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Private 4x4 vehicles
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• Guesthouses (3-star standard) • Tented camps • Homestays
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5,416 metres
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Leh (via Delhi)
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June, July, August, September
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Eco-Tour, Hiking, Cultural
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All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
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English and French
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Easy to Moderate
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2-15
Overview
An epic 20-day eco-tour that combines cultural immersion, high-altitude adventure, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. Led by a professional French-speaking guide, this journey takes you through monasteries, nomadic lands, and challenging yet rewarding treks.
Highlights
- Guided by a professional French-speaking local expert
- Trek across high passes including Kanji La, Pigdong La, and Parfi La
- Overnights in remote villages and nomadic encampments
- Visit to sacred lakes Tsomoriri and Tso Kar
- Cultural immersion with Ladakhi and Zanskari communities
- Visit ancient monasteries such as Hemis, Thiksey, Phuktal and more
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Airport pick-up and transfer to guesthouse. Free day to acclimatize. Evening walk to local market.
Overnight at guesthouse | Dinner included
Visit some of the most iconic Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh by 4x4.
Overnight in Leh | Breakfast & dinner included
Drive to Rumbak. Lunch with local family and short trek to Yurutse (1.5 hrs).
Homestay in Yurutse | All meals included
Cross Ganda La pass with panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Homestay in Shingo | All meals included
Short trek to Skui (2 hrs), return drive to Leh. Optional Zanskar river rafting.
Overnight in Leh | Dinner included
Drive via Chumathang & Rong Valley. Afternoon walk around the lake, visit local nomads.
Overnight in Korzok | Dinner included
Return via Tso Kar and Taklang La pass (5000 m), stunning mountain views.
Overnight in Leh | Dinner included
Drive via Alchi and Lamayuru monasteries.
Overnight in tents | All meals included
Drive duration: 4–5 hours
- Route: Depart from Leh and drive to Kanji, passing through Alchi Monastery and Lamayuru Monastery.
- Arrival: Upon arrival at Kanji, set up camp.
- Overnight: Tent camping near Kanji.
Overnight in tents | All meals included
Trekking duration: 6–7 hours
- Morning: Trek from Kanji to Kanji-La Pass (5240 m), crossing challenging terrain and gaining altitude.
- Afternoon: After reaching the pass, descend towards Sumdo, which is the confluence of two rivers coming from Kanji-La and Pigdong-La. Set up camp here.
- Overnight: Tent camping in Sumdo.
Overnight in tents | All meals included
Trekking duration: 7–8 hours
- Morning: Trek along the Kanji Valley, passing streams and rocky terrain. Ascend to Pigdong La Pass (5020 m).
- Afternoon: Descend into the valley toward Dipling Dok. This area is surrounded by high cliffs and a remote alpine environment.
- Overnight: Tent camping in Dipling Dok.
🏕️ Overnight in tents | All meals included
Trekking duration: 7–8 hours
A wild and remote trail. Trek along the valley floor, cross small streams until you reach the junction of two rivers. Take the left-hand valley and ascend to cross Pigdong La Pass (5020 m), another breathtaking high point.
Descend to Dipling Dok, a secluded alpine pasture with great views.
Overnight in tent | All meals included
Trekking duration: 6–7 hours
Continue trekking along the Oma Tokpo River, crossing it multiple times (bring sandals!). This route passes through dramatic gorges and green pockets of pasture.
Arrive at Lingshet Sumdo, a confluence below the village of Lingshed.
Overnight in tent | All meals included
Trekking duration: 6–7 hours
Ascend steadily to Barmi La Pass (4680 m), with beautiful views over the Zanskar region. Then descend toward Lingshed, one of the oldest villages in Zanskar.
Visit Lingshed Monastery, a peaceful and spiritual site. There’s also a unique Shangdong pit trap used by villagers historically to catch wolves.
Overnight in tent or homestay | All meals included
Trekking duration: 4–5 hours
A more relaxing day. Explore the village of Lingshed, interact with locals, and visit nearby settlements. Trek gently toward Lanang, a lesser-known spot ideal for acclimatization and rest.
Overnight in tent | All meals included
Trekking duration: 8 hours
Cross one of the steepest passes of your journey — Hanamur La Pass (4800 m), with incredible views. A tough but rewarding day, descending into the Jingchen Valley, a lush hidden area with waterfalls and wildlife.
Overnight in tent | All meals included
Visit Stongdey and Karsha monasteries.
Homestay overnight in Padum
Discover two of Zanskar’s spiritual gems.
Overnight in Phey or Padum | Shower available
Trek to the unique cliffside monastery of Phuktal and return to Purne.
Homestay overnight in Purne
Scenic road journey back to Manali.
Overnight in Manali | Breakfast included
Cost
The Cost Includes
- All airport transfers
- Accommodation in guesthouses, tents or local homestays as per itinerary
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner)
- Private transportation (4x4) throughout the trip
- French-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Trek crew: cook, muleteers, horses/mules
- Complete camping gear: tents, mattresses, kitchen and toilet tents
- Entrance fees to monasteries & trekking permits
- Traditional homestay accommodation in Zanskar villages
- Wildlife and protected area fees
The Cost Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance & emergency evacuation
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, etc.)
- Tips for guide and trekking staff
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, technical clothing)
- Optional river rafting (available upon request)
FAQs
The trek is rated as Moderate to Challenging due to the high altitudes and rugged terrain. You will be trekking for 6-8 hours each day, and some sections of the trek involve steep ascents and descents, particularly when crossing high passes like Kanji-La and Pigdong-La. Previous trekking experience and good physical fitness are recommended.
While prior trekking experience is not mandatory, it is helpful to have some experience in high-altitude trekking. This trek requires good stamina, as you will be walking for long hours on uneven, rocky terrain. A basic understanding of trekking essentials like pacing, hydration, and dealing with altitude is also important.
The maximum altitude reached during the trek is 5,416 meters at Kanji-La Pass.
The best time to embark on this adventure is during the summer months of June, July, and August, when the weather is most favorable for trekking. However, September can also be a great time as the weather is still clear, and the crowds have started to thin.
Yes, a professional English- and French-speaking guide will accompany the group throughout the trek. The guide is a local expert familiar with the terrain, culture, and environmental aspects of Ladakh and Zanskar.
Accommodation is a mix of guesthouses in Leh and Zanskar, tented camps along the trekking route, and homestays in local villages. In some remote areas, you will camp under the stars in the mountains.
All meals during the trek are included, with three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Meals will be prepared by a cook accompanying the trek, with packed picnic lunches on trekking days. Local Ladakhi and Indian cuisine will be offered, but vegetarians can be accommodated as well.
You will need to bring basic trekking gear, including:
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Trekking shoes with good grip and ankle support
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Sleeping bag (if not provided by the tour)
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Warm clothing (even in summer, nights can be cold)
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Waterproof jacket and windproof layers
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Sunscreen and sunglasses
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Trekking poles (optional but helpful)
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Personal items such as toiletries, camera, and water bottle
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Headlamp/torch (for camping at night)
