5 Days | Manali to Srinagar | Hidden Monastery, Rugged Roads, and Soulful Silence
There are journeys that leave you breathless with wonder—and then there is Zanskar.
A place where silence speaks louder than words.
Where the winds carry whispers of ancient prayers, and every turn on the trail tells a tale of resilience, raw nature, and unmatched beauty.
Join us on a soul-stirring 5-day expedition that begins in Manali, slices through the rugged heartland of Zanskar, and culminates in the cultural cradle of Srinagar. This isn’t just a road trip. It’s a pilgrimage of the soul.
🗓 Day 1: Manali – Jispa – Shinkula Pass – Gonbo Rangjon
The adventure begins early as we leave behind the pine-scented air of Manali, cruising along the Lahaul Valley. After crossing Jispa, we ascend towards the mighty Shinkula Pass (5,100 m), one of the least explored yet breathtaking high passes in the region.
As we descend into the untouched wilderness of Zanskar, a surreal sight greets us — Gonbo Rangjon, a mystical standalone mountain that locals believe to be sacred. Towering in complete isolation, it feels like nature’s guardian watching over Zanskar.
By evening, we camp in the shadows of this divine monolith. Under the stars, surrounded by silence, you’ll feel the Himalayas speaking directly to your spirit.
🗓 Day 2: Gonbo Rangjon – Purne – Trek to Phuktal Monastery – Padum
This day is the heart of your journey.
After breakfast, we drive to Purne, the starting point of an unforgettable trek to Phuktal Monastery — one of the most remote monasteries in the world, clinging dramatically to a cliff like a honeycomb.
The 2-hour trek takes you through raw trails along the Lungnak River, with nothing but gushing waters and fluttering prayer flags for company. And then, you see it — Phuktal.
Built into a cave and believed to be over 2,500 years old, this monastery is home to monks who still follow a simple, spiritual way of life. Sitting inside the cave, with chants echoing around you, it’s hard not to get emotional. The air is charged with purity, history, and a strange peace that lingers.
We trek back to Purne and drive to Padum, the administrative center of Zanskar, where we rest for the night.
🗓 Day 3: Padum – Kargil via Zangla and Sani
After a restful night in Padum, we hit the road again. Today’s route takes us through the charming villages of Zangla and Sani, offering a glimpse into Zanskari life.
Zangla, once a kingdom, still holds ruins of an ancient fort, while Sani Monastery, one of the oldest in Ladakh, has mysterious stone carvings and sacred stupas.
The journey from Padum to Kargil is long and winding, but the landscape — dramatic cliffs, turquoise rivers, and timeless hamlets — keeps you entranced. By evening, we reach Kargil, where war history and culture coexist.
🗓 Day 4: Kargil – Drass – Sonamarg – Srinagar
Leaving Kargil behind, we drive through the legendary Drass Valley, the second coldest inhabited place in the world. The war memorial here stands in silent tribute to the brave souls of the Kargil War.
Soon, the stark terrain transforms into lush greenery as we enter Sonamarg, the ‘Meadow of Gold’. It’s like shifting between two worlds — from rugged survival to poetic serenity.
By evening, we arrive in Srinagar, where the Dal Lake reflects the sky and shikaras float gently under the twilight. A perfect end to a journey that started in the barren valleys and ended in blooming paradise.
🗓 Day 5: Departure from Srinagar
Wake up to the call of Kashmiri mornings. Sip kahwa as you reflect on the past five days. What you’ve seen is more than a destination — it’s a feeling, a transformation.
With hearts full of memories and souls touched by the magic of Zanskar, we bid farewell. But this is the kind of journey that stays with you, forever echoing in quiet moments of life.
✨ Why This Trip is Special
- Cross the rare Shinkula Pass, a gateway to untouched beauty
- Witness the mystical Gonbo Rangjon peak up close
- Trek to Phuktal Monastery, a hidden Himalayan marvel
- Travel through Ladakh’s most offbeat routes
- End your journey in the stunning valleys of Kashmir
🏍️ Join Us for the Ride of a Lifetime
We at Epoch Paratrips specialize in curated, soul-stirring journeys into the Himalayas. This isn’t just a tour — it’s a story you’ll tell again and again.
👉 For bookings and details: www.epochparatrips.com
📩 DM us on Instagram | 📞 Call us at +91 8491828989
🌄 “In the mountains, you lose your worries and find yourself.”
Let Zanskar do that for you.
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