Arriving in Manali, the trek unfolds through the Kullu Valley, eventually bringing you to the door of Lahaul (Rohtang Pass). From Darcha the trek through the semi-arid Zanskar Valley provide opportunities to cross isolated villages, oases, ancient monasteries and historic fortresses. The landscape itself provide challenges as it requires crossing 8 passes with differing altitudes between 4700 m (15,419 ft.) and 5190 m (17,027 ft.) which makes the grade of this trek difficult. The trek ends in the valley of the Indus – site of the Lamayuru Monastery – whereby a drive to Leh will bring you to your flight departure.
Day 1
Arrival in Delhi
Guests will be received at the airport followed by a transfer to a hotel, where you will be staying overnight.
Day 3
Arrival in Manali
Upon arrival in Manali, we will check you into your hotel to freshen up before exploring the local area. Old Manali, the Hadimba and Shiva Temple, as well as the monastery within the town, are all main attractions for sightseers. In the afternoon you will then be able to roam freely within the town, with an overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 4
Journey from Manali to Darcha-Palamo
Travelling Distance: 150 km
Altitude: 3600 m / 11,811 ft.
Our journey begins by driving upstream along the Beas River passing through several villages until reaching the Rohtang Pass (3950 m / 12,959 ft.). After the Rohtang Pass we will be heading towards Gramphu and then continuing to Koskar where we will reach at a passport check point. Continuing the journey onto the tribal district headquarters of Keylong, we will then carry on to Jispa and Darcha. Hereafter, we will then pass through the last villages of the valley (Rarick and Chhika). Once passed the remaining villages, we will then reach the campsite that is located on the right bank of the Zanskar Chhu.
Day 6
Trek 2 - Zanskar Sumdo to Chhumik Marpo
Trekking Time: 71/2 hours
Altitude: 4500 m / 14,763 ft.
The trek will begin with a short upward climb to the Shingo La (5190m / 17,027 ft.) that spreads along with the tributary of the Zanskar Chhu. After some time we will be walking through the narrow valley and beautiful meadows that contain wild flowers native to the area. We will be camping on the base of the Shingo La surrounded by snow-capped mountains that gleam the night sky.
Day 7
Trek 3 - Chhumik Marpo to Lahkhang
Trekking Time: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 4300m / 14,107 ft. (Over Shingo La 5090m / 16,699 ft.)
The path leads over moraines, snow and glacial terrains (streams may need to be crossed). Prayer flags can be seen over the pass, before beginning to descend down into the Zanskar Valley. Before arriving at the campsite, we will need to wade through the Kargyak Chhu, until arriving at the beautiful campsite on the bank of Lhakhang Chhu.
Day 8
Trek 4 - Lhakhang to Kargyak
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 4060m / 13,320 ft.
The day will begin with an easy trek beside the right bank of the Kargyak Chhu and the base of the Gumboranjom Tower; a chilled stream which we will need to cross. You will have the opportunity to see closely the herds of Yaks and hear the whistling Marmots around the meadow. The long series of Mane walls and Chortens are a symbol that we have reached Kargyak Village. It houses a small Gompa on the top of village.
Day 9
Trek 5 - Kargyak to Purni
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 3800m / 12,467 ft.
Before reaching Purni the trail leads through Tanze, Kuru, Testa and Yal, where many farming villages can be seen cultivating their pastures with melodious tunes of Zanskar. Purni is situated on the confluence of the Tsarap and Kargyak Chhu.
Day 10
Trek 6 - Purni - Phucktal then back to Purni
Trekking Time: 8 hours (4 hours there and back)
The day will consist of visiting the Phuktal Gompa; most southern of all monasteries of Zanskar that is settled in a collected side of the valley. This 11th Century monastery belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hats) section which you will be able to experience the intricate architecture and design, as well as other areas of Phuktal.
Day 11
Trek 7 - Purni to Pipula
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 3600m / 11,811 ft.
Trek will begin with heading back to the bridge and following the confluence continuing left of the banks of Tserap River to Cha, where we will then continue onto Surley until reaching in Pipula; situated on the bank of the river Tserap.
Day 12
Trek 8 - Pipula to Raru via Ichar
Trekking Time: 51/2 hours
Altitude: 3700m / 12, 139 ft.
We will continue the trail beside the Tserap River until reaching the photogenic Ichhar Village (located opposite the trail) where you can then visit the village and the Gompa which is situated at the top of the village. After a short distance, the campsite is located beside the lake where locals stock the water for irrigation use.
Day 13
Trek 9 - Raru to Padum
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 3600m / 11,811 ft.
Leaving early in the morning, you will be able to visit the Mune and Bardan Gompa, as well as the Kagyupa Monastery; famous for its prayer wheel. Once reached the Padum administrative headquarter of the Zanskar subdivision, of the Kargil district, we will then spend an overnight stay in a camp within Padum.
Day 14
Trek 10 - Padum to Rinam
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 3500m / 11,482 ft.
Departing Padum, we will then head towards the Karsha monastery; a beautiful Gelugpa monastery dating as far back as the 15th Century. We will camp in Rinam outside of the village.
Day 15
Trek 11 - Rinam to Pishu
Trekking Time: 3 hours (via Jang La 6 hours)
Altitude: 3400m / 11,154 ft.
The trek will begin with a flat trail beside the Zanskar River where you will be able to visit Zangla Village - an ancient capital of Zanskar – as well as the ruins of a castle and a Nunnery. A small Gompa within the village had been shifted from the Old Fort houses (some old Thangka and statues) which can be seen. After visiting the village we will then make our way back to the beautiful campsite of Pishu.
Day 16
Trek 12 - Pishu to Hanumil
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 3550m / 11,646 ft.
We will be following a track that leads up and down until we come across a bridge that crosses over a stream. A colourful Chorten appears before arriving in the Pidmo Village. Another 2 hours of trekking until we reach the campsite of Hanumil.
Day 17
Trek 13 - Hanumil to Snertse
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 4200m / 13,779 ft. (Over Parfi La 3900m / 12,795 ft.)
The trail leads through a cliffy track until a gradual climb to reach Parfi La. A steep zigzag descent needs to be made to reach the riverside where you can then refresh yourself under a Willow shrub. The dusty and sunny trail will lead to the campsite, where one can occasionally see the Ibex (a mountain goat) grazing on the slope in front of the camp.
Day 18
Trek 14 - Snertse to Lingshed
Trekking Time: 7 hours
Altitude: 3800m / 12,467 ft. (Over Hanuma La 4700 m / 15,419 ft.)
A gradual ascend through gorges until later the valley will widen. Once reached the top, an extensive view of the rugged Himalayan Mountains layered one after one can be viewed. A long descent to the Lingshed where we will then make camp, before a visit to a Gelugpa sect (Yellow hats) monastery.
Trek 15 - Lingshed to Yulchun Gyra
Altitude: 4500 m / 14,763 ft. (Trek starts over Murgum La 4100 m / 13,451 ft.)
An easy climb to the Murgum La will take around an hour where you can enjoy the surrounding view before descending along the slope to the Nieraq Valley. After passing Gongma and Skiumpata Villages, there will be a steep ascent to the Kuba La (3800 m /12,467 ft. ) until an easy walk will be made to reach the campsite.
Day 20
Trek 16 - Yulchungyra to Phutoksar
Trekking Time: 7 hours
Altitude: 3750 m / 12,303 ft.
We will have 2 hours to reach at the top of the Singee La (5000m / 16,404 ft.) before making a short descent down into the broad valley where herds of Yak can be seen. We will then cross several rivers until reaching Phutoksar; a beautiful village at the base of a huge mountain wall. Overnight camp outside of the Phutoksar Village.
Day 21
Trek 17 - Phutoksar to Hanupata
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 3500 m / 11,482 ft.
Beginning with an easy walk, we will then eventually make a steep climb that will take us to Sirsir La (4900 m / 16,076 ft.). A descent to the river bank will be made where you can see farmers cultivating their pastures (peas and barley etc.). The campsite is located before the Hanupata Village on the banks of a stream.
Day 22
Trek 18 - Hanupata to Wanla
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 3300 m / 10,826 ft.
Across from the Hanupata Village, a steep path cuts down into the rocks before ending up out of the gorge where we will then arrive in Franjila Village. You will enjoy a pleasant walk through the villages before reaching in Wanla. A monastery can also be visited at the top of the hill. An overnight stay in a campsite.
Day 23
Trek 19 - Wanla to Lamayuru/Leh via Alchi
Altitude: 3600 m / 11,811 ft. (Over Pritnik La 3800 m / 12,467 ft.)
Heading up to the Shilacong, cross the bridge and follow the broad Chorten then continue on to follow the narrow and dry gorge up to the Pritnik La. We will then descend and cross a small stream until we begin to climb to the village of Lamayuru.
After visiting the monastery, we will drive to Leh through the Indus valley via Alchi. An overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 24
Shey Visit
A full day of sightseeing to the famous monasteries of the Ladakh region including the Thiskey and Hemis monastery, before heading back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 25
Flight from Leh-Delhi
You will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Delhi. Once reached in Delhi you will then be transported to your hotel where you will be staying overnight. The afternoon can be spent at your own leisure.
Day 26
Flight Departure – Visit Old/New Delhi
You will be given the opportunity to visit Old or New Delhi as you will have a full day of sightseeing, before being transferred to the Indira Gandhi International Airport where you will depart to your onward destination.
