Zanskar Adventure
” It’s not the destination, it’s the journey. ”
Day 1 : Faridabad to Manali
The journey began from Faridabad very early in the morning, and by lunchtime, it reached the day’s stop, Manali.
The initial plan was to head to Gonbo Rangjon the next day, camp there, and then proceed to Purne the following day, completing the circuit in that direction. However, as is often the case, almost every time nothing goes according to the plan.
| SUMMARY | |
|---|---|
| Total distance travelled | 536 Km |
| Time taken | 10 Hours 30 mins |
| Stay | La Vaca Vashisht |
Day 2 : Manali to Gonbo Rangjon Leh
Left Manali at 5:40 and refueled the jeep at Indian Oil near Tandi after crossing Atal Tunnel. Reached Darcha checkpost at 8:30, only to encounter a huge traffic jam. No one was permitted to proceed to Zanskar or Leh due to adverse weather conditions.
After hours of panic over whether they’d allow passage, at 11:00 they began allowing traffic only for Leh. Made a quick decision to reverse the circuit and headed for Leh.
Typically, people cover Manali to Leh in 2 days. However, with the overwhelming traffic of incoming and outgoing vehicles and a shortage of food in eateries along the Leh-Manali Highway, the logical choice was to push through to Leh.
Managed to reach Leh, Karu City at 22:30. Luckily, the hotel had enclosed parking, so there were no worries about a cold morning start.
| SUMMARY | |
|---|---|
| Total distance travelled | 270 Km |
| Time taken (delays included) | 17 Hours |
| Stay | unknown on Keylong-Leh road |
Day 3 : Leh to Padum
Left Leh around 10:30, little late as the previous day took its toll. Fuelled up and headed ahead.
Followed the plan to reach Padum via the Lamayuru route because of its risky yet very beautiful roads :
Pro Tip : Do not trust google maps beyond this point
The map will show wrong direction it will be better to ask locals at the eateries.
Arrived in Padum around 23:00 and checked into a hotel in the market area. Hotel prices in Padum are generally high, and most hotels lack private parking, requiring cars to be parked in paid common parking spaces.
Bonus : Spotted otters on the way
| SUMMARY | |
|---|---|
| Total distance travelled | 258 Km |
| Time taken | 9 Hours 28 mins |
| Stay | Padum Market |
Day 4 : Padum to Purne
Left Padum around 8:00, remember to fuel up here as the next station will be directly near Darcha.
Caution : Anticipate brake fade & power loss
Steep downhills will cause brake fade if brake is used continuously. Shift to 1st gear and avoid continuous braking unless necessary. Brake fade can render brakes ineffective when needed.
In a particular uphill section on the way, cars will experience severe power loss due to low oxygen. Use the clutch kick technique to compensate. This section lasts only 10 minutes.
At 11:00 reached the camping site, booked the spot & went to Phugtal Monastery trek.
The trek can take anywhere between 2-4 hrs, the only difficulty is low oxygen at this altitude of 3850m.
After getting back, made lunch/dinner at 19:00, and slept 1 hour later after setting up thing for tommorow.
Covering the engine compartment is essential in these temperatures to ensure hassle-free starting of the car the next day.
| SUMMARY | |
|---|---|
| Total distance travelled | 50 Km |
| Time taken | 4 Hours 17 mins |
| Stay | Nurbu homestay & camping site |
Day 5 : Purne to Gonbo Rangjon Manali
Woke up early, prepared breakfast, packed, and left by 7:30 for Gonbo Rangjon. Arrived at the checkpost by 8:40, joining the waiting game once more as roads remained closed. With around 80 tourist vehicles stuck for the past 5 days, staying at Gonbo Rangjon was out of the question.
After hours of requests, permission was granted at 13:45 for only nine specific 4x4 vehicles. Tourists with medical issues and additional cargo were accommodated to drop them off at Darcha.
As weather deteriorated, it became clear why authorities restricted traffic. Jeep had absolultely no issues with slush or generating enough power, while other vehicles were struggling for traction and were losing power due to oxyden deficit in the air, all the mods were paying off.
The snowstorm hit, and surprisingly, did not even use snowchain, lowering the tyre pressue was enough for me, but not for others.
Lended shovel and recovery strap to rescue cars that were getting struck, some cleared the path with axe and shovel, while others towed each other. Everyone cooperated in the effort.
In approx 3 hours reached Shinkula Top, even tho it was daytime, there was no trace of sunlight. After that it was smooth sailing, reached manali at 21:00.
| SUMMARY | |
|---|---|
| Total distance travelled | 166 Km |
| Time taken (delays included) | 14 Hours |
| Stay | La Vaca Vashisht |
Day 6 : Manali to Faridabad
Drove non-stop to home.
| SUMMARY | |
|---|---|
| Total distance travelled | 560 Km |
| Time taken | 10 Hours 37 mins |