Leh to Zanskar Jeep Tour
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The beautiful multi-colored desert landscapes are arid and dotted with small villages inhabited by rugged-looking people of Tibetan heritage. Leh town is a fascinating city surrounded by rugged snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, verdant farmland, sprawling monasteries, ancient palaces and countless discoveries alluring visitors worldwide. After strolling through Leh and the Indus valley, on this journey you will make the tour to Zanskar Valley. Zanskar Valley, known for its splendid isolation, perched at over (3,500 m) is southwest of Leh, and among the highest and most remote regions in the world. Settled up between the peaks of the Zanskar range, the valley is drained by the Stod and Lungnak rivers (also called Doda Chu and Tsarap Chu locally), both of which are tributaries of the Zanskar river, which itself flows northwards to join the Indus. The ‘gateway’ to Zanskar is Penzi La. Two small high-altitude lakes with camping sites and views of permafrost mountains are the highlights of this pass, which is the highest point on the Kargil-Zanskar road. A few hundred metres from Penzi La is the enormous Drang Drung glacier, source of the Stod river. Just 20 kms before Penzi La, you will pass Rangdum. Set in a wild, big-sky valley, the village is home to the 250-year old Rangdum gompa built on a low plateau. Its museum has a collection of thangkas, masks and manuscripts. From Penzi La, a spectacular drive along unpaved roads leads through villages like Abran, Aksho, Hamiling, Shagam and Phey, all within 12 kms of one another and about 50 kms from Padum. Those who care to stop may admire the view, as well as the many boulders engraved with ancient rock art in and around these settlements. A little further, Sani village (8 km before Padum) has one of Zanskar’s few gompas built on flat land. The Sani gompa has the famous Kanika chorten, which may date to the rule of the Kushan emperor Kanishka.
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Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
The 472 km jeep safari from Manali to Leh is the most incredible adventure in Ladakh. Starting from the hill station of Himachal, Manali, the route crosses the Rohtang Pass (3890 m), arriving at the mountain paradise of Lahaul. After a break at Jispa, the road passes over Baralacha Pass (4890 m) and finally to the marvelous landscape of Leh. Another alternative is to take the route from Serchu to Tsokar and Tso Moriri before arriving in Leh. The tour can also be extended to the Nubra valley across Khardongla Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, or to Pangong Lake, the majestic lake of multiple shades of blue, or to Srinagar after crossing Zojila Pass (3528 m).
The jeep safari adventure in Ladakh from Manali to Leh is not just about reaching the destination, but about enjoying the journey. It’s a route that promises excitement and beauty at every turn. We recommend maintaining an easy pace for the jeep safari, not just to adjust to the higher altitudes and avoid AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), but also to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the trip.
Distance: 472 km
Route: Manali-Leh via Rohtang Pass, Baralacha Pass, Khardungla (if extended to Nubra Valley), Chang La (on route to Pangong Lake), and Zoji La Pass (in case extended till Srinagar).
Set 160 km from Leh, Pangong Lake is one of Ladakh’s best places to visit. Famously known for the shooting location of the famous Bollywood movie ‘3 Idiots’, the lake is a beauty. Even better is the route you can enjoy while on jeep safari from Leh to Pangong. The lake is snuggled in the middle of the barren mountains, displaying a number of shades of blue with a backdrop of clear skies dotted with clouds.
Start with your favourite jeep safari in Leh Ladakh with a pictorial view of Shey Monastery, a 17th-century Buddhist monastery known for its giant copper statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha, and Hemis Monastery, the largest and richest monastery in Ladakh. The route also covers the beautiful Thiksey monastery, famous for its architectural similarities with the Potala Palace of Lhasa. The highlights of the scenic route come at Chang la Pass (5,360 m), one of the picturesque high mountain passes in Ladakh. Scenic villages fall on the road, giving a glimpse of the charming Ladakhi lifestyle.
Arriving at Pangong Lake will leave you spellbound. The unique experience of camping at the shores or enjoying a short jeep safari tour to Spangmik village will add a touch of thrill to your trip.
Distance: 160 km
Route: Leh to Pangong via Chang la, with stops at Shey, Hemis, and Thiksey Monasteries.
Coming on to the following excellent Leh Ladakh jeep safari route, Nubra Valley is pretty much beyond imagination. Located 120 km from Leh, the valley is a natural wonder. Here, you can find the highest desert in the world and marvel at lush fields, charming villages, ancient monasteries, and beautiful scenery. The safari takes you across the Khardong La (5,359 m), one of the highest motorable passes in the world.
Traveling on this famous route is one of the best main attractions of Ladakh. On your adventure tour, consider exploring Diskit Monastery, Samstaling Monastery, Hunder Village, and safari at the dunes riding the unique Bactrian Camels (Double Humped Camels). The safari trip covers an overnight stay at the desert camp and an excursion to nearby villages.
Distance: 120 km
Route: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardong La.
The scenic journey to Tsomoriri Lake from Leh is about 240 km. One of the highest lakes in Ladakh, Tso Moriri, is a beauty that comes with thrilling adventure. The route covers Shey, Thiksey, Upshi, and many other small villages along the Indus River. The highlight of the jeep safari from Leh to Tso Moriri is the hot spring at Chumathang (3965 m). Taking a bath is said to have therapeutic value.
Enjoy a full-day walking tour of Tsomoriri Lake, a visit to the famous Karzok monastery, and the nearby villages. Rich in wildlife, the area is also known for spotting the incredible species of the Great Himalayan Region. There are also options for a jeep safari from Manali via Tsokar Lake and Serchu or visiting Tsomoriri before returning to Manali.
Distance: 240 km
Route: Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang with stopovers at Thiksey and Shey monasteries.
Regarding the exciting adventure of Leh jeep safaris, the Srinagar to Leh journey is as exhilarating as the drive from Manali to Leh. The Srinagar to Leh jeep safari is truly memorable, from breathtaking views to crossing mountain passes.
The almost 440 km long Srinagar-Leh highway crosses the scenic hill town of Sonamarg, Drass, and runs alongside the Indus River. The route enjoys picturesque views. Challenges on this route are few compared to the Manali-Leh route but are equally amazing if not more. The highlights of the route include the three high mountain passes named Zoji La (3528 m), Namki La (3815 m), and Fotu La (4108 m). The 5-6 day jeep safari tour covers the enticing charm of Ladakh.
Distance: 440 km
Route: Srinagar-Leh via Zoji la Pass.