Circuit · Ladakh
Zanskar
The remote Padum valley and the winter Chadar trek.
- Places
- 2
- Altitude
- 3,100–4,400 m
- Fly / train to
- Leh; Leh / Srinagar
- Daily spend
- about ₹3,500
When to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- ❄︎Apr
- ❄︎May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- ❄︎Nov
- ❄︎Dec
Best for most places here: Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. Each place here needs 10 days on the ground; places in one circuit share travel days, so pair two or three.
Places in this circuit
Chadar (frozen river) trek
A winter walk on the frozen Zanskar river through a deep gorge, at temperatures far below zero.
Zanskar Valley
A remote valley of gompas, glaciers and river gorges, reached over Pensi La.
What to pack for Zanskar
Everything the places in this circuit call for, most widely needed first. Each place's page has its full list with reasons.
- Fleece or light sweater
- Thermal inner wear (top and bottom)
- Down or padded jacket
- Woollen cap that covers the ears
- Woollen socks, 2–3 pairs
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines
- UV-protection sunglasses
- Lip balm with SPF
- Moisturiser and a saline nasal spray
- Power bank
- Light travel tripod
- Spare memory card and camera battery
- Waterproof gloves
- Neck gaiter or balaclava
Links to shops are affiliate links: if you buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The shop handles payment, delivery and returns.
Where to stay
No homestays listed here yet. Run one? List it.
Pickups & drivers
No drivers listed for this circuit yet. Drive here? List your cab.
Zanskar: questions people ask
Which places are in the Zanskar circuit?
The Zanskar circuit in Ladakh covers Chadar (frozen river) trek and Zanskar Valley. They share a gateway, so two or three are usually combined in one trip.
What is the best time to visit Zanskar?
January and February and June to September suit most places in Zanskar. Individual places differ, so check each one.
How do you reach Zanskar?
Travel to Leh or Leh / Srinagar, then continue by road.
How much does a Zanskar trip cost per day?
About ₹3,500 per person per day on the ground for a mid-range trip, averaged across the places in this circuit.
Which is the easiest place in Zanskar, and which is the highest?
Zanskar Valley is the easiest (easy–moderate). Zanskar Valley is the highest at 4,400 m.