72 Zanskar Drive

A 10 day Scenic 4WD Drive from Manali to Leh via the new Zanskar Valley road, being built by BRO

Background, Pictures and Videos of this driving tour:

At the iconic site of Mountain Gumbok Rangjon Peak with our three 4WD Ghorkha's lined up .... (me in red jacket leftmost)

Background

Out of the blue, in Mid-August, I got a call from an old trek friend asking if I was interested in joining a group of 7-8 people planning a drive tour in Zanskar (Ladakh) via the new route from Darcha to Lamayuru and Leh?

I quickly said "Yes" ... as I was desperate to break out of the Corona Lockdown as the Virus risk had significantly reduced, here in India.

The Itinerary he sent and which we did is below. So there were 9 of us (including me) who flew to Chandigarh on 28th August 2021 and then took a long 12 hour drive in a Tempo Traveller from Chandigarh airport to Manali.

At Manali we stayed in a nice GH "KeeKoo" near the Hadimba Temple. After enjoying 2 nights in Manali we took three 4WD Gorkha's with local drivers and started our Zanskar road trip from Manali to Leh.

Trip Summary: Drive Itinerary in HP & Zanskar Ladakh in August 2021:

28/8: Mumbai-Chandigarh-Manali (stay at KeeKoo GH, Manali)

29/8: In Manali (stay 2nd night in Keekoo GH & Manali local sights)

30/8: Drive to Jispa via Rohtang-La. (Stay in Gemoor Khar Banjara )

31/8: Drive to Kugliakh (Homestay )

01/9: Drive to Purne.(Homestay at roadside Dolma Campsite Dormitory

02/9: Trek to Phugtal Monastery. Return to Purne. Drive to Padum.

03/9: Drive to Lamayuru. (Stay at Hotel Moonland)

04/9: Drive to Leh. (Stay at Hotel Padma Ladakh)

05/9: Leh sights. Visit to Monastery. (Hotel Padma Ladakh)

06/9: Leh 3rd night stay. (Hotel Padma Ladakh)

07/9: Drive Leh to Lamayuru to meet up with the Trekking Group.