manali - Acclimatization & Walks Around
o/n Tra Boutique Stay
Day 2 - Manali to Padum - Via Shinku-La & Gombo Ronjon & Explore Padum Bazaar
o/n Urgain's Homestay
Day 3 - Explore Padum - Sani Village & Lake, Dzonkul Gompa & Karsha Village & Moanstery
o/n Urgain's Homestay
Day 4 - Explore Padum - Zangla palace, village & nunnery & Stondge Gumpa
o/n Urgain's Homestay
Day 5 - Padum to Purne - Phuktal Monastery Trek
o/n Homestay /Camps
Day 6 - Purne to Manali - Rest
o/n Tra Boutique Stay
Day 7 -Trip ends after breakfast
Cost Per Person:
Suv / Traveler with double / triple sharing basis - 28,500/- INR (Indian Tourist – we call it a group with 4 participants minimum)
Suv / Traveler with double / triple sharing basis - 37,500/- INR (International Tourist )
Suv / Traveler with single occupancy - 37,500/- INR (Indian Tourist )
Suv / Traveler with single occupancy - 46,500/- INR (International Tourist )
Please Note - All above costs are subjected to 5% GST
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Manali & Chill
What better place than Manali, the Gateway to Trans Himalayas, to start the adventure to Zanskar! We would be kicking off the trip from Tra Boutique Stay, Manali. We would spend the day well to acclimatize and warm up for the epic road trip.
After check in meet your trip leader and warm up the adventure.
After resting hike to an untouched waterfall for a quick dip (optional). This will help acclimatize the body and mind :)
Head back to the stay for dinner, briefing of the trip and rest.
P.s. - All participants are expected to arrive at the meeting point / Stay, latest by evening.
o/n Manali - Dinner at stay only
Day 2 - Travel to Padum via Atal Tunnel, Sissu, Darcha, Shinku - La & Gombo Ronjon
(Distance: 283kms, Travel Time ; 8 hrs)
Padum - named after Padmasambhava (the Pure Lotus God) is the administrative center of Zanskar, ornated with stupas & mosques, farm fields and streams, and amazing people extruding history and culture.
Only 4 years back did the road connecting Padum, Zanskar to Manali start. Before that the Lahualies and Zanskaris used to take this journey by foot. Looking at the old walking routes while driving through the beautiful landscape can make one believe in Charles Darwin's theory of -' Survival of the fittest'
Today as we leave after breakfast, for the higher altitudes of Zanskar via Darcha, get ready to experience the underlying hardship below the breathtaking landscapes. You will be crossing rivers, high passes like Shinku-La (16,000 ft) and entering the Lunalak Valley of Zanskar, watch the tree line fade and witness the - King of Mountains - Gombo Ronjon.
On the way also witness an engineering marvel of Himachal - the Atal Tunnel which provides with 12 months connectivity for the army and locals. Also cross the mighty Sissu waterfall, Keylong and Jispa.
Check in at your stay, freshen up and head for a walk around Padum bazaar to acclimatize and get an essence of this slow moving town under the shadows of Chora-la (the highest peak of Zanskar).
Head back to the stay for dinner and a casual interaction session filled with history and folklore with your stay host.
o/n Padum - Breakfast & Dinner at stay only
Day 3: Explore Padum, Zanskar – (Dzongkul Gompa, Sani Gompa & Karsha Gompa)
Being a part of Western Tibet right next to the territory of Islamic rule, and the gateway to the main land of India, one can find aggressive propagation of Buddhism by the then Lamas who built monasteries as old as 1000 years. All monasteries were built at the highest point of a settlement as a living compass, caravanserais and schools to preach Buddhism during the Silk Route Trade Era.
Dzongkul Gompa – This monastery lies in the West of Zanskar Valley on the old trekking routes of Dode, Kishtewar, Kashmir while crossing the Omasila Pass. The monastery was found by the great Saint Naropa and has the oldest sect of Buddhism taught by Yoginis. The highlight – monastery contains the old frescos from 17th Century, teachings and artefacts of Naropa along with caves where monks attained enlightenment.
Sani Gompa & Lake – makes it one of the oldest monasteries of Ladakh region. The stupa was built in Kanishka Era (127AD) and is said to be the first stops of Guru Padmasambhava during his time of spreading the teachings of Buddhism. The Lake is a unique fresh cold water spring with minerals enough to heal and fulfill a human body.
We further head to Karsha Gompa located on a mountain top providing a 360* view of the confluence of River Stod & River Tserap forming the River Zanskar. Karsha Gompa, was built 1000 years ago by Phagspa Sherap whose mummy is preserved int he monastery with the idols of Aloketershwara, Padmasambhava & His Holiness Dalai Lama. Enjoy the sunset in the valley marking our return to Padum to rest.
o/n Padum – Breakfast & Dinner at stay only
Day 4: Explore Zanskar –(Zangla Palace, Stongde Gompa & River rafting)
Today we head North of Zanskar along the Zanskar river to explore the life there.
Zangla Palace & Gompa – Zangla Palace is the place where the king of Zanskar still resides. The castle dating back from the 17th century is now under restoration. Across the river is the village of Tsaras, which houses 30 year old paintings which will be visited.
Then we head to Stongde Monastery – the second largest monastery and also the starting point of the old trekking route to Zangla Phu. The monastery is set up atop of the mountain from where we can witness a bird’s eye view of the entire valley.
We would then have the afternoon free to explore Padum old town, the market or opt for a river rafting session in the River Zanskar. One can choose to walk to the village of Pipting, a typical Zanskari Village Setup with great views of the Valley from Himachal Pradesh and Kargil.
Evening to leisure.
o/n Padum – Breakfast & Dinner at stay only
Day 6 : Padum to Phuktal via Purne
Padum – Purne ( 2 hrs drive) – Phuktal (2 hrs walk / hike) Saving the best for the last!
After a sumptuous breakfast we head towards the village and also the base for Phuktal monastery via Bardan Village towards Purne.
On reaching Purne gear up for a 2hr walk/ hike to the magnificent Phuktal Monastery which is built around a cave. Phuk – Cave & Thal – Liesure / Liberation – Hence the Cave of liberation. On reaching there by afternoon, take your time to explore the monastery and the raw landscape.
By early evening we head back to Purne and camp under the stars.
Set your tripods and cameras to record these beautiful memories of star gazing by the evening.
O/n Purne – Camping – Breakfast & Dinner at stay only
Day 6 : Purne to Manali
(Distance: 159kms, Travel Time ; 6-7 hrs)
After a lazy breakfast we head to Manali via Shinku – La.
Soak in the tranquil surrounding and walk around in this place closest to heaven before we retrace our path into civilization.
It will be the apple harvesting season by the time we get back to Manali. Stay amidst apple orchards and experience the tradition first hand.
O/n Manali – Tra Boutique stay – Breakfast & Dinner at stay only
Day 7 : Trip ends after Breakfast.
As all good things come to an end, our hosts will bid your farewell after a hefty breakfast and good byes!
Please note - We provide assistance for your onward journey on request.
DETAILS
Cost Per Person:
Suv / Traveler with double / triple sharing basis - 29,500/- INR (Indian Tourist – we call it a group with 4 participants minimum)
Suv / Traveler with double / triple sharing basis - 38,500/- INR (International Tourist )
Suv / Traveler with single occupancy - 38,500/- INR (Indian Tourist )
Suv / Traveler with single occupancy - 47,500/- INR (International Tourist )
Please Note - All above costs are subjected to 5% GST
Package Includes:‐
Accommodation on double / triple sharing basis in 3* Stays and deluxe Luxury camps.
Meal inclusions - breakfast and dinner included for entire trip i.e. from Day 1 Dinner to Day 7 Breakfast
All transportation by Scorpio / Tempo traveller.
Inner line permit included.
Local guides and trip leaders – their allowances etc
Please note - All stays are subjected to availability. If not, a similar accommodation will be provided.
Package does not Include: ‐
Any Airfare
Any other meal
Expenses of sight-seeing, adventure activity, personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, gratuities etc.
Any Insurance
Any expenses incurred due to delays owing to Force Majeure conditions or unforeseen circumstances
Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.
Please go through the Terms & Conditions & booking details -
1. To book your trip with us please have 50% of the trip cost+ 5 % gst as advance in the given account details :-
Kanupriya Raniwala
S.B.I. Bank
Current Acc. 32844391790
Chavni Branch, Kota
IFSC - SBIN0001534
Upi - travel.a.i.p@oksbi
Gpay - 8172047843
2. Balance payment of 50% + 5% gst to be done 7 days before the trip commencement date positively.
3. In case of covid state isolation (only) we will have your payment retained with us as a credit note which could be used anytime with 1 year from your trip date.
4. incase you choose to cancel from your side for any reason then -
A. Any date change to be intimated at least 15 days before the trip date. (we will see in our capacity what can be done) - Not valid for scheduled departures.
B. 50% Refund will be generated 30days before the trip date.
C. 25% Refund will be generated 20 days before the trip date.
D. 15% Refund will be generated between 7 and 19 days before the trip
E. No refund 7 days before the trip date.
5. For scheduled departures - We accept replacement with a participant proposed by the already confirmed participant, incase the confirmed participant wants to cancel. If not the above policy will be followed.
6. Booking will be initiated after we receive a receipt of the Payment.
Please note -
1. No rooms / property has been blocked at the moment. After confirmation through 50% advance, only then the blocking of rooms will start which is subjected to availability at the time of confirmation. (in this case will revive all our past bookings on confirmed dates)
2. The itinerary and cost is subjected to change depending on availability of mentioned properties at the time of confirmation through advance.
3. Any chance of reroute during the tour due to climate change will be charged extra in consent with the driver.
4. In case of any misbehavior / misconduct / discrepancy / demeanor or any kind of foul intention presented by guest towards any member of the team, hotel staff or driver can result in discontinuation of the tour subjected to immediate effect without any refund.
Do & Don’ts.
1. On Arrival please rest for 24 Hours, as you are travelling to High Altitude and would need time to acclimatize.
2. Have plenty of drinking water or any kind of liquid (except alcohol)
3. While visiting any Gompa, Please take a Lamas Permission for Photo or Video Shoot.
4. Please wear proper clothing while visiting Gompas.
5. For Females: No Open Hair, Short Skirts or any Short Dresses allowed at Gompa.
6. For Males: No Short Pants or Sleeveless allowed at Gompa.
7. Please follow Gompa Rules while visiting.
8. Kindly follow the instructions of your trip leader for a smooth trip.
11. One must have a valid Government Approved ID cards to be submitted on arrival.
Note: Please don’t forgot to take suggestion of your Family Doctor before visiting Ladakh for any kind of medicines
Recommended Medicines:
* Avomine–Vomiting.
* D Cold –Illness / Combiflam–Body Pain.
* Vicks Balm.
* Diamox(250mg) –For High Altitude / High Pressure.
* Saridon–Headache.
* Personal Medicines if any.
* GluconD / Electralpowder & Camphor.
* Bandage, cotton, Dettol, Betadine, burnol, violin spray, crepe bandages, scissors.
* Dependel M
* Strepsils
* Vicks inhaler
Essentials
•T‐SHIRTS (preferably dry‐fits)
•TRACK LOWERS
•THERMAL INNERS (Upper & Lower)
•RAIN SUIT (Upper & Lower)
•SWEAT SHIRT
•SHORTS
•RIDING OR RUBBER BOOTS (Avoid Brand New!)
•SUN CAP & BALACLAVA
•TOILETRIES
•TOWEL
•FLASHLIGHTS (preferably head torch)
•EXTRA BATTERIES
•SUNSCREEN, minimum 50spf
•SUN GLASSES OR RIDING GLASSES
•DOWN JACKET
•PERSONAL MEDICATION –if any
•BACKPACK ‐LARGE OR SADDLE BAGS WHICH CAN BE EASILY FITTED ON BIKES and a DAY PACK
•PEN KNIFE
•SOCKS (min.5 pairs) –Cotton & Woollen
•RIDING GLOVES & RIDING GEARS
Regards,
Team Travel AIP (Instagram @travel.a.i.p)
Sikkim | Spiti Valley & Himachal Pradesh | Zanskar | Ladakh | Kashmir | Rajasthan | Golden Triangle Circuit
Stay in Manali with us - Tra Boutique Stay (@tra_boutique_stay)
8172047843
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