5-Day Adventure Itinerary for Exploring Zanskar Valley, India

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Leh, India on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bon Appetit Cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast here with Tibetan and continental options, open from 7am to 10am to prepare for the journey ahead.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel to Zanskar Valley

Begin your journey from Leh towards Zanskar Valley by road, enjoying stunning mountainous landscapes en route.
INR1500, 5h0m

3:00pm

Settle at Guesthouse in Padum

Check into a peaceful guesthouse in Padum, the administrative center of Zanskar Valley, perfect base for exploration.
INR1000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Karsha Monastery

Explore Karsha Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Zanskar, with remarkable frescoes and panoramic views. Open till sunset.
INR50, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Yencha

Savor local Zanskari cuisine including thukpa and momos at this welcoming café, open until 9pm.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 2: Monastery and Village Trek

Zanskar Valley, India on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Start your day with a traditional Ladakhi breakfast served at your guesthouse, with fresh local bread and butter tea.
INR200, 1h0m

9:00am

Trek to Phugtal Monastery

Trek the scenic trail to Phugtal Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliffside. The trek is about 7-8 hours, so prepare with snacks and water.
Free, 8h0m

5:30pm

Dinner and Rest at Monastery Guest Quarters

Enjoy a simple meal provided by the monastery and rest overnight in its serene surroundings.
Donation based, Overnight
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Day 3: Village Exploration

Zanskar Valley, India on June 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Phugtal Monastery

Experience a peaceful morning meal with monks, featuring wholesome simple food made from local ingredients.
Donation based, 1h0m

8:30am

Explore Nyerak Village

Walk through Nyerak, one of the most remote villages in Zanskar celebrated for its traditional lifestyle and mountain scenery.
Free, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch with Local Family

Enjoy a home-cooked meal featuring traditional Zanskari dishes, a rare cultural experience. Arrange in advance.
INR500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return Trek to Padum

Hike back to Padum, soaking in the lush river valleys and rugged mountain views along the trail.
Free, 4h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Ladakh Kitchen

Wind down your day with hearty Ladakhi food in Padum featuring barley-based dishes; open until 9pm.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 4: Local Culture

Zanskar Valley, India on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Start with breakfast consisting of local bread, honey, and butter tea, preparing for a day of cultural immersion.
INR200, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Rarik Monastery

Explore Rarik Monastery, known for its beautiful frescoes and peaceful ambiance, open from 8am to 6pm.
INR50, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Tsarap River Area

Walk scenic trails along the Tsarap river bank and visit nearby villages including Dzong and Purne for authentic cultural insights.
Free, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Local Eatery in Padum

Enjoy freshly made noodle soup and local vegetables at a small family-run restaurant open daily till 4pm.
INR300, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Guesthouse

Take a rest in the afternoon or explore Padum’s local markets for souvenirs and handicrafts.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Moonwalk Restaurant

Try Tibetan delicacies like tingmo and sha balep in this popular spot, open till 9pm.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 5: Return Journey

Zanskar Valley to Leh, India on June 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Enjoy a filling breakfast including porridge and Tibetan bread before traveling back to Leh.
INR200, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive back to Leh

Depart early for Leh to avoid afternoon traffic on the mountainous route, soaking final views of the valley.
INR1500, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Tibetan Kitchen, Leh

Savor one last taste of Ladakhi cuisine with dishes like thenthuk and butter tea, open from 11am to 3pm.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Leh Market Visit and Relax

Spend your afternoon browsing Leh’s vibrant market before concluding your trip.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bon Appetit

Enjoy a farewell dinner with international cuisine, open till 10pm, to celebrate your journey through Zanskar Valley.
INR600, 1h0m
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