Gateway to Zanskar

Day 1: Board Train from Howrah

• Assemble at Howrah Railway Station (HWH) by 08:45 PM.

• Board the 12311 Netaji Express departing at 09:55 PM.

• Overnight journey onboard the train.

Day 2: Journey Across North Indian Plains

• Full-day onboard journey across West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.

• Group briefing and overnight onboard the train.

Day 3: Arrival at Kalka / Chandigarh & Transfer to Shimla (Night Stay: Shimla)

• Arrive at Chandigarh (01:35 AM) / Kalka (03:00 AM).

• Meet and greet by tour representative; board your dedicated vehicle.

• Scenic morning drive uphill to Shimla (approx. 110 km / 3.5–4 hours).

• Check in to your hotel, freshen up, and relax.

• Afternoon/evening walk along:

  • The Ridge & Christ Church

  • Mall Road & Scandal Point

  • Lakkar Bazaar (wooden handicrafts and walking sticks)

• Dinner and overnight stay in Shimla.

Day 4: Kufri & Shimla Heritage Sightseeing (Night Stay: Shimla)

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Drive to the pine slopes of Kufri (approx. 16 km):

  • Himalayan Nature Park / Zoo

  • Kufri Fun World & Mahasu Peak

• Afternoon visit to Jakhoo Temple atop Shimla’s highest peak and the colonial Viceregal Lodge.

• Evening free for shopping on Mall Road.

• Dinner and overnight stay in Shimla.

Day 5: Shimla to Manali via Kullu Valley & Pandoh Dam (Night Stay: Manali)

• Early breakfast and check out from Shimla.

• Drive along the scenic Beas River basin towards Manali (approx. 250 km / 7.5–8 hours).

• En-route stops:

  • Sundernagar Lake

  • Pandoh Dam & Hanogi Mata Temple

  • Kullu Valley (visit Kullu Shawl Weaving centers & river rafting point)

• Reach Manali by evening, check in to your resort, and unwind.

• Dinner and overnight stay in Manali.

Day 6: Manali Local & Solang Valley (Night Stay: Manali)

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Morning visit to:

  • Hadimba Devi Temple (wood-carved pagoda temple inside cedar woods)

  • Vashisht Village & Hot Sulphur Springs

• Afternoon excursion to Solang Valley for panoramic snow views and optional adventure sports (paragliding, zorbing, ATV rides).

• Evening walk on Manali Mall Road and Old Manali cafes.

• Dinner and overnight stay in Manali.

Day 7: Manali to Jispa / Keylong via Atal Tunnel & Sissu (Night Stay: Keylong/Jispa)

• Post breakfast, check out from Manali and begin your journey into Lahaul Valley.

• Drive through the 9.02 km long engineering marvel Atal Tunnel to enter trans-Himalayan landscapes.

• En-route stops at Sissu Waterfall, Gondhla Fort, and the confluence of Chandra & Bhaga rivers at Tandi.

• Proceed towards Keylong / Jispa (approx. 90 km / 4 hours).

• Check in to your hotel/deluxe riverside camp in Keylong or Jispa.

• Enjoy the stark alpine valleys, starry night skies, and crisp mountain breeze.

• Dinner and overnight stay in Keylong/Jispa.

Day 8: High-Altitude Expedition to Shinku La Pass (16,580 ft) (Night Stay: Keylong/Jispa)

• Early morning wake-up and hearty breakfast.

• Set out for the highlight of the tour: Shinku La Pass (Shingo La - 16,580 ft), the high-altitude gateway connecting Himachal's Lahaul Valley to Ladakh's remote Zanskar region.

• Drive past Darcha, Ramjak, and winding Himalayan switchbacks surrounded by snowfields and rugged peaks.

• Reach the pass summit: witness fluttering Tibetan prayer flags, panoramic views of the Zanskar range, and year-round snow.

• Spend memorable time taking photos and feeling the roof-of-the-world chill.

• Afternoon drive back to Keylong / Jispa.

• Warm evening dinner and overnight stay in Keylong/Jispa.

Day 9: Keylong/Jispa to Chandigarh / Kalka & Return Train Departure

• Early breakfast and check out by 06:30 AM.

• Drive down via Atal Tunnel, Kullu, Mandi, and Kiratpur highway toward Chandigarh / Kalka Railway Station (approx. 330 km / 9–10 hours).

• Arrive at the station by evening.

• Board the return train 12312 Netaji Express back toward Howrah.

• Overnight journey onboard the train.

Day 10: Train Journey Across the Plains

• Full-day onboard train journey across Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.

• Share expedition memories with fellow travelers.

• Overnight onboard the train.

Day 11: Arrival at Howrah

• Arrive at Howrah Railway Station (HWH) in the morning/early afternoon.

• Tour concludes with alpine memories of Himachal and the high-altitude Shinku La Pass.