ZANSKAR OVERVIEW

Zanskar is one of the most remote and culturally rich regions of the Indian Himalaya. For centuries it was connected to Ladakh, Lahaul, Kishtwar and Kashmir only by ancient caravan routes crossing high mountain passes. Isolated by snow for much of the year, the valley preserved a unique Tibetan Buddhist culture, reflected in monasteries such as Karsha, Stongdey and the famous cliff-side Phuktal Monastery. The opening of the new Shinku La road has transformed this hidden kingdom into one of the world’s finest high-altitude cycling destinations while retaining its authentic mountain character.

This expedition starts in Himachal Pradesh and traverses Lahaul before climbing to Shinku La (5,091m), the gateway to Zanskar. The route follows the Lungnak and Zanskar valleys to Padum, continues over Pensi La with views of the Drang Drung Glacier, descends through the Suru Valley beneath the Nun-Kun massif, and finishes in Leh, the historic capital of Ladakh.