Ladakh is also known as "Little Tibet" or
"The last Shangri-La". Geographically, Ladakh is on the
Tibetan Plateau and the Ladakhi are also Tibetan in their culture and
religion. Opened to the outside world only in 1982, it has retained much
of its original way of life. In fact, many consider Ladakh more Tibetan
than Tibet itself. 
With majestic scenery and unique culture, Ladakh boosts of
earth-towering snow peaks of the mighty Himalaya and mountains with
precipitous cliffs and barren slopes with hues of purple, pink and blue.
Zanskar, a region between Himachal Pradesh to the south and Ladakh to
the north offers the best transhimalayan opportunities. With dramatic
gorges and towering peaks, turbulent rivers and meandering glaciers,
remote ancient monasteries and quaint little villages, it is truly a
trekker's paradise.
Best trekking period : June to October. |
The following are "no-frills" trekking trips of reasonable standard
and prices. For more information, please click on the trips' title or email me.
Prices will be listed later on.
* Difficulty Grading : 1 to 4 grades where 1 is relatively
easy walking,and should not exceed 5 to 6 hours per day, 2 for trips with longer
hours of 6 to 7 hours daily and some hill-walking, 3 for trips that are moderate with
trekking above 4,500 metres and 4 for strenuous trips with daily
walking estimated at 7 to 9 hours and trekking about 5000 metres.
Classic Markha Valley
Trek
Markha Valley, sandwiched between Zanskar and Stok ranges is
flanked by steep cliff face with the gushing waters of the Markha river running
through. The scenery is moonlike landscape with colorful hues of the barren
mountain contrasting dramatically against the clear blue sky and the brilliant
green erupting wherever a stream runs. The spectacular mountain is punctuated by
pretty little hamlets.
HEMIS - DARCHA VIA RUPSHU AND THE ZALUNG KARPO LA
Extention to remote Valleys of Zanskar
This trekking route lies just West of the famous Leh-Manali road and is among the least frequented
trails in Ladakh.
The trek begins from the famous monastery of Hemis in the Indus Valley. Permits are to be taken from
the Government of India for trekking on this route. There are three 5000m. Himalayan passes on this
trek and this is overall a challenging trek.
Maximum Altitude : 5270 Mts. on the Marang La
ITINERARY
Day 01: Leh-Hemis
Drive from Leh (3500 Mts.) to Hemis (3505 Mts.) visiting some of the Monasteries on the way. Spend
the night in Hemis to acclimatize and visit the impressive monastery.
Day 02:Hemis
Spend the day at Hemis. Acclimatize and prepare for the trek. The day is free to visit the Gompa and the
meditation quarters of the monks. Get to know your trekking team and have a informal briefing about
the trek.
Day 03: Hemis-Sumdo-Chogdo (5-6 hr.)
Drive from Hemis to Sumdo (3850mts)(1 1/2 hr.). Trek from Sumdo to Chogdo (4050 Mts.). Camp at
Chogdo.
Day 04: Chogdo-Base of Kongmaru La (3 hr.)
Trek uphill for about three hours to reach the small campsite at the Base of Kongmaru La Pass (4800
Mts.). This place is frequented by Blue Sheep/Bharal and good photographs of them are possible for
early risers.
DAY 05: Base Camp-Kongmaru La-Nimaling (5 hr.)
Leave early morning and tackle the stiff but short climb to the top of the Pass Kongmaru La (5150 Mts.).
From the Pass there are beautiful views of Mt Kangyaze (6400 Mts.) which stands above the meadows
of Nimaling. There is a short and gradual descent till the meadows of Nimaling (4650 Mts.).
DAY 06: Nimaling-Langtang Chu (3-4 hr.)
Climb the small ridges behind Nimaling and get closer to Mt Kangyaze. After crossing some hard rocky
trails descend to Langtang Chu (4750 Mts.) where there are numerous camping sites.
DAY 07: Langtang Chu-Zalung Karpo La-Sorra (7-8 hr.)
There is some very exciting trekking to be done on this day. The ascend to the top of the Zalung Karpo
La (5100 Mts.) takes about four to five hours. There is a ridge walk from the top of the Pass to another
small Pass and then down to the Valley floor and Sorra (4200 Mts.)
DAY 08: Sorra-Dat (4-5 hr.)
Comfortable trekking this day involving trails through a wooded gorge and a few river crossings. Dat
(4200 Mts.) is a large village with a small gompa of the Gelugpa Sect of Buddhism. This is unspoilt area
and care is to be taken, not to disturb the ecology or local people.
DAY 09: Dat-Yar La-Lungmo Che (6-7 hr.)
The trek to the top of the Pass Yar La (4950 Mts.) is not as hard as the past two passes. There are
fabulous views of the Rupshu plateau from the top of the pass. Easy descent to the Village of Lungmo
Che takes a little more than an hour.
DAY 10: Lungmo Che-Lun (5-6 hr.)
Trek to the Lun (passing a few villages on the way. Camp 3 kms before Lun, the area is inhabited by
Tibetan Nomads called Khampas. Spend the next day at this camp for some well deserved rest.
DAY 11: REST/RESERVE DAY
DAY 12: Lun-Marang La-Camp (6-7 hr.)
The trail from Lun is through a very pretty plateau. The valley is narrow till the top of the Marang La
(5270 Mts.). The trail is well marked and frequented by Villagers before the roads open up for the
summer. Camp a few kilometers before the village and army camp at Takh. A special farewell dinner will
be made on this, the last day of the trek.
DAY 13: Camp-Takh-Sarchu (5-6 hr.)
Trek from Camp to Takh on the Leh-Manali road. You are picked up by jeeps and drive down to Sarchu
where you spend the night in a permanent camp.
DAY 14: Sarchu-Jispa (6-7 hr.)
Drive from Sarchu to Jispa over the Baralaccha La Pass. Spend the night at Hotel Ibex in Jispa.
DAY 13: Jispa-Manali (6-7 hr.)
Drive from Jispa to Manali in the famed Kullu Valley. Overnight at Hotel Banon Resort.
DAY 16 : Manali-New Delhi (14 hr.)
Drive from Manali to New Delhi (550 kms) by deluxe bus.
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KANG LA TREK
The trek begins from Lahoul in Himachal and ends in
Zanskar after negotiating the Kang La Pass (5450 Mts.) and a long glacier. The Miyar Nala in Lahoul is famous for
its wild flowers in June and July.
Maximum Altitude : 5450 Mts at the top of the Kang La.
Trekking Period: June to October.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
Good boots that may be used with Crampons
ITINERARY
DAY 01: New Delhi-Manali ( 14 Hrs)
Drive overnight from Delhi to Manali in the Kullu Valley. Check into a hotel in Manali (2050 Mts). The
day is free to prepare for the trek and explore Manali. All meals at the Hotel.
DAY 02: Manali-Udaipur (10 Hrs)
Leave after an early breakfast and drive to Udaipur by jeep. The road crosses over the Rohtang Pass
(3978 Mts) and enters Lahaul. Overnight at Rest House or Camp.
DAY 03: Udaipur-Chamrat (4-5 Hrs)
Trek from Udaipur to the village of Chamrat (2950 Mts) in the beautiful Miyar Nala (Valley).
DAY 04: Chamrat-Urgos (4-5 Hrs)
Urgos (3250 Mts) is a charming village in the heartland of Lahoul and is quite prosperous. The easy
trail passes through typical Lahaouli countryside.
DAY 05: Urgos-Tharang (4-5 Hrs)
The trail to Tharang (3700 Mts) is quite easy by Himalayan standards and is dotted with flowers early
in the season.
DAY 06: Tharang-Gumbah Nala (5-6 Hrs)
Trek through lush green meadows to the next camp at Gumbah Nala (3900 Mts). These upper reaches
of the Miyar Nala are renown for the many flowers that dot the meadows in spring.
DAY 07: Gumbah Nala-Base Camp (5-6 Hrs)
Easy trekking this day through lush meadows and pretty scenery to the Base Camp (4200
Mts) from where the trail becomes harder.
DAY 08: Base Camp-Glacier Camp (7-8 Hrs)
Trek up the Miyar Glacier to the base of the Pass (4600 Mts). Some of the glacier is crevassed but is no
danger to wary and well equiped trekking parties.
DAY 09: Glacier Camp-Kang La (5450 Mts)-Base Camp (7-8 Hrs)
Have breakfast in the twilight and start trekking at first light. The trail is challenging and all precautions
are taken to ensure the safety of the team. Set camp at the first good camping site after the descend
from the top of the pass.
DAY 10: Base Camp-Burdun (4-5 Hrs)
Trek into the Heart of Zanskar and camp close to the ancient and well preseved Burdun Gompa
(Monastery).
DAY 11: Burdun-Padum (3 Hrs)
Trek along a almost motorable road to the road head at Padum. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 12: Padum-Rangdum (5 Hrs)
Drive to the spectacular plateau of Rangdum or alternately one can extend the trek and get to Leh in
9-10 days. There also exists a possibility to Raft down the Zanskar River from Padum to Leh in 5 days.
DAY 13: Rangdum-Mulbekh (7-8 Hrs)
Drive to Mulbekh which is famed for its large statue of the Buddha. Overnight at Camp.
DAY 14: Mulbekh-Leh (8-10 Hrs)
Drive along the famous Srinagar-Leh highway to reach Leh in the evening and check into a hotel.
DAY 15: Leh-New Delhi
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KANJI LA TREK
This classic trek explores most of the heartland of Zanskar and covers some spectacular scenery. This
itinerary includes visits to almost 15 of the oldest and most remote Monasteries in Ladakh and
zanskar.
Maximum Altitude : 5150 Mts at the top of the Kanji La
Trekking Period : July to September.
ITINERARY
DAY 01 : DELHI - LEH
Fly to Leh. Meeting and assistance upon arrival. Transfer to Hotel Caravan Centre or similar. Day free
for acclimatisation. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
DAY 02 : ACCLAMATISE/SIGHT SEEING
Post breakfast it is advised to take a tour of some of the famous Gompas (Monasteries) around Leh.
Thiksey Gompa : 17 kms from Leh enroute to Hemis Gompa, the Thiksey monastery
provides a panoramic view of the Indus valley from its vantage point atop a hill. There
are several temples and wall paintings of the Buddha. Close by is the summer palace of
the old Raja of Leh. This monastery is 800 years old with statues made of silver and
gold.
Shey Gompa: This monastery has a large 7.5 m copper statue of Buddha plated with
gold.
Hemis Gompa : 40 kms from Leh, built in 1630, it is the biggest monastery in Ladakh. It is
not visible from the road as it is located in a side valley. Hemis has the largest
thanka in Ladakh which is unfurled once in 12 years (next in 2004). It celebrates an annual festival
attended by people from all over the provinces who come to join in the celebrated mask
dances. Packed lunch enroute. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 03 : LEH - LAMAYURU
After breakfast drive to Lamayuru. Visit the Lamayuru monastery which is a major landmark on the old
silk route. Legend behind this monastery is that Lamayuru village was once filled by a lake which was
drained by sage Naropa to permit the foundation of the monastery.
DAY 04 : LAMAYURU - WANLA (03 hrs)
After breakfast in camp trek to Wanla . It is an easy ascent after crossing the river
up to the Prinkit La (3726mts). Pass the village of Shilla following a narrow and dry gorge and reach Wanla.
Dinner and overnight in trekking tents.
DAY 05 : WANLA - HANUPATTA (05 hrs):
Trek to Hanupatta after breakfast. Walk begins with a flat section. Cross onto the right bank before
Phenjilla. At the junction of the rivers, chorten and religious banners can be seen. Continue across the
slope to reach Hanupatta. Dinner and overnight in trekking tents.
DAY 06 : HANUPATTA – PHOTOSKAR (06 hrs):
Breakfast in camp. Trek to Photoskar . Long ascent into the stony valley. Cross the river and walk up to
Sisir La (4800mts) after which it is a long descent to Photoskar (3750mts). Dinner
and overnight in tents.
DAY 07 : PHOTOSKAR - FOOT OF THE SENGGE LA (07 hrs):
After breakfast trek to foot of the Sengge La with packed lunch. Ascend to the Bumiktse La (4200mts)
after which is a gentle slope into the broad valley. A short climb to the Sengge La (5000mts) and then a
steep descent till the foot of the Sengge La. Camp here for the night. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 08 : FOOT OF THE SENGGE LA - LINGSHED (06 hrs):
Breakfast in camp. Begin trek to Lingshed, after Kiupa La (3850mts) is a steep descent to the villages of
Gongma and Skiumpata (3840mts). It is a wonderful landscape with a view of the valley of Nierag on the
other bank of the Zanskar. Reach Lingshed after crossing the Murgum La (4100mts). Camp near the
monastery. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 09 : LINGSHED/REST
The whole day is reserved for a well deserved rest.
DAY 10 : LINGSHED - SNERTSE (06 hrs):
After breakfast trek to Snertse. From Lingshed it is an easy ascent to the Hanuma La pass (4700mts)
then a long gradual descent to the sheepfolds of Snertse. Dinner and overnight
in tents.
DAY 11 : SNERTSE - HANUMIL (06 hrs):
Trek to Hanumil after breakfast From the Oma Chu river is a steep ascent to the Parfi La (3900mts) and a
sharp descent to the foot of the pass. Walk up to the plateau taking the path that leads towards the
edge of the Zanskar to Hanumil. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 12 : HANUMIL - PISHU (05 hrs):
Easy walk to Pishu along the river and sometimes across the morainic
pleatue. Camp below the village of Pishu. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 13 : PISHU - KARSHA (05 hrs):
After breakfast trek to Karsha. Cross Rinam above which is a small stream and shelter formed by the
rocks. Easy stretch along the banks of the Zanskar river to Karsha. It is a beautiful Gelukpa monastery
dating back to the 15th century. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 14 : KARSHA - PADUM (3-4 hrs):
After breakfast trek to Padum with packed lunch. Cross the Doda river, walk through a dusty plain to
Pipiting and then Padum. Visit the local monasteries / Gompas in the evening. Camp for dinner and
overnight.
DAY 15 : PADUM - RANGDUM
Drive to Rangdum (3657mts) after breakfast. Situated 130 kms south-east of Kargil, it falls midway
between Kargil and Padum. Set amidst spectacular surroundings, Rangdum serves as the ideal area for
camping in the Himalayan wilderness. The chief attraction of
the area is an imposing 18th century Buddhist monastery with about 40 monks in residence.
Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 16 : RANGDUM VILLAGE/REST/PHOTOGRAPHS
Rangdum is among the most beautiful plateaus in the World. The twin peaks of Nun Kun (7316
Mts) loom over the lush green plain. Visit Rangdum Gompa after lunch.
DAY 17 : RANGDUM - KANJI LA (07-8 hrs):
Breakfast in camp. Begin trek back to Lamayuru across the Kanji La (5150mts) and through the Kanji
Gorge. Camp at the junction of Kanji La and Puzdon La. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 18 : KANJI LA - RIVER KONG (07-8 hrs):
After breakfast trek hours to the River Kong (4300mts). Dinner and overnight in
tents.
DAY 19 : RIVER KONG - KANJI (04 hrs):
Breakfast in camp. Trek to Kanji (3850mts). It is a gradual descent to Kanji, the distance being covered
in 04 hours. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 20 : KANJI - RIVER SHILAKONG (6-7 hrs)
After breakfast trek to the campsite near River Shilakong (4100mts) crossing the Yogma La (4700mts).
Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 21 : SHILAKONG - LAMAYURU
Breakfast in camp. Walk to Lamayuru crossing the Shilla village. Dinner and
overnight in tents / hotel.
DAY 22 : LAMAYURU - ULETOKPO
After breakfast drive to Uletokpo.
It is an ideal destination off the beaten track on the banks of the famous river Indus. Lunch, dinner and
overnight at camp.
DAY 23 : ULETOKPO
After breakfast trek to Ridzong (08kms). Ridzong is one of the most impressive monasteries of
Ladakh. Relatively new (1840), it is perched on a beautiful spot in a side valley and has a wonderful collection of
Thankas. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at camp.
DAY 24 : ULETOKPO - LIKIR - ALCHI - LEH
Drive to Leh after an early breakfast enroute visiting Likir and Alci Gompas. Alchi is the oldest Gompa
in the region and houses well preserved wall paintings called Thankas.
DAY 25 : LEH - DELHI
Transfer to airport in time for connecting flight to Delhi. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in hotel.
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LAMAYURU TO ALCHI
VIA THE KONZE LA AND STAPSKI LA
This is one of the easier treks in Ladakh and passes through less visited trails and remote Ladakhi
Villages. The altitudes are lower than most other treks in Ladakh and some of the prominent
Monasteries of Central Ladakh can be visited alongside this trek.
Lamayuru is one of the oldest Gompas/Monaesteries in Ladakh and has been a popular destination for
Explorers since many Centuries, it is belived to be a pre Buddhism Shrine of the lost Bon Po religion.
The spectacular Gompa at Alchi was abndoned centuries ago but has been lovingly maintained by the
Monks of Likir Gompa.
Maximum Altitude : 4960 mts at the top of Stapski La.
Trekking Period : June to october.
ITINERARY
Day 01: Leh-Lamayuru (5 hrs)
Drive to Lamayuru (124 kms) along the Indus River after breakfast in Leh. Visit the Gompa after lunch
and meet your trekking team.
Day 02:Lamayuru-Wanlah(3-4 hrs)
Cross a small pass called the Prinkiti La (3750 mts) on the first day of your trek. Trek down
through a
narrow gorge till the Shilakong Valley and continue till Wanlah (3250 mts) where you camp for the
night. The village and Monaestery at Wanlah can be visited in the evening.
Day 03:Wanlah-Hinju Valley(4-5 hrs)
Trek on an easy motorable trail till Phanjila Village and then turn into the Hinju Valley and ascend till
beyond Hinju Village where we camp for the night. Hinju is the base camp for the pass that follows on
the next day.
Day 04: Hinju-Konze La-Camp (6-7 hrs)
Trek through high altitude pastures and begin the ascend to the top of the pass which allows splendid
views of the Hinju Valley. There have beeen many reports of Snow Leopard and Blue Sheep spottings
on this day. The top of the Konze La (4950 mts) is a photographic delight with views of many
Himalayan Ranges which include the Karakorams, Ladakh and Stok Mountains. A steep descent from
the pass gets you to a camp site used by shepherds in the summer months.
DAY 05: Camp-Sumdo Choon (5-6 hrs)
Trek past the village of Sumdo Chinmu to Sumdo Choon (4400 mts). In the Ladakhi language Sumdo
means confluence. Sumdo Choon is a smaller village than Sumdo Chinmu and has a samll Gompa which
boasts of a large statue and ancient wall paintings.
DAY 06: Sumdo Choon-Satpski La-Alchi (5-6 hrs)
Leave after an early breakfast so that the hard initial walking is finished with before the Sun gets too
strong. Trek again through green pasteurs to the top of the Stapski La Pass (4970 mts). From the top of
the Pass the descend till Alchi takes about three hours. Visit the ancient Gompa at Alchi and then drive
down to our permanent camp at Ule Tokpo (1 1/2 hrs). Hot water and a farewell dinner awaits you at
camp.
DAY 07: UleTokpo-Leh (72 kms)
Drive to Leh with packed lunch and visit Phyang and Spitok Gompas on the way. Check into a quality
hotel in Leh.
DAY 08: Leh-New Delhi
Fly down from Leh to New Delhi after breakfast. Alternately you can spend another day in Leh and fly
out the following day.
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CLASSIC ZANSKAR TREK
LAMAYURU TO DARCHA
This 21 day trek is along the most popular route in Zanskar that traverses it from Darcha in Himachal
Pradesh to Lamayuru on the Leh-Srinagar road. This is a highly recommended first trek through
Zanskar.
Maximum Altitude : 5100 Mts. at the Shingo La.
Trekking Period : End June to October.
ITINERARY
DAY 01 : Delhi-Leh
Fly to Leh by Indian Airlines. Meeting and assistance upon arrival. Transfer to
hotel. Day free for acclimatisation. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
DAY 02: ACCLIMATISE/SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast, take a tour of some of the famous Gompas (Monasteries) around Leh.
Thiksey Gompa : 17 kms from Leh enroute to Hemis Gompa, the Thiksey monastery provides a
panoramic view of the Indus valley from its vantage point atop a hill. There are several temples and wall
paintings of the Buddha. Close by is the summer palace of the old Raja of Leh. This monastery is 800
years old with statues made of silver and gold.
Shey Gompa: This monastery has a large 7.5 m copper statue of Buddha plated with gold.
Hemis Gompa : 40 kms from Leh, built in 1630, it is the biggest monastery in Ladakh. It is not visible
from the road as it is located in a side valley. Hemis has the largest thanka in Ladakh which is unfurled
once in 12 years (next in 2004). It celebrates an annual festival attended by people from all over the
provinces who come to join in the celebrated mask dances. Packed lunch enroute. Dinner and overnight
at the hotel.
DAY 03 : Leh-Lamayuru
After breakfast drive to Lamayuru. Visit the Lamayuru monastery which is a major landmark on the old
silk route. Legend behind this monastery is that Lamayuru village was once filled by a lake which was
drained by sage Naropa to permit the foundation of the monastery. Lunch, dinner and overnight in tents /
hotel.
DAY 04 : Lamayuru-Wanlah (03 hrs):
After breakfast in camp trek to Wanla . It is an easy ascent after crossing the river
up to the Prinkit La
(3726mts). Pass the village of Shilla following a narrow and dry gorge and reach Wanla. Dinner and overnight in trekking tents.
DAY 05 : Wanlah-Hanupatta (05 hrs):
Trek to Hanupatta after breakfast. Walk begins with a flat section. Cross onto the right bank before
Phenjilla. At the junction of the rivers, chorten and religious banners can be seen. Continue across
the slope to reach Hanupatta. Dinner and overnight in trekking tents.
DAY 06 : Hanupatta-Photoksar (07 hrs):
Breakfast in camp. Trek to Photoskar. Long ascent into the stony valley. Cross the river and walk up to
Sisir La (4800mts) after which it is a long descent to Photoskar (3750mts). Dinner
and overnight in tents.
DAY 07 : Photoksar-Foot of Sengge La (07 hrs):
After breakfast trek to foot of the Sengge La with packed lunch. Ascend to the Bumiktse La (4200mts)
after which is a gentle slope into the broad valley. A short climb to the Sengge La (5000mts) and then a
steep descent till the foot of the Sengge La. Camp here for the night. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 08 :Foot of Sengge La-Lingshet (06 hrs):
Breakfast in camp. Begin trek to Lingshed. After Kiupa La (3850mts) is a steep descent to the villages of
Gongma and Skiumpata (3840mts). It is a wonderful landscape with a view of the valley of Nierag on the
other bank of the Zanskar. Reach Lingshed after crossing the Murgum La (4100mts). Camp near the
monastery. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 09 : LINGSHET/REST
Day at leisure for exploring around, resting and photography.
DAY 10 : Lingshet-Snertse (06 hrs):
After breakfast trek to Snertse . From Lingshed it is an easy ascent to the Hanuma La pass (4700mts)
then a long gradual descent to the sheepfolds of Snertse. Dinner and overnight
in tents.
DAY 11 : Snertse-Hanumil (06 hrs):
Trek to Hanumil after breakfast. From the Oma Chu river is a steep ascent to the
Parfi La (3900mts) and a sharp descent to the foot of the pass. Walk up to the plateau taking the path that leads towards the
edge of the Zanskar to Hanumil. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 12 : Hanumil-Pishu
Breakfast in camp. Easy walk to Pishu (05 hrs) sometimes along the river and sometimes across the
morainic pleatue. Camp below the village of Pishu. Packed lunch enroute. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 13 : Pishu-Karsha (05 hrs):
Cross Rinam above which is a small stream and shelter formed by the rocks. Easy stretch along the
banks of the Zanskar river to Karsha. It is a beautiful Gelukpa monastery dating back to the 15th
century. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 14 : Karsha-Padum (3-4 hrs):
After breakfast trek to Padum with packed lunch. Cross the Doda river, walk through a dusty plain to
Pipiting and then Padum. Visit the local monasteries / Gompas in the evening. Camp for dinner and
overnight.
DAY 15: Padum – Mune
An easy five hour trek to the Mune Village via the Bardan Gompa which houses the famous 180 cms.
Tall prayer wheel. Camp overnight at Mune.
DAY 16: Mune-Ichar (3-4 hrs):
Cross a beautiful plain covered in flowers till the Reru village, cross over a bridge over a tributary of the
Tsarap river. A gradual descent till the main Tsarap river where you will cross over to the right bank.
Arrive at the fortified Ichar village and camp for overnight. Overnight in camp.
DAY 17: Ichar-Purne (5 hrs):
Cross over the Ichar bridge and walk over a tricky trail till the village of Surle. Follow the Tsarap river
on a lightly marked and loose rubble trail till Cha village. Cross the bridge at the village and walk
through a series of small canyons of pudding stones till you descend down to the river and after
crossing a small bridge walk till the Purne village and set up camp for overnight.
DAY 18: Purne-Phugtal Gompa:
Walk up the left bank of the Tsarap into splendid gorges. After 11/2 hours, cross a small bridge and
walk till a small but crystal clear tributary of the Tsarap. From here you will get your first view of the
spectacular Phuktal Monastery. Belonging to the Gelugpa sect the monastery is the most famous in
Zanskar. After visiting the monastery we return to the camp in Purne for overnight.
DAY 19: Phugtal Gompa-Table Camp:
Cross the bridge at Purne and climb up towards the village of Teta. Descend steeply till the village of
Kuru, famous for livestock breeders. Walk till Tanze village and then walk anpther 11/2 till Table.
DAY 20:Table-Gamburanjan Camp (4 hrs):
A two hour walk till Kargyak ( 4100 Mts) Pass beneath the Gumburanjon Massif and cross a multitude
of small streams before you climb steeply up a face of fallen rocks before you arrive at the camp site.
Overnight in camp.
DAY 21: Gamburanjan Camp-Shingo La-Rumbak (5 hrs):
Cross over a small plateau before undertaking a steep and icy climb till the Shingo La pass (5090 Mts)
Walk down a zig zag moraine and cross over several small streams before reaching the Rumbak
meadow.
DAY 22: Rumbak-Palamo (6 hrs):
A long six hours walk along the left bank of the valley will bring you to a nice camp site.
DAY 23: Palamo-Darcha (3 hrs)
A five hour walk will bring you to the village of Darcha also the road head.
DAY 24: Darcha-Manali Drive
Drive seven hours from Darcha – Manali. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 25: Manali-Delhi.
Fourteen hours drive via Chandigarh to Delhi. (Alternatively one can also fly from Kullu to Delhi).
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THE NUBRA AND SHYOK VALLEYS
One of the forbidden parts of Ladakh, the Nubra Valley is reached after crossing the Khardung La
(17,300 feet) the highest motorable road in the World. The Nubra Valley is also the gateway to the
largest glacier in the World, The Siachen Glacier. The valley has the Karakoram Range and Pass in the
North.
Maximum Altitude : 5450 mts at the top of the Digar La Pass.
Trekking Period : June to October.
ITINERARY
Day 01: New Delhi-Leh
Fly from Delhi to Leh. Transfer to hotel in Leh. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Leh-Saboo
Drive from Leh to Saboo and walk for 5-6 hours to Saboo Pulu (3950 mts). Overnight in camp.
Day 03:Saboo Pulu-Base Camp Digar La
Total walking time is about 4-5 hours. Cross a chilling stream and camp at the base of the Digar La (4421
mts).
Day 04: Ascend Digar La (5450 mts)
The climb is steep and rough. Descend snow covered slopes. The trail is boggy below
the snow line.
Total distance to be trekked is about 17 kms.
DAY 05: Digar Village.
Trek from the base of the pass for 14 kms to Digar, a small village at an altitude of 3755 mts.
DAY 06: Digar-Rongjok
Trek eastwards towards the Shyok Valley and camp after 6-7 hours of walking at the hieght of 3105 mts.
DAY 07: Rongjok-Khalsar
3-4 hours of walking down the Shyok Valley leads you to the pretty village of Khalsar (3105 mts) on the
Leh - Panamik road.
DAY 08: Khalsar-Hunder
Drive to Hunder (4000 mts) visiting Diskit monaestery and Bactrian Camel farm on the way. Overnight
in camp.
DAY 09:Hunder-Spangmik
Trek to Spangmik (4320 mts). The first two hours are gradual and then a steep climb for 2-3 hours.
DAY 10:Spangmik-Larsa
Keep climbing from Spangmik to Larsa. About 5-6 hours of steady ascent.
DAY 11:Larsa-Phyan Pulu
A hard 7-8 hours walk to the top of the Lasermo La Pass (5021 mts) to Phyang Pulu. The descent is
gradual.
DAY 12 : Phyang Pulu-Phyang-Leh
Continue walking downstream to reach Phyang. Visit the Phyang Gompa and drive back to Leh. Check
into hotel.
DAY 13 : Leh-New Delhi
After breakfast fly to Delhi.
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PADAM TO LEH VIA THE MARKHA VALLEY
( THROUGH HEMIS HIGH ALTITUDE NATIONAL PARK)
Padam, the capital of Zanskar is approchable by a 3 days drive from Leh or Srinagar. Padam is also the
finishing point for many popular treks through Zanskar and Lahoul. This trek can easily be combined with other
popular treks.
This extention to Leh via the Markha Valley passes through very remote mountains that are famed for
their wildlife and numerous river crossings. This is a fantastic trek for Wild Life and Photography
enthusiasts/amateurs.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
Camera with zoom lens. Fast Film ASA 200 and above.
Sleeping bag, water bottle, personal trekking equipment.
Maximum Altitude : 5020 mts, Rubrang La on Day 06.
Trekking Period : End June to October.
ITINERARY
Day 01: PADAM-ZANGLA (5-6 hrs)
Visit Karsha Monaestery on the way to Zangla (3370 mts). Karsha Monastery is the largest in Zanskar
and dates back to the 10th Century A.D.
Day 02: ZANGLA-BASE CAMP (3-4 hrs)
Hard but short walk up from Zangla gets you to the Base Camp for crossing the Charcha La Pass. One
may explore the side valley after lunch.
Day 03: BASE CAMP-CHARCHA LA (6-7 Hrs)
There is some hard climbing in the dry valley below before getting to the glacier and the top of the
Charcha La (4950 mts). The hard climb is rewarded by great views of Zanskar and the Great Himalayan
Range.
Day 04: CHARCHA LA-TILAT SUMDO (6-7 hrs)
From the camp at the base of the pass, trek till the Cave at Tilat Sumdo(3750 mts) and camp there. There
are many river crossings to be made on this day also.
DAY 05: TILAT SUMDO-BASE CAMP (5-6 hrs)
Trek to the Base (4350 mts) of the next pass called Rubrang La (5020 mts). The hard trails in this area are
frequented by shepherds from the villages of the Rupshu region.
DAY 06: BASE CAMP-RUBRANG LA-MARKHA (6-7 hrs)
Hard walking to the top of the pass is rewarded again by great panoramic views. The descent from the
pass is through a beautiful gorge famous for wild life called Chaglang Nala. Camp at Markha (3850 mts).
DAY 07: MARKHA-THINLESPA (6-7 hr
Easy walking for 6-7 hours gets one to Thinlespa(3700 mts) which a very small and traditional Ladakhi
Village. Next day rest/explore around Thinlespa.
DAY 08: REST/EXPLORE THINLESPA.
A beautiful spring can be reached by a 1 hour walk from Thinlespa. The waters of this spring have
medicinal and spiritual powers. The side valleys/gorges around are home to abundant numbers of Blue
Sheep, Ibex , Himalayan Wolves and Snow Leopard. There are also many other interesting sites around
which can be easily visited.
DAY 09: THINLESPA-SHINGO (7 hrs)
Trek along the Markha River till the village of Skiu and onwards to Shingo (4150 mts). From Skiu the
trail slowly ascends through a wooded gorge till Shingo, where you Camp for the night. Shingo is
complete with a traditional Ladakhi house and beautiful flower speckled fields.
DAY 10: SHINGO-GANDA LA-YURUTSE (6-7 hrs)
Leave early morning and trek up the next Pass named the Ganda La (4920 mts). The Ladakh, Zanskar
and Stok Ranges are part of the splendid views from the top of the Pass. A short 1 hour descend from
the pass gets you to the camp site a few kilometers before Yurutse Village (4150mts). The mountains
around are full of wild Sheep and Marmots.
DAY 11: YURUTSE-BASE OF NAMLUNG LA (3-4 hrs)
Trek down the valley till rumbak and then ascend till the base camp of the next pass(4100 mts),
Namlung La. From here there is a side trip of 4 days to the peak of Mt Stok Kangri (6130 mts). This is an
easy trekking peak though the altitude is above 6000 Mts. For details on this climbing extention visit
the Mountaineering/climbing pages.
DAY 12: BASE OF NAMLUNG LA-STOK-LEH (5-6 hrs)+(2 hrs d
This is the last trekking day. After crossing the Namlung La (4750mts) trek down till Stok Village where
you are picked up by Jeeps and transported to your Hotel in Leh. The Namlung La towers over the
Indus/Leh Valley and is a great place for photographs.
DAY 13: Fly from Leh to New Delhi.
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