Road trips · 10D/9N
Ladakh & Zanskar Expedition
9 days across Ladakh and Zanskar by road: travel from Greater Noida through the high Himalayan passes into remote Zanskar Valley, past the sacred peak of Gonbo Rangjon, ancient monasteries, and the vast Drang Drung Glacier, before returning through Ladakh’s dramatic mountain landscapes. Explore at a steady pace with Ronin Road Adventures, with scenic overnight stays and an unforgettable Himalayan road expedition.
Trip facts
- Group size
- 8–16 people
- Minimum age
- 16 years
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Vehicle
- 4x4 SUVs
- Pickups
- Chandigarh 10:00 AMManali 4:00 PM
Some trekking is required. The challenge is the cold and long days on mountain roads at high altitude.
Highlights
- Remote Zanskar Valley: discover Gonbo Rangjon, Padum, and the spectacular landscapes around Pensi La.
- Ancient monasteries and hidden trails: explore Phugtal Gompa, Karsha Monastery, and the cultural heart of Zanskar.
- High-altitude Himalayan roads: experience rugged mountain routes, dramatic valleys, glacial landscapes, and breathtaking viewpoints.
- Small-group expedition experience: travel with fellow adventurers, enjoy carefully planned stays, and discover the Himalayas beyond the usual tourist circuit.
Dates and prices
Ladakh & Zanskar Expedition runs for 10 days and 9 nights. The next departure leaves Delhi on 19 Dec 2026; ask us on WhatsApp for the price.
| Dates | Starts from | Seats left | Price per person | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 Dec 2026 – 26 Dec 2026OpenLed by Ojasvi Arora | Delhi | 12 | ₹35,000 | Enquire |
| 16 Jan 2027 – 23 Jan 2027Open | Delhi | 12 | Ask us | Enquire |
| 5 Jun 2027 – 14 Jun 2027Open | Chandigarh | 16 | ₹34,999 | Enquire |
| 26 Jun 2027 – 5 Jul 2027Open | Chandigarh | 16 | ₹34,999 | Enquire |
Price tiers
| Departure | Tier | Price per person | Valid until |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 Dec 2026 | Per personnow | ₹35,000 | Departure |
| 5 Jun 2027 | Package Starts 34999/-now | ₹34,999 | Departure |
| 26 Jun 2027 | Package Starts 34999/-now | ₹34,999 | Departure |
Prices are per person, GST as applicable.
Itinerary
Day 1
Chandigarh To Manali
An early start from Chandigarh and the climb into the hills to Manali, where the group meets the trip leader for the briefing on cold, altitude and the days ahead.
- Distance
- 250 km
- Stay
- Manali
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 2
Manali to Padum via Shinkula Pass
Embark on an unforgettable Himalayan drive from Manali to Padum, crossing the spectacular Shinkula Pass and witnessing the majestic Gonbo Rangjon rising dramatically above the Zanskar landscape. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views, remote villages, and rugged high-altitude roads as you enter the heart of Zanskar Valley. Discover the region’s spiritual charm, with Phugtal Monastery as a key highlight of the Zanskar expedition, subject to the route and time available.
- Stay
- Padum
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3
Padum local Exploring Padum & Zanskar Valley
Discover the natural beauty of Zanskar with a day of scenic exploration around Padum. Visit the beautiful Shila Waterfall, witness the breathtaking Drang Drung Glacier, and admire the serene landscapes of Pensi La Lake. End the day with a magical sunset at Sani Lake, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and dramatic Himalayan views before returning to your stay in Padum.
- Distance
- 95 km
- Stay
- Padum
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4
Padum to Leh – Across the Himalayan Landscapes
Embark on a breathtaking journey from Padum to Leh, passing through the remote landscapes of Zanskar and crossing the spectacular Sirsir La and Singe La passe. Explore the surreal lunar-like terrain of Lamayuru, famously known as the Moonland of India. En route, witness the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers at Sangam, admire the magnificent Pathar Sahib Gurudwara, and experience the raw beauty of the Himalayas before arriving in Leh.
- Distance
- 250 km
- Stay
- Leh
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5
Leh – Local Exploration & Leisure Day
Spend the day exploring Leh at your own pace, discovering its rich culture, ancient monasteries, and vibrant local markets. Visit the iconic Leh Palace, admire the panoramic views from Shanti Stupa, and explore the charming streets of Leh Market for authentic Ladakhi souvenirs and local cuisine. Enjoy a relaxed day to acclimatise, soak in the mountain atmosphere, and experience the unique blend of Himalayan beauty and Ladakhi heritage.
- Stay
- Leh
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6
Leh to Pangong Lake
Embark on a scenic drive from Leh to the breathtaking Pangong Tso, crossing the mighty Chang La Pass and travelling through dramatic Himalayan landscapes. Witness the mesmerising shades of blue across the high-altitude lake, surrounded by rugged mountains and vast open skies. Explore the peaceful lakeside surroundings before heading to Merak Village for an overnight stay, where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset and experience the tranquil charm of life along Pangong Lake.
- Distance
- 250 km
- Stay
- Mirak Village
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7
Pangong Lake to Hanle
Continue your Himalayan adventure from Pangong Lake to the remote village of Hanle, travelling through the spectacular landscapes of Changthang. Visit the historic Rezang La War Memorial, paying tribute to the bravery of Indian soldiers who fought during the 1962 Indo-China War. As night falls, experience the magic of Hanle’s pristine dark skies, renowned for extraordinary stargazing. Away from city lights, witness a breathtaking galaxy-filled sky and, on clear nights, the magnificent Milky Way stretching across the Himalayan horizon.
- Distance
- 200 km
- Stay
- Hanle
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8
Hanle – Exploring Ladakh’s Highest Passes & Remote Borders
Gear up for an exhilarating high-altitude expedition from Hanle, exploring the remote landscapes of Ladakh near the India–China border. Ride towards Umling La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes, and experience the rugged beauty of the mighty Himalayas. Continue towards Mig La Pass, subject to access and road conditions, and explore the remote villages of Demchok and Fukche, known for their dramatic landscapes and proximity to the international border. After an adventurous day across some of Ladakh’s most challenging terrain, return to Hanle for an overnight stay beneath its spectacular star-filled skies.
- Distance
- 200 km
- Stay
- Hanle
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9
Day 9: Hanle to Manali
Begin an epic return journey from Hanle to Manali, travelling through the vast landscapes of Changthang and the dramatic high-altitude terrain of Ladakh. Pass through the remote stretches of the Himalayan highway, cross rugged mountain passes, and take in the breathtaking scenery around Sarchu, surrounded by towering peaks and endless valleys. Enjoy the ever-changing landscapes as you make your way towards Manali, bringing your incredible Ladakh and Zanskar expedition closer to its final chapter.
- Distance
- 400 km
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10
Manali to Chandigarh
After an unforgettable Himalayan expedition, begin your journey from Manali to Chandigarh, carrying memories of breathtaking mountain passes, pristine lakes, remote villages, and thrilling off-road adventures. Enjoy the scenic drive through the beautiful valleys of Himachal Pradesh as the expedition comes to an end. Bid farewell to your fellow travellers, taking home incredible experiences, lasting friendships, and stories from the extraordinary landscapes of Ladakh and Zanskar with Ronin Road Adventures.
- Distance
- 250 km
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Can we go to Spiti in winter?
Yes. In winter Spiti is reached from the Shimla side, through Kinnaur by Reckong Peo, Nako and Tabo, because the Manali road over Kunzum Pass is closed by snow. Heavy snow can still shut the Kinnaur road for a day or more, so the itinerary keeps buffer time.
How cold does it get?
Days are often bright and sunny, but nights in Kaza in December and January are far below freezing, and water freezes in pipes and streams.
Which is colder, Spiti or Ladakh?
Both are bitterly cold in winter, and which is colder depends on the village and its altitude more than on the region. Compare the winter normals for the towns you will sleep in.
Vehicle and safety
We travel in name of vehchile, with drivers who know the Kinnaur road in winter, and stays are heated. The trip leader decides each morning whether the road is safe to drive.
Is Spiti Valley risky?
In winter the risks are cold, altitude and roads closed by snow, and each is managed: warm stays and a strict packing list, a gradual climb with daily AMS checks, and buffer time instead of driving in bad weather. Our protocols are on the Safety page.
Do we need oxygen in Spiti?
Most travellers do not need supplementary oxygen when the climb is gradual and they rest well; it is for emergencies. We carry it in the vehicle.
Which is better, winter Spiti or summer Spiti?
Choose winter if snow is the point: frozen streams, white villages and empty roads, with colder nights and one road in and out. Summer opens both routes and the high passes, with easier nights and more flexibility.
Is Spiti Valley better than Manali?
They are different trips. Manali is a busy hill town that is easy to reach; Spiti is higher, remote and quiet, and in winter it takes several days on the road to get there. Come to Spiti for the landscape and the solitude.
What's included
- Transport from and back to Delhi in a winter-ready vehicle
- 7 nights in heated stays on twin or triple sharing
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- A trip leader with the group throughout
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen in the vehicle
Not included
- Travel to Delhi before the trip and from Delhi after it
- Meals not listed in the itinerary, snacks and drinks
- Monastery and entry fees, if any
- Travel insurance
- Extra nights or transport if snow closes the road beyond the buffer time
What to carry
Clothing
- Thermal base layers (two sets)
- Fleece mid layer
- Down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof shell
- Woollen cap, neck warmer and gloves
- Woollen socks
Footwear
- Insulated waterproof boots with grip
- Warm slippers for stays
Personal
- Sunglasses for snow glare
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal medicines and a copy of prescriptions
- Power bank (batteries drain fast in the cold)
- Photo ID
How difficult is it?
Medical Fitness Certificate Is Mandatory
Permits
For Indian citizens
Ladakh: No separate Inner Line Permit (ILP) is generally required. The Ladakh Environment Fee (EDF) and applicable wildlife fees must be paid for tourist visits as required.
For foreign nationals
Ladakh: A Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) may be required for restricted areas such as Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake and Tso Moriri.
Zanskar Valley: Permit requirements depend on the route and applicable restrictions. Confirm requirements with t
Safety
Kaza and the villages around it are high, and this trip stays at altitude for several nights. The itinerary climbs gradually, and the trip leader checks every traveller for signs of acute mountain sickness (AMS) each day.
Cold is the other risk: stays are heated, and the packing list above is not optional.
Cancellation and refunds
Read the full cancellation & refund policyYour trip leaders
Ojasvi Arora
Trip lead
Reviews
“Had a wonderful experience with Ronin Road Adventures on our Zanskar Expedition Group trip! 🏔️✨ Everything was very well planned and managed. The team was supportive, friendly, and always available when needed. The stays were excellent — clean, comfortable, and at beautiful locations. ❤️ Overall, it was a memorable and hassle-free experience. Would definitely recommend Ronin Road Adventures for an amazing Zanskar trip! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ”
“A huge thank you to *Ronin Road Adventures*, *OG*, and *Ayushi* for this absolutely wonderful Leh trip. From witnessing the landscapes change every single day, to all the random jokes, endless laughs, and unforgettable moments with the amazing new people I met in this journey became so much more than just a trip. The bonding, the conversations, the shared struggles, getting stuck together, and making memories along the way made it truly special. And ending it all with the beautiful stargazing at Pangong Lake was the perfect way to wrap up this incredible experience. Thank you for creating such beautiful memories. Hope we all get to ride together again on the next adventure! ”
“I had a great experience with Ronin road adventures. The entire trip was well organized, and the team was professional, responsive, and helpful throughout the journey. The transportation was comfortable, the itinerary was well planned, and everything went smoothly. I appreciate their excellent customer service and attention to detail. I would definitely recommend Ronin road adventures Travel Company to anyone looking for a reliable and enjoyable travel experience. ”
Questions travellers ask
Where is winter Spiti located?
Spiti Valley is in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, along the Spiti river near the border with Tibet; Kaza is its main town. "Winter Spiti" means visiting it in the snow season, roughly December to March, when it is reached only from the Shimla side.
Is Spiti Valley closed in winter?
No. Kaza and the villages around it are lived in all winter and stay reachable from the Shimla side through Kinnaur. What closes is the Manali side, over Kunzum Pass.
How much does a winter Spiti tour cost?
It depends on the departure. Each date’s price per person, and whether GST is included, is in the Dates and prices table at the top of this page, which is updated from our live departures.
Is 3 days enough for Spiti Valley?
Not in winter from Delhi: the drive in and out through Kinnaur takes several days each way, so this trip is 8 days with time in and around Kaza.
Related trips
Dates soon
Spiti Valley
Winter Spiti Expedition
- 8D / 7N
- Moderate
8 days in the snow of Spiti Valley by road from Delhi: up through Kinnaur on the only road open in winter, to Kaza and the high villages around it, and back, in a small group with a trip leader.