Manali Shinkun La Gonbo Rangjon Phugtal Tour

This new road will take you from Manali to Zanskar in a couple of days. Zanskar or Zangskar is a district that lies in the Indian union territory of Ladakh, Padum the administrative center. Dominated mainly by Buddhists, together with the Ladakh, was once a part of the Guge kingdom in Western Tibet.

Setting off from Manali on our 3-day 2-night road trip, the very first-day drive to Sissu, Keylong Jispa via Atal Tunnel. At Tandi where Chandra & Bhaga meet to form a Chenab River, we enter Gahar Valley and continue to Jispa at Stod Valley. Chikka and Rarik are the last villages in Lahaul before Shinkun la and Kurgiakh is the first village in Lungnak River valley of Zanskar. We cross Shinkun La (5,090 m) to get into Zanskar. Lakhong is a high pasture land where villager from Kurgiakh, Thangso village keep their domestic animals Yak, dzo, sheep, goats, and horses for summer grazing. This is the upper slopes of Zanskar where meadows are covered with wild flowers. Passing beneath the Gonbo Rangjon peak,

Gonbo Rangjon is a stand-alone lofty rocky precipice located south of Kargyak village in the Lungnak valley, Zanskar, in the Union Territory of Ladakh in India. It is considered holy and referred to as God’s Mountain by the local inhabitants who practice Tibetan Buddhism. Gonbo Rangjon can be seen from the village of Kargyak & Khi which is about 16 km (9.9 mi) to the north. The peak is at 5,520 m (18,110 ft) and the mountain’s base is about 4,500 m (14,800 ft).

Next a series of beautiful villages along the route to Purney, which is located at the confluence of Kurgiakh chu and Tsarap River. Purney to Phugtal road is still under construction and 2:30 hrs of a walk to one of the most spectacular sights of Zanskar – The Phugtal Gompa. Which is built under a huge cave. Continuing from Purne back to Manali.

MANALI SHINKUN LA GONBO RANGJON PHUGTAL MANALI TOUR
Day 1: Manali – Sissu (3200m) – Keylong (3100m) – Jispa (3200 m). 93 km, 4 hours.
Day 2: Jispa – Shinkun La (5090 m)  – Gonbo Rangjon (4330 m) – Purney (3800 m). 3 hrs. drive. Hike to Phugtal (3900m) and back to Purney, hike 4-5 hours.
Day 3: Purney – Gonbo Rangjon – Shinkun La – Manali. 5 to 6 hours by car.