Zanskar – Astro Road Trip
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Overview
Experience an unforgettable Astro Expedition to Zanskar via Manali, where adventure meets some of the clearest and darkest night skies in India. Perfect for stargazers, astrophotographers, students, and nature lovers, this journey combines scenic Himalayan landscapes with incredible night sky experiences.
Travel along the stunning Manali–Leh Highway into the remote valleys of Zanskar, where you'll witness the Milky Way in all its glory under crystal-clear skies. Along the way, explore ancient monasteries, cross high mountain passes, and discover the untouched beauty of the Himalayas. This expedition is the perfect mix of astronomy, adventure, and local culture.
If your travel dates differ or you’d like this journey tailored just for you, head to our custom trip page:
Included/Excluded
- Professional star gazing expert with a telescope for the entire trip
- Accommodation at all places in Swiss Tent camps/hotels/Homestays as per the itinerary
- Breakfast from Day 2 to Day 8
- Dinner - Day 1 to Day 7
- Transportation in Non AC Tempo Traveller for all days as per the itinerary
- First Aid Kit for Emergency
- All permits
- Post & Pre-Trip Support
- Airfare
- Meals other than mentioned in inclusions
- Room heater charges
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
- Tips to hotel/camp staff and driver
- Any charge like extra accommodation, route & date change incurred due to unforeseen & unavoidable conditions
Tour Plan
Day 1 - Delhi to Manali (Overnight Journey)
- Assemble at Kashmiri Gate ISBT, Delhi, for an evening departure around 8:00 PM by AC Volvo or private Tempo Traveller.
- Meet your tour leader for a short trip briefing, seat allocation, and baggage coordination before the journey begins.
- Start the overnight drive towards Manali via Chandigarh, Bilaspur, Mandi, and Kullu, with regular stops for tea, refreshments, and washroom breaks.
- Relax on the overnight journey and carry a small daypack with a warm jacket, neck pillow, and any essential medicines for a comfortable trip.
Day 2 - Manali Local Sightseeing
- Arrive in Manali in the morning and check in to your hotel. Freshen up and relax after the overnight journey.
- Enjoy breakfast before heading out to explore the iconic Hadimba Devi Temple, surrounded by beautiful cedar forests.
- Spend the evening at leisure exploring Mall Road and the charming cafés of Old Manali, or simply soak in the mountain vibes.
- Return to the hotel for dinner
- Overnight stay in Manali.
Day 3 - Manali to Jispa via Atal Tunnel & Lahaul
- After breakfast, begin your scenic drive from Manali towards Jispa, passing through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Himalayas.
- Stop for photos at the iconic Atal Tunnel, one of the world's longest high-altitude tunnels, and the picturesque Sissu Waterfall Viewpoint.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Lahaul Valley as you drive alongside the beautiful Chandra and Bhaga rivers.
- Arrive at your riverside campsite or hotel in Jispa by afternoon, check in, and unwind amidst the serene mountain surroundings.
- After dinner, join an introductory Astronomy Session, where our experts will introduce you to the night sky and prepare you for the stargazing experiences ahead.
Day 4 - Jispa to Phuktal Monastery to Padum
- After an early breakfast, begin your journey from Jispa to Padum via the spectacular Shinku La Pass, the gateway connecting Lahaul to the remote Zanskar Valley.
- Drive through dramatic mountain landscapes, rugged trails, stream crossings, and vast Himalayan valleys, with plenty of opportunities to admire the breathtaking scenery.
- Reach the trailhead near Purne and enjoy a scenic 1–1.5 hour trek to the iconic Phuktal Monastery, a centuries-old monastery dramatically built into a cliffside.
- After exploring the monastery, trek back to the roadhead, have lunch, and continue the drive towards Padum, the heart of Zanskar.
- Arrive in Padum by evening, check in to your hotel or guesthouse, and relax after an adventurous day.
- After dinner, attend a Basic Astrophotography Session.
- Overnight stay in Padum.
Day 5 - Padum: Karsha Gompa, Zangla Fort & Around
- Enjoy breakfast before setting out to explore the highlights of Zanskar Valley.
- Visit the magnificent Karsha Monastery, the largest monastery in Zanskar, perched on a hillside with stunning views of the valley below.
- Continue to Zangla Palace, where you'll discover the region's rich history and admire its traditional Himalayan architecture.
- Return to Padum in the late afternoon and spend some free time exploring the local market, relaxing by the riverside, or capturing the beauty of the valley.
- In the evening, attend a short briefing about the next day's journey to Pensi La Pass and the Drang Drung Glacier.
- After dinner, experience an unforgettable Deep Sky Observation Session, where you'll observe distant galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and other celestial wonders through high-powered telescopes.
- Overnight stay in Padum.
Day 6 - Padum: Pensi La & Drang Dung Glacier Excursion
- After breakfast, set out on a scenic excursion from Padum to the breathtaking Pensi La Pass.
- Drive through dramatic mountain landscapes as you ascend to the high-altitude pass, known for its panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
- Visit the spectacular Drang Drung Glacier Viewpoint, where you'll witness one of the largest glaciers in the region and enjoy incredible opportunities for photography.
- After spending time at the viewpoint, drive back to Padum, taking in the stunning Himalayan scenery along the way.
- Dinner and overnight stay in Padum.
Day 7 - Padum to Gonbo Rangjon
- After breakfast, check out from your stay in Padum and begin the drive towards the spectacular Gonbo Rangjon region.
- Enjoy another scenic journey through the stunning landscapes of Zanskar Valley, with beautiful views of rivers, mountains, and remote Himalayan villages along the way.
- Arrive at Gonbo Rangjon by afternoon and check in to your campsite or homestay, set against the backdrop of the region's iconic sacred mountain.
- In the evening, head out for a short acclimatization walk and capture the breathtaking sunset over the surrounding peaks.
- After nightfall, experience an unforgettable Milky Way Photography Session, along with techniques for capturing stunning time-lapse videos of the star-filled sky.
- Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Gonbo Rangjon.
Day 8 - Gonbo to Manali & Overnight Bus to Delhi
- After an early breakfast, begin the return journey towards Manali, enjoying your final views of the majestic Himalayas.
- Arrive in Manali by late afternoon or early evening and take some time to freshen up.
- Enjoy an early dinner before preparing for your onward journey.
- Board your overnight AC Volvo or private bus to Delhi, departing between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
- Relax and unwind as you travel overnight back to Delhi.
Day 9 - Reach Delhi & Goodbyes
- Arrive in Delhi early in the morning.
- Bid farewell to your fellow travellers
- Depart with unforgettable memories of your Himalayan Astro Expedition
Calendar & Prices
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Per Person
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Payment
Payment Options:
- UPI - wsouls@ybl
- Online through payment gateway - Click Book Now (3.5% transaction charges)
Payment Terms:
- You can book you seat by paying ₹10000 advance
- The remaining amount has to be paid 2 weeks before the trip start date
Disclaimer
- Star gazing sessions will be strictly dependent on the weather conditions and the traveling schedules, organisers may decide to cancel the session for that particular day in case of delay or bad weather conditions
- Any additional expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances like cancellation/ roadblocks/landslides/strike or any other natural causes out of human control or any emergency evacuation expenses will be borne by the travellers
- In case of cancellation of any event due to reasons beyond control (like Natural calamities, riots, political uncertainty, public transport failure etc.), refund shall be payable with respect to the given refund norms.
- Wandering Souls will not be responsible for any losses incurred for any train/air/bus/taxi bookings, hotel bookings or extension to the camp done by clients/participants
Cancellation Policy
- If cancellation done by participant prior to 45 days of the Event, 10% of the advance amount will be deducted
- If cancellation done by participant prior to 30 days of the Event, 50% of the advance amount will be deducted
- If cancellation done by participant between 15 to 30 days of the Event, 100% of advance amount will be deducted
- If cancellation done by participant between 7 to 15 days of the Event, 50% of whole trip amount will be deducted
- If cancellation done by participant within 7 days of the Event, 100% of whole trip amount will be deducted
FAQs
Can I come alone?
Yes, many of our participants are solo travellers.
Is it safe for a female solo traveller?
It is completely safe for a female solo traveller as our representatives will be there with you all the time. Moreover, most of our events have 60% female participation.
What if I have a medical emergency?
We will carry first aid kit with us. If the problem increases, we will quickly get you to closest medical attention possible.
How will you contact me once I register?
We will be mailing you the details once you register. We will also create a WhatsApp group a 2 weeks before the trip
What is the stay like in Zanskar Trip?
Accommodation on Double/Triple sharing basis in Hotels/ Traditional & Hygienic Homestays/ Swiss Tents at all destinations as per the itinerary.
Would I get cellular connectivity in Zanskar?
You require a postpaid simcard or a local simcard for connectivity in Zanskar. Airtel and jio provide better connectivity than Vodafone. You will get intermittent cellular connectivity in Zanskar.
What type of food will I get in Ladakh?
We will be having our Breakfast & dinner at our stays. Lunches we will have locally during our road trip and sightseeing trips. Avg cost per meal would be around ₹300-₹350