Zanskar Valley Expedition – Manali, Phugtal & Drang Drung Glacier
Journey Beyond Manali Into the Raw Valleys, Monasteries & Glaciers of Zanskar
Explore the Journey
About This Journey
Journey into one of the Indian Himalayas’ most remote landscapes with Go Alive on an unforgettable expedition through Manali, Lahaul and the legendary Zanskar Valley.
Begin with an overnight journey from Delhi to Manali before travelling beyond the Atal Tunnel and across the dramatic Shinku La Pass into the raw mountain terrain of Zanskar.
Experience sacred Gonbo Rangjon, remote Purne village, the remarkable cliffside Phugtal Monastery and Padum — the cultural heart of Zanskar Valley.
Continue through ancient monasteries, high-altitude lakes, waterfalls and spectacular Himalayan landscapes before visiting Pensi La and the enormous Drang Drung Glacier.
The return journey crosses spectacular alpine terrain towards Jispa, Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal and Sissu before reaching Manali and continuing overnight to Delhi.
Designed for travellers who enjoy remote roads, mountain culture and offbeat adventure, this Go Alive expedition offers a deeper Himalayan experience far beyond the usual tourist circuit.
Trip Highlights
- Offbeat Zanskar Valley Expedition
- Delhi to Manali Overnight Volvo Journey
- Atal Tunnel
- Shinku La Pass – Approximately 16,703 ft
- Kargyak Valley
- Sacred Gonbo Rangjon Mountain
- Remote Purne Village
- Phugtal Monastery Trek
- Zanskar River Gorge Views
- Padum – Heart of Zanskar
- Karsha Monastery
- Sheela Waterfall
- Stongdey Monastery
- Zangla Palace
- Sani Lake
- Pensi La Pass
- Drang Drung Glacier
- Baralacha La Pass
- Suraj Tal
- Deepak Tal
- Jispa & Lahaul Valley
- Sissu Waterfall
- 6 Breakfasts + 6 Dinners
- All Required Permits
- Experienced Trip Coordinator & Local Driver
Tour Itinerary
Day 0: Delhi to Manali | Overnight Journey
Meet the Go Alive group at the confirmed Delhi departure point and board the AC semi-sleeper Volvo for Manali.
The reference provides departure from the Kashmere Gate ISBT / Majnu Ka Tila area between approximately 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
Settle in for the overnight road journey towards the Himalayas.
Stay: Overnight Volvo Journey
Day 1: Arrival in Manali | Acclimatisation & Leisure
Arrive in Manali surrounded by mountain landscapes and fresh Himalayan air.
Proceed towards your stay, complete the check-in formalities and spend some time resting and acclimatising before travelling deeper into the high mountains.
Later, explore Manali at your own pace, visit cafés, walk around Mall Road or simply relax at the property.
Join the group briefing in the evening to understand the upcoming Zanskar route and travel plan.
Overnight Stay: Manali
Day 2: Manali to Purne | Atal Tunnel, Shinku La & Gonbo Rangjon
After breakfast, begin the spectacular journey towards Zanskar Valley.
Drive through the Atal Tunnel and enter the dramatic landscapes of Lahaul before climbing towards Shinku La Pass at approximately 16,703 feet.
Continue through the remote hamlets of Kargyak Valley and witness the striking sacred mountain of Gonbo Rangjon.
By evening, arrive in the remote settlement of Purne and settle into your stay surrounded by Himalayan wilderness.
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Overnight Stay: Purne
Day 3: Purne to Phugtal Monastery | Continue to Padum
Enjoy breakfast before beginning the hike towards the extraordinary Phugtal Monastery.
Follow a remote mountain trail overlooking deep gorges and the Zanskar River before reaching the monastery built dramatically into a cliffside cave.
Spend time discovering its peaceful surroundings and Buddhist heritage before trekking back towards Purne.
Continue by road towards Padum, the main settlement and cultural centre of Zanskar Valley.
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Overnight Stay: Padum
Day 4: Padum Sightseeing | Monasteries, Waterfall & Zangla Palace
Spend the day exploring the cultural and historical surroundings of Padum.
Visit Karsha Monastery, one of the region’s major Buddhist monasteries, before continuing towards Sheela Waterfall.
Later, visit Stongdey Monastery and enjoy panoramic views across the Zanskar landscape.
Continue towards historic Zangla Palace before returning to Padum for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Overnight Stay: Padum
Day 5: Sani Lake | Pensi La | Drang Drung Glacier
After breakfast, prepare for a scenic excursion towards some of Zanskar’s most spectacular high-altitude landscapes.
Stop around Sani Lake and the historic Sani village before continuing towards Pensi La Pass.
Experience magnificent views of Drang Drung Glacier, a huge river of ice flowing through the surrounding Himalayan ranges.
Spend time appreciating the landscape before returning towards Padum.
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Overnight Stay: Padum
Day 6: Padum to Jispa | High Passes & Alpine Lakes
After breakfast, begin the journey back towards Lahaul.
Travel once again through the dramatic terrain around Gonbo Rangjon and continue across high-altitude mountain roads.
The published itinerary includes Baralacha La Pass, followed by views of Suraj Tal and Deepak Tal.
Continue towards Jispa and settle into your stay after a long but spectacular Himalayan drive.
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Overnight Stay: Jispa
Day 7: Jispa to Manali | Sissu & Overnight Volvo to Delhi
Enjoy breakfast before leaving Jispa and beginning the return journey towards Manali.
Travel through Keylong and Sissu and stop around Sissu Waterfall before continuing through the Atal Tunnel.
Arrive in Manali by evening and proceed towards the Volvo boarding point.
Board the overnight bus for Delhi.
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Overnight Volvo Journey
Day 8: Arrival in Delhi | Journey Ends
Arrive in Delhi in the morning and conclude your Go Alive Zanskar Valley Expedition.
The reference currently estimates arrival between approximately 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Delhi to Manali & Return AC Semi-Sleeper Volvo Transfers
- Manali-to-Manali Transportation by Tempo Traveller
- Accommodation in Hotels / Homestays / Swiss Camps as per Itinerary
- Double / Triple Sharing Accommodation as per Confirmed Package
- 6 Breakfasts
- 6 Dinners
- Comfortable Tempo Traveller During the Zanskar Circuit
- Experienced Trip Coordinator
- Experienced Local Driver Familiar with the Terrain
- All Required Permits
- Delhi Departure Between Approximately 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM on Day 0
- Delhi Arrival Between Approximately 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM on Day 8
Additional Inclusions for Bike Option
- Selected Motorcycle Subject to Availability
- Possible Bike Options Include Royal Enfield Classic 350, Himalayan & Bajaj Dominar
- Basic Riding Gear for Rider – Knee Guard, Elbow Guard & Helmet
Not Included
- Personal Expenses
- Medical Expenses
- Tips & Gratuities
- Lunches
- Beverages
- Room Heater Charges
- Additional Stay or Food Required Because of Bad Weather or Road Closures
- Auto / Cab from Manali Volvo Drop Point to Hotel
- Auto / Cab from Mall Road / Hotel Area to Manali Volvo Parking
- Monument Entry Tickets
- Optional Adventure Activities
- Expenses Caused by Medical Emergencies or Other Unforeseen Circumstances
- Anything Not Specifically Mentioned Under Package Inclusions
Bike Option Exclusions
- Bike Fuel
- Towing / Damage Charges
- Additional Riding Gear such as Saddle Bags or Advanced Helmets
- Bike Security Deposit as Applicable
Package Costing
Tempo Traveller Package
Original Price: ₹29,999 Per Person
Special Price: ₹24,999 Per Person
You Save: ₹5,000 Per Person
Advertised Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Complete Travel Schedule: Day 0 to Day 8 Including Overnight Volvo Journeys
Accommodation: Hotels / Homestays / Swiss Camps
Occupancy: Double / Triple Sharing as per Confirmed Booking
Meals: 6 Breakfasts + 6 Dinners
Delhi–Manali Transfers: AC Semi-Sleeper Volvo
Zanskar Circuit Transport: Tempo Traveller
Permits: Included
Taxes: Applicable Taxes Extra
Final Go Alive pricing remains subject to departure date, stay availability, road conditions and final supplier confirmation.
Available Batches
Previously Published Zanskar Departure
Published Start Date: 01 May 2026
Status: Past Departure
Published End Date: Not Explicitly Stated
Custom Zanskar Valley Departure
Travel Dates: On Request
Advertised Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Operational Schedule: Day 0 to Day 8 Including Overnight Delhi Transfers
Trip Mode: Group Adventure
Starting Price: ₹24,999 Per Person Based on the Current Tempo Traveller Rate
Pickup / Drop: Delhi
Availability: Subject to Selected Dates & Road Conditions
Please confirm the next Go Alive departure, group size and Zanskar road accessibility before accepting bookings.
- The package headline is advertised as 6 Nights / 7 Days.
- The actual detailed travel plan runs from Day 0 to Day 8 because overnight Delhi–Manali and Manali–Delhi Volvo journeys are included.
- The package therefore spans approximately 9 calendar-day labels when Day 0 and final Delhi arrival are counted.
- The formal meal plan includes 6 breakfasts and 6 dinners.
- The standard road-tour package uses a Tempo Traveller from Manali to Manali.
- A separate bike option is available, with the exact motorcycle model subject to availability.
- Bike fuel is not included.
- Bike riders receive basic knee guards, elbow guards and a standard helmet according to the referenced package.
- The source recommends carrying your own properly fitting helmet for comfort and safety.
- A refundable bike security deposit may be collected depending on the selected motorcycle.
- Network connectivity is extremely limited in remote areas such as Gonbo Rangjon and Purne.
- The source recommends carrying BSNL or eligible Jio / Airtel postpaid connectivity, though network access cannot be guaranteed.
- Carry valid Government-issued identification along with a photocopy.
- Carry sufficient cash because ATM access is very limited after Manali.
- Room heaters are not included and may be available at additional cost.
- Weather, snowfall, landslides or roadblocks can alter the route or require additional stays.
- The best travel window stated by the reference is generally June to September when mountain roads are more accessible.
- The currently published fixed start date is 01 May 2026, which has already passed. The page also provides a Custom Date enquiry.
- Final departure date, accommodation, road conditions, vehicle and permit arrangements should be reconfirmed before accepting a booking.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellation requests must be communicated to Go Alive through an official communication channel.
- Booking amounts paid towards confirmed reservations may be non-refundable.
- Cancellation charges will depend on the cancellation date and amounts already committed towards accommodation, transportation, permits, motorcycles and other suppliers.
- Remote Himalayan expeditions may carry stricter cancellation conditions because accommodation and transport require advance arrangements.
- Cancellation close to departure may attract substantial or complete cancellation charges.
- No-show bookings may be treated as non-refundable.
- Volvo tickets, motorcycle bookings and other third-party services will follow their respective cancellation terms.
- Weather, snowfall, landslides, road closures, government restrictions or other operational circumstances may require itinerary modifications.
The final cancellation conditions applicable to your Go Alive booking will be communicated before confirmation.
Privacy Policy
Personal information submitted during an enquiry or booking may be used by Go Alive to process travel arrangements, permits, communicate booking information and provide customer support.
Where necessary to operate the journey, relevant traveller information may be shared with accommodation providers, transport operators, permit authorities, motorcycle providers, local coordinators and other travel-service partners.
Personal information will be used only for legitimate booking, operational and communication requirements in accordance with Go Alive’s privacy practices.
Please refer to the official Go Alive Privacy Policy for complete information regarding the collection, use, storage and protection of personal information.
Frequently Asked Questions
6 QuestionsEverything you may want to know before booking this journey.
01 Where does the Zanskar Valley expedition start and end?
The complete journey starts and ends in Delhi. Overnight Volvo transfers connect Delhi with Manali, while the main Zanskar road circuit operates from Manali and returns to Manali.
02 Is Phugtal Monastery included in the trip?
Yes. The itinerary includes a trek from Purne to Phugtal Monastery, followed by a return trek and onward road journey towards Padum.
03 What meals are included in the Zanskar package?
The package includes 6 breakfasts and 6 dinners. Lunches and beverages are not included unless specifically added to the final Go Alive booking.
04 Can I do this Zanskar expedition on a bike?
Yes. The reference provides a bike-trip option with motorcycles such as Royal Enfield Classic 350, Himalayan or Bajaj Dominar subject to availability. Basic rider gear is included, but fuel, additional equipment and damage or towing charges are excluded.
05 Are permits included for the Zanskar Valley trip?
Yes. The referenced package states that all required permits for the planned journey are included.
06 Why does the itinerary run from Day 0 to Day 8 if the package is 7 Days / 6 Nights?
The advertised package duration is 7 Days / 6 Nights for the core journey, while the complete schedule includes overnight Delhi-to-Manali travel on Day 0 and the overnight return from Manali before arriving in Delhi on Day 8.