Great Himachal–Zanskar–Umling La Expedition India’s Highest Road Circuit
15 Days • Shinkula, Zanskar, Hanle & Umling La (5,883 m) Download ItineraryThis 15-day expedition is one of India’s most extreme and rewarding road circuits — crossing multiple high passes, remote valleys, and the world’s highest motorable road at Umling La (5,883 m). From the monasteries of Zanskar to the moonscapes of Hanle and the alpine lakes of Tso Moriri, this loop blends altitude, culture, and raw Himalayan scale.
Trip Overview
Duration→15 Days
Best Season→July to September (roads open; Umling La accessible)
Total Distance→~2,000–2,200 km
Vehicle Type→4x4 SUV or high-clearance ADV bike (essential for Shinkula, Hanle, Umling La)
Difficulty→Very Challenging (altitude, terrain, fuel planning, remoteness)
Permits→Inner Line Permit (ILP) required for Hanle, Umling La, Tso Moriri (apply online or in Leh)
Mobile Network→BSNL/Jio in Keylong, Padum, Leh; no signal in Hanle, Umling La, Tso Moriri
Fuel Planning→Pumps in Manali, Keylong, Padum, Leh; carry 40–60 L spare for Hanle–Umling La–Tso Moriri leg
Day‑by‑DayItinerar
Day 1: Manali → Keylong
- Distance/Time: ~120 km 4–5 hrs
- Highlights:
- Cross Atal Tunnel into Lahaul
- Visit Sissu Waterfall, Keylong Monastery
- Stay: Keylong
- Tip: Acclimatize slowly — altitude gain begins here
Day 2: Keylong → Shinkula Pass → Zanskar Sumdo
- Distance/Time: ~150 km 6–7 hrs
- Pass: Shinkula Pass (5,091 m)
- Highlights:
- Remote ascent into Zanskar Valley
- Camp at Zanskar Sumdo or nearby village
- Stay: Camp
- Tip: Carry water and snacks — no shops en route
Day 3: Zanskar Sumdo → Padum
- Distance/Time: ~100 km 4–5 hrs
- Highlights:
- Drive through Purne, Phuktal Monastery trailhead
- Arrival in Padum — Zanskar’s cultural capital
- Stay: Padum
- Tip: Visit Karsha Monastery and Zangla Fort
Day 4–5: Padum exploration + buffer
- Options:
- Trek to Phuktal Monastery (1-day hike)
- Visit Stongdey Monastery, Zangla Palace
- Stay: Padum
- Tip: Use buffer for weather or acclimatization
Day 6: Padum → Lingshed → Hanle
- Distance/Time: ~250 km 8–10 hrs
- Highlights:
- Remote drive through Lingshed, Photoksar, and Singe La
- Arrival in Hanle — India’s highest observatory
- Stay: Hanle homestay
- Tip: Stargazing is exceptional — minimal light pollution
Day 7: Hanle → Umling La → Hanle
- Distance/Time: ~150 km round trip 6–7 hrs
- Pass: Umling La (5,883 m) — world’s highest motorable road
- Highlights:
- Barren moonscapes, extreme altitude
- Border zone views (no photography near military posts)
- Stay: Hanle
- Caution: Drive slow; monitor for AMS symptoms
Day 8: Hanle → Nyoma → Tso Moriri
- Distance/Time: ~150 km 5–6 hrs
- Highlights:
- Drive through Nyoma, Mahe Bridge
- Arrival at Tso Moriri Lake — alpine lake at 4,522 m
- Stay: Karzok village
- Tip: Photography best at sunrise and sunset
Day 9: Tso Moriri → Tso Kar → Pang
- Distance/Time: ~150 km 5–6 hrs
- Highlights:
- Visit Tso Kar salt lake, wildlife spotting
- Camp at Pang
- Stay: Pang camp
- Tip: Carry warm gear — nights are freezing
Day 10: Pang → Sarchu
- Distance/Time: ~80 km 3–4 hrs
- Highlights:
- Cross Lachung La, Nakee La, Gata Loops
- Arrival at Sarchu — border of Himachal and Ladakh
- Stay: Sarchu camp
- Tip: Acclimatize before Baralacha La ascent
Day 11: Sarchu → Baralacha La → Keylong
- Distance/Time: ~120 km 4–5 hrs
- Pass: Baralacha La (4,890 m)
- Highlights:
- Visit Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal
- Stay: Keylong
- Tip: Fuel up for return leg
Day 12–15: Return via Manali + buffer
- Options:
- Rest days, weather buffer, or detour to Naggar, Jispa, or Sissu
- Finish: Manali (trip end)
- Tip: Visit Hadimba Temple or Jogini Falls
📍 Route Map for Your Planner
Manali → Keylong → Shinkula Pass → Zanskar Sumdo → Padum → Lingshed → Hanle → Umling La → Nyoma → Tso Moriri → Tso Kar → Pang → Sarchu → Baralacha La → Keylong → Manali
Essentials to Carry
- Documents: DL, RC, insurance, ID proofs, ILP for Hanle/Umling La
- Clothing: Layered warm gear, gloves, down jacket
- Footwear: Waterproof trekking shoes
- Health: Diamox, ORS, portable oxygen, AMS meds
- Gear: Tyre inflator, puncture kit, tow strap, jerrycans (40–60 L), headlamps, power banks
- Navigation: Offline maps, paper backup of routes
- Misc: Sunglasses, SPF 50+, lip balm, snacks, thermos
Insider Tip:
- Best season: July–September for full circuit access
- Photography: Umling La summit, Tso Moriri reflections, Phuktal Monastery trail
- Local eats: Try thukpa in Padum, butter tea in Hanle, and Ladakhi bread in Karzok
- Eco-ethic: No littering; respect monastery zones and wildlife corridors
- Road caution: Shinkula, Hanle, and Umling La stretches require extreme caution
Permits, fuel and checkpoints
- Permits:
- ILP required for Hanle, Umling La, Tso Moriri (apply online or in Leh)
- Fuel:
- Reliable pumps: Manali, Keylong, Padum, Leh
- Carry 40–60 L spare for Hanle–Umling La–Tso Moriri leg
- Checkpoints:
- Army and ITBP checks near Hanle and Umling La
- Timing Tips:
- Umling La best crossed before noon
- Avoid driving after dark in high-altitude zones
