Star Trails and Astrophotography trip in Zanskar

Arrival & Briefing

• Meet the expedition team, guides and fellow travellers.
• Detailed expedition briefing covering the route, weather, altitude, photography opportunities and safety protocols.
• Gear and camera equipment check.
• Free time to relax and prepare for the high-altitude journey.
• Get to know the other photographers and travellers over dinner.

Manali → Jispa | Acclimatisation Day

• Scenic drive through the Lahaul Valley.
• Gradual transition from Manali towards the high-altitude landscape of Jispa.
• Dedicated acclimatisation period — take it slow, hydrate well and avoid strenuous activity.
• Briefing for the next day’s remote Zanskar section.

Into the Wild Zanskar

• Drive through dramatic mountain terrain, high passes and remote valleys.
• Arrival at Gonbo Rangjon, one of the most striking natural landmarks of the region.
• Evening dedicated to camera setup and astrophotography preparation.
• Milky Way, star trails and night-sky compositions depending on weather conditions.

Remote Zanskar

• Visit/explore the spectacular Phugtal Monastery, dramatically built into the cliffside.
• Photography opportunities around the monastery and surrounding valley.
• Check-in and relax after the long day.
• Evening free for reviewing photographs, socialising or exploring Padum.

The Grand Landscape Photography Day

• Visit Sani Monastery and Sani Lake.
• Continue towards the spectacular Drang-Drung Glacier.
• Photography stops along the route for glaciers, mountains, valleys and changing Himalayan light.
• Drive towards Pensi La, one of the major high-altitude gateways of Zanskar.
• Return towards Padum.

Expedition Finale

• Early breakfast and departure from Padum.
• Begin the long scenic drive back towards Manali.
• Final opportunity for landscape photography during the journey.
• Cross the spectacular mountain landscapes of the Zanskar–Lahaul region.
• Arrival in Manali by evening, subject to road and weather conditions.

Expedition concludes in Manali.