"Honestly, Zanskar felt like another world! Standing in front of Gombo Rangzan and doing the hike to Phuktal Monastery were absolute highlights. The roads are rugged, but our trip…""Honestly, Zanskar felt like another world! Standing in front of Gombo Rangzan and doing the hike to Phuktal Monastery were absolute highlights. The roads are rugged, but our trip lead and drivers handled everything so smoothly. Warm homestays, great food, and amazing group vibes throughout. Truly grateful to the Awara Banjara team!"
Zanskar Moto-Passage: The Monolith Circuit
Manali — Sissu — Gonbo Rangjon — Phuktal Gompa — Jispa - Manali
About This Trip
Embark on a raw, soul-stirring motorcycling odyssey into the high-altitude wilderness of the Zanskar Valley with Awara Banjara. Designed for true nomads and riders, this 6-day expedition kicks off with an overnight transit from Delhi into the heart of Manali, where your machine waits. Roar through the engineering marvel of the Atal Tunnel, cross the dramatic Lahaul Valley via Sissu, and conquer the towering Shinku La Pass at 16,580 feet to enter the uncharted realms of Zanskar. Feel the nomadic pulse as you pitch camp under a star-lit sky right beside the sacred monolith peak of Gonbo Rangjon, standing tall like a giant guardian of the mountains. Ride across rugged off-road tracks toward Purne, park your machine, and trek up to the breathtaking cliffside Phuktal Cave Monastery, carved raw into ancient rock faces. Blending high-altitude biking thrills, soulful campfire nights under mountain stars, local homestay warmth, and deep Himalayan exploration, this circuit is crafted for riders seeking the ultimate offbeat escape from the ordinary.
Itinerary
- Board the evening Volvo or private transport from Delhi and set off on an overnight journey through winding mountain highways, watching the city lights fade into the cool Himalayan breeze.
- Arrive in Manali, check into your stay, and soak in the raw mountain vibes as you explore the hidden Jogini Waterfall, seek blessings at the ancient wooden Hadimba Temple, and spend the evening wandering through the vibrant, bohemian lanes of Old Manali. overnight stay in Manali.
- After an early breakfast, collect your expedition motorcycles, rev up through the engineering marvel of the Atal Tunnel into the pristine Lahaul Valley via Sissu, conquer the towering Shinku La Pass (16,580 ft) into Zanskar, and pitch your tents under a star-lit sky near the sacred monolith peak of Gonbo Rangjon. stay in Gonbo camp
- Ride across rugged off-road riverbeds toward Purne, park your machines to trek up to the breathtaking cliffside Phuktal Cave Monastery nestled raw into the sheer rock face, and ride back over Shinku La Pass to rest for the night at a cozy Home stay & campsite in Jispa.
- Fire up your engines for the final leg, riding back through the dramatic landscapes of Lahaul Valley and the Atal Tunnel back to Manali, drop off your bikes, and board the evening Volvo for an overnight journey back to Delhi.
- Arrive back in Delhi early morning, carrying the eternal dust of high-altitude passes, unforgettable campfire stories, and raw nomadic memories of the Zanskar wilderness.
Inclusions
✔ 3 Days Expedition Motorcycle (Manali to Manali) with Fuel Included
✔ Volvo Bus Transfers (Delhi to Manali & Manali to Delhi) as per itinerary
✔ 3 Nights Accommodation (1 Night in Manali Hotel, 1 Night in Gonbo Camp, 1 Night in Jispa Camp & Homestay)
✔ 3 Breakfasts & 3 Dinners included as per itinerary
✔ Experienced Trip Road Captain to lead the group
✔ Professional Mechanic with spare parts support
✔ Inner Line Permits & Environmental Fees
✔ Emergency Oxygen Cylinder & First Aid Medical Kit
Exclusions
✘ Backup Vehicle / Luggage Vehicle is NOT included
✘ Lunches on all days and meals during Delhi-Manali transit
✘ Refundable security deposit for rental motorcycles
✘ Personal travel, accidental, or medical insurance
✘ Any expenses due to unexpected roadblocks, weather delays, or mechanical breakdown outside support scope
✘ Anything and everything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions section
Package Options
Bike Sub Package Options
FAQs
You can either ride our expedition motorcycles included in the package or bring your own well-maintained 350cc+ motorcycle, provided it undergoes a safety check by our lead mechanic.
Riders carry their gear in saddlebags or a secure backpack on their own bikes, allowing complete riding freedom on narrow off-road Zanskar tracks.
Expect a raw mix of loose gravel, dirt tracks, water crossings, and high-altitude mountain passes where throttle and clutch control are key.
Postpaid connections (primarily BSNAL and limited Jio/Airtel) work up to Sissu and Jispa, but expect absolute digital blackout deeper into the Zanskar wilderness.
Fuel is included for the 3 riding days, and we carry extra fuel supplies at strategic check-points since high-altitude fuel stations are sparse.
Pack in strict layers including a thermal base, windproof-waterproof riding jacket, high-altitude gloves, and sturdy riding boots as night temperatures near the monolith drop sharply.
Fuel for the designated itinerary is included, but any intentional damage, major parts breakage, or careless handling resulting in mechanical failure is chargeable.
Sturdy high-altitude camping tents equipped with thick insulating mattresses and heavy comfort sleeping bags are provided for a cozy, warm night.
Yes, hot, freshly cooked, nutritious vegetarian meals and hot beverages are served regularly to keep your energy levels soaring at high altitudes.
Our experienced Road Captain assesses the situation on the ground, and alternate safety protocols or extended stay arrangements are coordinated as per local mountain conditions.
Reviews
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"Trekking through the 7 alpine lakes in Kashmir was pure magic! Everything was seamless, safe, and exceptionally organized."
"The whole Zanskar trip was handled beautifully — great riders, warm homestays and a trip leader who knew every turn of the route. Unforgettable Himalayan experience!"
