Ladakh & Zanskar, Kargil Winter Expedition Ladakh & Zanskar, Kargil Winter Expedition
A 9 day winter road expedition across Ladakh and Zanskar covering Leh, Sham Valley, Dha Hanu villages, Kargil, Drass, and Lamayuru. The journey involves long drives through remote terrain, so acclimatisation and gradual movement are key parts of the experience.
Ideal for travelers who enjoy mountains, culture, and offbeat winter road journeys.
This winter journey takes you deep into Ladakh and the Zanskar region, covering Leh, Dha Hanu, Kargil, Drass, and Lamayuru before returning to Leh. It is a mix of high mountain passes, monasteries, remote villages, and historic sites.
Since this is a winter expedition, the SkyHike team has kept the plan balanced with proper acclimatisation and steady travel days so you can enjoy the landscapes safely and comfortably.
Distance: ~5–7 km | Travel Time: 20–30 mins (airport transfer)
On arrival at Leh Airport, a SkyHike representative will receive you and transfer you to your hotel, located approximately 5 to 7 km away. Since Leh is at a high altitude, the first day is kept completely for rest and acclimatisation.
After check in, you are advised to relax in your room, drink warm fluids, and avoid unnecessary movement. The SkyHike team will brief you about the coming days and ensure you are comfortable.
Overnight stay in Leh.
Distance: ~80–90 km | Travel Time: 4–5 hrs (including stops)
After a relaxed breakfast, begin your local sightseeing around Leh, covering approximately 80 to 90 km through the day.
You will visit Shey Palace and then proceed to Thiksey Monastery, one of the most well known monasteries in Ladakh. Continue towards Hemis Monastery, located slightly farther from Leh.
On the way back, stop at Sindhu Ghat along the Indus River. You will also visit the famous Rancho School. In the evening, if weather and market conditions permit, spend some time at Leh Market.
After completing the day’s travel, return to the hotel for overnight stay in Leh.
Distance: ~160–170 km | Travel Time: 6–7 hrs
Today you travel westward from Leh towards Sham Valley and Dha Hanu, covering around 160 to 170 km.
Begin with a visit to Spituk Monastery, followed by Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. You will then pass Magnetic Hill and witness the Sangam point where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet.
Continue towards Alchi Monastery before moving through Kalsi and Skurbuchan villages. As you move deeper into the region, the landscape becomes more rugged and remote.
By evening, reach Dha Hanu for overnight stay. The villages here are known for their distinct culture and peaceful setting.
Distance: ~130–140 km | Travel Time: 5–6 hrs
After breakfast, explore nearby villages like Garkon, Silmo, and Lahulung. These areas offer a glimpse into local life in the Aryan belt.
The drive towards Kargil continues via Humbuting La and Sod. The total journey covers approximately 130 to 140 km and usually takes around 5 to 6 hours including stops.
On arrival in Kargil, check in at your hotel and rest for the night.
Overnight stay in Kargil.
Distance: ~120 km (round trip) | Travel Time: 3–4 hrs
Today you will drive from Kargil to Drass and back, covering around 120 km in total.
Drass is known as one of the coldest inhabited places in India. Here you will visit the Kargil War Memorial, where you can spend time understanding the history and paying respects.
After the visit, drive back to Kargil by afternoon. The evening is free for rest or a short local walk depending on weather conditions.
Overnight stay in Kargil.
Distance: ~115–120 km | Travel Time: 4–5 hrs
Today you travel from Kargil towards Lamayuru, covering around 115 to 120 km.
On the way, you will pass Pashkum and visit Shargole Monastery. Stop at Mulbekh to see the Maitreya Buddha statue carved into rock. Continue your drive crossing Namika La and Fotu La, two important mountain passes on this route.
By afternoon, reach Lamayuru and visit Lamayuru Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. The surrounding terrain is often compared to a moon like landscape.
Overnight stay in Lamayuru.
Distance: ~125 km | Travel Time: 4–5 hrs
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Leh, covering approximately 125 km in around 4 to 5 hours.
The drive retraces scenic stretches of highway with wide mountain views. Since this is a slightly shorter travel day, you will reach Leh by afternoon.
After hotel check in, the rest of the day is free for relaxation, café visits, or light market exploration depending on weather.
Overnight stay in Leh.
Distance: ~80 km (round trip) | Travel Time: 3–4 hrs
Today you will drive from Leh to Khardung La Top and return, covering around 80 km in total.
The drive to Khardung La involves gradual ascent through snow covered roads in winter conditions. Once at the top, you can spend some time enjoying the high altitude views and taking photographs.
After spending some time at the pass, return to Leh by afternoon. The rest of the day is kept light so you can relax before departure.
Overnight stay in Leh.
Distance: ~5–7 km | Travel Time: 20–30 mins
After breakfast, check out from the hotel. A SkyHike driver will transfer you to Leh Airport according to your flight schedule.
Your winter expedition across Ladakh and Zanskar comes to an end here.
This journey through Ladakh and Zanskar is about high mountain roads, quiet villages, monasteries, and winter landscapes.
The SkyHike team plans each drive carefully, especially in winter conditions, so you can focus on enjoying the views and the experience.
We truly look forward to hosting you on this special expedition and sharing these mountains with you.
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1. Extreme cold, but fully prepared journey
Winter in Ladakh and Zanskar can go well below zero, but SkyHike plans stays, travel, and guidance so you stay safe and comfortable throughout.
2. High altitude, paced the right way
You’ll be traveling at very high altitudes, and SkyHike ensures a gradual, well-managed itinerary to help your body adjust properly.
3. Remote winter terrain, handled by experts
Snow-covered roads and isolated regions can be challenging, but with experienced drivers and on-ground support, SkyHike makes the journey smooth and secure.
Leh: Acclimatisation and monastery visits in the heart of Ladakh.
Dha Hanu: Remote Aryan villages with unique culture and landscapes.
Kargil & Drass: Visit the famous Kargil War Memorial in one of the coldest inhabited places in India.
Lamayuru: Ancient monastery surrounded by dramatic moon like terrain.
Khardung La: One of the highest motorable passes in the world.
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