Route Overview
Experience one of Ladakh's most scenic and adventurous road journeys through the newly opened Nimmu–Chilling–Padum highway. This route takes you deep into the heart of Zanskar Valley, passing dramatic gorges, turquoise rivers, remote villages, centuries-old monasteries, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
Highlights include the spectacular drive through the Zanskar Valley, visits to Stongde Monastery, Zangla Palace, the world-famous Phuktal Monastery, Gombo Rangjon, Karsha Monastery, Lingshed viewpoints, and the iconic Lamayuru Moonland before returning to Leh.
Perfect for adventure seekers, photographers, bikers, trekkers, and travelers looking to explore one of India's last untouched Himalayan destinations.
Route Points
Round trip Leh to Padum (Zanskar) Leh
Day 01: Leh to Padum via Nimmu – Chilling Highway (Approx. 180 km | 5–6 hrs)
Begin your journey from Leh and drive through the spectacular Nimmu–Chilling–Padum Highway, one of Ladakh's newest and most scenic mountain roads. Cross Singe La (16,600 ft), offering breathtaking Himalayan views before descending into the beautiful Zanskar Valley.
Highlights:
- Nimmu
- Chilling
- Zanskar River Gorge
- Singe La Pass (16,600 ft)
- Stongde Monastery
- Zangla Palace
- Arrival at Padum
Overnight: Padum
Day 02: Padum – Purne – Phuktal Monastery – Purne (Approx. 55 km drive | 30–45 min walk each way)
After breakfast, drive from Padum to Purne Village, enjoying beautiful views of the Zanskar Valley and stopping at the historic Bardan Monastery en route. Continue by vehicle to the Phuktal Bridge parking area, from where a scenic 30–45 minute walk along the Tsarap River leads to the magnificent Phuktal Monastery, one of the most spectacular cliffside Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas.
Spend time exploring the monastery, interacting with the resident monks, and admiring the unique architecture built into a natural cave before walking back to the bridge and returning to Purne.
Highlights:
- Bardan Monastery
- Purne Village
- Drive to Phuktal Bridge
- 30–45 minute scenic walk to Phuktal Monastery
- Ancient cliffside monastery
- Tsarap River Gorge
- Panoramic Himalayan landscapes
Overnight: Purne
Day 03: Purne – Gombo Rangjon – Padum (Approx. 140 km | 6–7 hrs)
Drive towards the iconic Gombo Rangjon, one of Ladakh's most photographed sacred mountains. Spend time exploring and photographing this magnificent natural landmark before returning to Padum.
Highlights:
- Gombo Rangjon
- Remote Zanskar landscapes
- Mountain photography
- Traditional villages
Overnight: Padum
Day 04: Padum Local Sightseeing (Approx. 40–60 km)
Explore the cultural and historical attractions around Padum, the administrative and cultural heart of Zanskar Valley.
Highlights:
- Karsha Monastery (largest monastery in Zanskar)
- Sani Monastery (one of Ladakh's oldest monasteries)
- Zangla Palace
- Local market
- Padum town
- Traditional Zanskari villages
Overnight: Padum
Day 05: Padum to Leh via Lingshed Viewpoint & Lamayuru (Approx. 240 km | 7–8 hrs)
After breakfast, drive back to Leh via the scenic Nimmu–Padum Highway. En route, enjoy panoramic views of Lingshed Valley, cross Singe La, and visit the famous Lamayuru Monastery and the spectacular Moonland before arriving in Leh.
Highlights:
- Karsha Monastery (if not visited on Day 4)
- Lingshed Valley Viewpoint
- Singe La Pass
- Lamayuru Monastery
- Moonland Landscape
- Nimmu (Indus–Zanskar Confluence, optional)
- Arrival in Leh
Covered in This Trip
- Shared taxi travel for the complete circuit
- Professional drivers experienced in high-altitude routes
- Fuel charges for the entire journey
- Toll taxes, parking fees, and environmental fees
- Driver allowance and night halt expenses
- Pick-up and drop within Leh town / main market area
- Vehicle as per seat booking category (Innova / SUV)
- Luggage space as per standard allowance
- 24/7 trip coordination support from Taxi Leh team
To Plan on Your Own
- Accommodation (hotel / camp stays in Nubra or Pangong)
- Meals, snacks, tea, or bottled water
- Camel ride at Hunder sand dunes
- Entry tickets for monasteries or sightseeing spots
- Oxygen cylinders or medical expenses
- Personal travel insurance
- Additional pickup/drop outside Leh main town
- Any service not specifically mentioned in "Included"
Travel Conditions & Expectations
This is an extreme high-altitude expedition through some of Ladakh’s most remote regions, including Umling La — one of the world’s highest motorable roads. Guests should be prepared for long driving hours, rugged mountain roads, limited facilities, and very low oxygen levels at higher altitudes. Proper acclimatization in Leh for at least 48 hours before the trip is strongly recommended. Carry heavy warm clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, personal medication, oxygen support if required, power backup, snacks, and valid government-issued ID proof throughout the journey.
Before You Travel
