You may have already heard of some of the famous Ladakh cycling routes. But did you know that Ladakh has the highest cycling route in the world and some of the toughest and longest climbs you’ll find in this part of the Indian Himalayas? Zanskar is a sub-district of extremes; we have the mountains and the steep climbs. You’ll never be bored of the views here either. Even if they’re shrouded in mist, there might just be a snow-covered mountain, abandoned monasteries, or herd of highland yaks around the next corner.
One of the Indian Himalayas’ most spectacular, diverse, and challenging bicycle trips! Our Great Zanskar cycling trip passes through remote, sublimely beautiful regions of northern India – the Chandra Bhaga and Zanskar River valleys, Atal Tunnel, Buddhist central Lahaul & Zanskar, a hike to Phuktal monastery and Zanskari villages and its people – ending this epic cycling trip in the Ladakh moon land at Lamayuru, we stay on tents occasionally homestays and tour the Khardung La, the perfect end to an amazing bicycle adventure!
Enjoy the views out to Gonbo Rangjun peak, and Phuktal Gompa is the most spectacular sight in Zanskar, built under a huge cave and situated on the rock above the Tsarap River. Stops for a tasty lunch prepared by our camp cook every day. Travel from Kurgiakh the first village of Zanskar southern highland to the ancient capital of Padum. Soak up the stunning mountain scenery as you cycle through the plains of Padum, and Thongde before being rewarded with a panoramic view of the central Zanskar Mountains. The stunning (but challenging) loop northwest of Zanskar travels through some of the region's wildest and most idyllic landscapes. See famous mountains such as Singe La, Sirsir La, Lingshed monastery, and Zanskar River gorge, as well as a tranquil area of Zangla creating the best experience for cycling in Zanskar mountains.
Miyar valley: Yosemite of India, Stunning mountains, Crossing of 24 kms long Kang La glacier at Greater Himalayan Range, Southern Zanskar and its high villages
Zanskar is a small Tibetan Buddhist Kingdom, lying just north of the main Himalayan range and about 120 miles long. It is part of the former Kingdom of Ladakh, and up until relatively recent times, its two ‘Kings’, or Gyalpos (precious rulers), mediated local disputes and, in ancient times, collected taxes for the main King of Ladakh.
Our Zanskar trek takes us completely off the beaten track, trekking through very remote country. Starting near Mount Nun, we gradually make our way through the mountains into Zanskar. Trekking up through a series of gorges that can only be navigated when water levels are low, we head towards Phuktal monastery.
This is one of our most exciting and diverse trekking routes, a stunningly beautiful and challenging trek through remote canyon lands, crossing many high Himalayan passes (most 5000+ meters), and trekking through the hidden, green valleys and villages of mythical Ladakh and Zanskar.
You will pass through many villages along the way and meet with locals at their homes, who are with our Zanskari staff. Spectacular view of the Greater Himalayan range and its peak rising above 7000m. Some of the best views are Nun 7135m, Kun 7077m, and Doda 6550m.
We begin this epic trip at delightful Rangdum and pass Pikdong La (Puzdong La) to the remote but friendly Dibling village. From Dibling, you follow the Oma Chu to the base of Hanuma la to the large plains of Zanskar at Padum. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit several sights. From Zangl, we take the wild Zanskar trail where only a few trekkers find their way to Shade village. Shade is the most remote and scenic place in Zanskar, where you will experience the traditional Zanskari village life in this far-flung village. Along the Tsarap River to one of the most spectacular sights of our trek to Phuktal, and finally exploring the high villages of Southern Zanska, where our trek ends, we drive to Shinku La pass to Manali.
You will drive on the Leh-Manali highway to the hill resort town of Manali. Relax a day at this hill station before making a final departure to Delhi. Our unique adventurous Grand Traverse of Zanskar – Join us.
Embark on a magical 14-day Zanskar Trek that takes us around most of the Zanskar region, reaching an elevation of 5,500m. We cross the highest pass on our trip, the Phirtse La Pass, at 5,540 m. The 20-day Potala Adventurers Zanskar Trek is a great introductory trek for experiencing the Zanskar region. If we want a shorter trek but the same route, we may cut off this trek at Zangla after 10 days.
The mythical trek has made the reputation of this Himalayan region the Great Zanskar Traverse or Grande Traversee du Zanskar (GTZ).
The great traverse of Zanskar is among the most outstanding trekking. Cut off from the world for more than 8 months of the year by the snow, the Zanskar is one of those mythical lands whose visit is deserved. Between India and Tibet, this ancient Himalayan kingdom has long been isolated from the rest of the world, surrounded by the high peaks of the Great Himalayan barrier. The opening up of the region is on the agenda, and the roads progress gradually in the valleys. Time is running out and it's time to enjoy this beautiful trek before it's too late! The Zanskar is today a region that remains authentic, punctuated with small traditional villages, rich in their Buddhist culture, omnipresent in this part of the world. Monasteries perched on eagle's nests, swinging rope bridges, women in "Perak" covered with turquoises ... You follow this mythical route, with steps studied for good acclimatization to the altitude, and a transfer in the vehicle to avoid the dusty trail that now runs through the Padum Valley. The famous village of Lamayuru is on the program, as well as the iconic monastery of Phuktal, a grand monastery adjoining its cliff ... The great traverse of Zanskar is also a sporting route.
17 days of walking and 6 mountain passes to cross in the heart of spectacular landscapes, The trek is divided into two parts. The first, which goes from Kanji to Padum, is rather sporty with numerous passes, which is enough to give you some muscle pain. That's what pain is love. The second part, from Padum / Raru to Sarchu, is quite relaxed to the muscle until making the final crossing of Surichan La (5660m)-
The Great Zanskar Traverse has long been the reference trek of the Indian Himalayas because of its commitment, its difficulty, and the incredibly isolated areas by which it travels. On the topographic maps as in the imagination of adventurers, the Zanskar remains an authentic end of the world.
One of the least explored trekking routes and mythical journeys in the Indian Himalayas. With passes exceeding 5,000 m, it connects Sarchu to Yulchung. Zanskar Grand Traverse, Zanskar Wild and Remote, or La Grande Traversee du Zanskar is an updated Zanskar traverse known to the world as Darcha Lamayuru. Twenty-two days of walking in the heart of a spectacular landscape and the complete crossing of Zanskar from South to North. Zanskari village remains cut off from the rest of the world for eight months. The inhabitants of Zanskarpa live in serenity and inner peace.
Setting off from Leh after three days of well-acclimatizing, we drive to Sarchu, crossing the Taglang La (5,268 m) & Lachulang La (5,059m) on the Leh-Manali highway, known as the second-highest mountain road in the world. We pass through high plains on the Rupshu Changthang to the wide valley of Sarchu, from where we cross the highest pass of our trek, Surichun La (5,620m), and descend to the Kurgiakh Chu River valley. Passing through villages and exploring the daily life of Zanskari to Phuktal Gompa in the Lungnak River Valley. Phuktal monastery is built under a huge cave. We continue to Shade, one of the remotest villages in the Himalayas, a series of high passes, and the narrow gorge of Zangla before we visit Karsha and Padum. Our second stage will take us through the Ladakh part after crossing the Takti La, with the final ascent of Nyerak to Yulchung, where our trek ends, and return to Leh via visiting Lamayuru and Alchi.
This demanding and Challenging Trek takes us to the land of Changpa nomads living on the vast high plateau of Changthang. It focuses mainly on the life of Nomadic people and wildlife in motion. After 2-3 days of well acclimatizing in Leh, we drive to Rumtse (85 km) at the foot of Tanglang la pass (5328 m). Beginning to trek from Rumtse we cross over passes of Kyamari la, Mandalachan la, and Shingbuk la before approaching Lake Tsokar. This tour is taking place in the Changthang region, which has an average altitude of 4000-5000m, higher than central Ladakh and Nubra Valley. In that case, a long acclimatization is a must before starting the trek.
The first stage of the area is relatively uninhabited, while the second phase after Tsokar up to the Tsomoriri Lake area is vastly dwelt by Changpa nomads. We visit several yurts along our trail and carefully witness nomadic daily life. Crossing over 3 high passes of Kyamayuri la, Kartse la, and Yarlung Nyau la we arrive at Karzok phu. One of the largest nomadic settlements in the region. Occasionally chances to see wildlife such as Kyang, black naked crane, Tibetan Antelope, Himalayan Marmot, and Blue Sheep. Finishing trek at Karzok we drive back to Leh via Chumathang.
Spiti valley is located on the Tibetan border enclosed on the South East by Tibet, North West by Ladakh, and West by Lahoul and Kullu. Geologically and archeologically Spiti valley is a living museum. Spiti valley is high altitude cold desert and in its lunar landscapes are still stretches, where every other rock is fossils. Spiti valley is formed by the Spiti River, which rises on the slopes of Kunzom pass (4’551 m) and ends at the river confluence with Pare-Chu near Sumdo. The length of the valley is about 150km. Enroute Spiti River receives the water of many streams: Guindi Nala, Parilungbi Chu, Pin River and Lingti River. There are two routes to Spiti valley, one over Rohtang-pass (3’978m/13’050ft) and Kunzom pass and other via Shimla, Rampur and Kinnaur.
Spiti was once a part of the West-Tibetan Kingdom of Guge in the early 17th century. Guge became fragmented and Spiti, along with Lahoul, came under Ladakhi rule. A vital link of Great Trans Himalayan trade route from Lhasa to Kashmir and Spiti – Literally “The middle country” – found itself locked between the mountain range and International border, now a part of Himalayan tribal sub-division of Lahoul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh.
Today more and more travellers, tourists, trekkers, geologists and researchers are discovering this wonderful and last inhabitable world.
Manali - Shinku La - Padum - Drang Drung glacier - Pensi La - Nun Kun peak view - Suru Valley - Kargil - Mulbekh Chamba - Lamayuru - Leh. To visit Zanskar from Manali via Manali - Leh road and further from Leh - Kargil - Padum almost more than 600 km. Manali - Leh highway crosses from four high mountain passes and remains closed for seven months in winter.
Now there is a new road opened that connects Manali - Padum via Shinkun La also known as Shingo La. After the Atal Rohtang tunnel BRO (Border road organization) will construct a tunnel below Shinkun La to make Manali - Padum road all weather.
Shinkun La is the border between Ladakh union territory and Himachal Pradesh.
This Manali - Padum - Zanskar - Leh tour, is going to be one of the best tours of the Himalayan region. Setting off from Manali the first-day drive to Keylong via Atal Tunnel Rohtang, a new gateway to Lahaul, Spiti, Pangi, and Zanskar valleys., Acclimatization in this Bunan/Gahar & Stod valley is a must before crossing Shinkun La. A night in Keylong or Jispa in Lahaul will ensure proper acclimatization. We cross Shinkun La (5,090 m) to get into Zanskar. Many ancient gompas on the way: Phuktal gompa which is built under a huge cave and provides one of the fantastic views. Karsha Gompa is the biggest in the Zanskar region. En route, we pass shepherds with their flocks of sheep and climb beautiful snow-covered passes with panoramic views of the Great Himalayan range. Passing through the beautiful Chandra valley with some spectacular views of peaks rising above 6000 m. At Tandi where Chandra & Bhaga meets 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 pass and Kurgiakh is the first village in Lungnak River valley of Zanskar. From Zanskar Sumdo at the foot of Shinkun La, the road descends to Lakhong, Lakhong is a high pasture land where villager from Kurgiakh, Thangso village keep their domestic animals Yak, dzo, sheep, goat, horses for summer grazing. This is the upper slopes of Zanskar where meadows are covered with edelweiss and at the foot of Gumborunjom peak (5580 meters), a Blue poppy can be found. 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 Purney to Anmo village to Raru and finally to Karsha bypassing Mune, Bardan & Padum. Next couple of days to visit the sights in the heart of Zanskar before entering in Ladakh at Lingshed. And crossing two passes namely Sengge La and Sirsir La to join the Srinagar - Leh road at Lamayuru. Exploring the Lamayuru and finally visiting Alchi and Likir, we drive to Leh. Where our trip ends.
Welcome to Potala Adventurers Himalaya. Potala Adventurers is a
place where you can have unique info, filled with our regional knowledge on
trekking in Ladakh & Zanskar, Lahaul-Spiti & Kinnaur, Kullu &
Manali, Garhwal & Eastern Kishtwar regions of Indian Himalayas. Potala
Adventurers is a small trekking company, organizing treks and a varieties of
customized trips in Indian Himalayas. We offer a wide range of
trekking and overland trips in the Indian Himalaya for short and long holiday
seekers. All of our treks are unique in its, own specialty and planned
carefully to benefit maximum visits of places of the area that you are visiting
upon. We will be happy to share our experiences of our Himalayan regions; its
culture, history, tales, nature, brilliant landscapes, and native people. Our
programs include: Zanskar traverse, Parang la & Nomads of Rupshu, Nubra valley, Markha valley & Stok-Kangri Ascent
WHY CHOOSE US ?
POTALA Adventurers HIMALAYA
Beas Kund - Beas so named after Rishi Sage Vyas and Kund is the Hindi word for a tiny pond. This tiny and high-altitude alpine lake of Beas Kund at an altitude of 3,700 meters / 12,139 feet is situated at the higher and upper valley of Solang, located at the North end of Manali and at the foot of Mt. Shitidhar, Ladakhi, and Friendship peak.
It’s an ideal base camp for climbing nearby peaks Shitidhar, Friendship, and Ladakhi peak (5,345 m). The Westside of Beas Kund is a magnificent peak of Hanuman Tibba 5,990m, which access through a tiny pass above this lake. The entire area is surrounded by spectacular peaks and Glaciers around Beas Kund. Our Beas Kund trek starts from Dhundi at a distance of 8 km from Solang Nala, Solang which is a popular destination for skiing in winter and summer outdoor activities. Setting off from Dhundi the trail goes along the stream upward to Beas Kund and Seven sisters peak, Hanuman Tibba, and Friendship peak remain insight throughout the trek.
Beas Kund trek offers a spectacular view of the snow-capped mountains all around.
An easy trek for all ages.
Bhrigu Lake is located at the East of Rohtang pass and above the Gulaba slopes. Situated at Pir Panjal eastern end mountain range and at an altitude of 4170 m / 13681 feet above sea level. With a panoramic view of Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, the Great Himalayan range, and numbers of peaks rising above 6000m.The closest 6000m peak nearby are Deo Tibba, Indrasan, Maker Beh, and Shiker Beh. And most mesmerizing peaks that remain insight are Hanuman Tibba and Seven Sisters peaks.
Bhrigu lake opens up to mesmerizing natural vistas that showcase an endless alpine carpet of meadows, streams that carry crystal clear water along the winding paths, and sweeping vistas of magnificent snow-capped mountains.
This tiny lake is known to locals as "Bhrigu". The lake is named after Maharishi Bhrigu and it has a great religious significance to locals, especially of Vashisht and nearby villages.
Our classic 3 days Bhrigu lake trek sets out at Gulaba 23 km from Manali and ends at Vashisht village. With many trails to Bhrigu, our trekking route changes based on snow conditions. May until mid-June either one can start from Gulaba - Rola kholi - Bhrigu lake and back to Gulaba. The other route which involves more ascending starts from Kulang - Mori dugh - Bhrigu lake - back to Mori dugh and Kulang. In our classic Bhrigu lake trek, you will have the opportunity to spend two nights at a different camp, which will give undoubtedly more natural views of Manali.
For those who are speed trekkers, we offer you a Bhrigu lake trek in one day. The route for Bhrigu lake in one day is Gulaba - Raoli khoi - Bhrigu lake - back to Gulaba 10 to 12 hours.
Bhrigu lake trek is one of the favorite short treks in Manali. An ideal weekend trekking in Manali for both beginners as well as experienced hikers.
Hampta Pass trek is the most beautiful trek around Manali and can be done by anyone reasonably fit. Hampta pass lies on the beautiful Pir Panjal range and is a small corridor between Lahaul and the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. Hamta pass is frequently used by Shepherds of the lesser Himalayan region. Seeking high-altitude grassland in the dry cold desert of Lahaul during summertime. Numbers of wildflowers and varieties of herbs can be found at an altitude between 3000 to 3800m.
Setting off from Manali we drive to Sethan village 2700m and continue to Panduropa - Jobri. Our starting point of the trek. Setting off from Jobri first we cross the ford on Jobri nullah originating from Deo Tibba massif. The route from Chikka to Jobri passes through the forest of Deodar, Oak, walnut, and Birch tree. A gradual climb to Jwara and Balu ka Ghera. Balu ka Ghera is better known for Bear's den or Bear's circle. Can see it only from May end to mid-June. The final ascent leads through boulder and scree to the Hampta pass. Spectacular view of Indrasan 6221m and Deo Tibba 6001m only can have on a clear sky. Crossing the river near Shea Goru camp we descend to the river bed and follow the left bank of Chandra River to Chatru. Where our trek ends.
Kalihani pass 4820m located on Pir Panjal range and the extreme west of Manali, And this Khanpari tibba lies at an altitude of 4020m, is one of the best and perfect spot to view Beas River valley at once. To the West lies Kalihani pass at an altitude of 4830m Connecting remote Bara Bangahal village of Kangra district. During summer to late Autumn, this area is mainly inhabited by Shepherds and this pass is frequently used by them to go rain shadow of high grassland. Apart from Sheperd's route, this area has one of the best trekking routes in the Manali region. Spectacular view of Great Himalayan Range and snow-clad peak rising above 6000m Indrasan 6220m, Deo Tibba 6001m to the East and Maker Beh 6068m, Shikar Beh 6200m to the North and looking down the beautiful Kullu valley are main characteristics of this trek.
Setting off from near Hadimba we climb gently through the thick forest of Cedar and Oak. Climbing up through the Manalsu River valley the gentle slopes and lush green meadows of Lamadugh appears. Later trek beneath the ridge of Khanpari Tibba (4,025m) we arrive at a place from where Indrasan (6,220m.) And Deo Tibba (6,001m.) peaks can be seen. One can see the full view of Manali town and upper Kullu valley. Continue going upward through brilliant shrubs of Rhododendron, Birch pave on the way, and wildflowers all around. Arriving at the dome of Khanpari to have a spectacular 360-degree view of the Great Himalayan Range to the East, Dhauladhar to the West, and Pir Panjal to the North. Keep your attention towards wildlife to see Monal, Fox, and Bear.
Friendship peak is a stunning and spectacular mountain standing at 5289m elevation located just above Beas Kund and on the Pir Panjal range in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. Friendship peak is perfect for the first Himalayan summit and its trekker's delight. The entire area is surrounded by spectacular peaks and glacier Hanuman Tibba (5932m) and Seven sisters peak to the west, Maker Beh (6069m), Shikhar Beh (6200m), Ladakhi peak (5345m) to the North as well as peaks of Great Himalayan ranges in Lahaul. The Southern slopes are steep but it doesn't require any technical ability to climb. A view of Indrasan (6221m) and Deo Tibba (6001m) to the South at a distance is a rewarding point on this trek.
Friendship trekking peak is an ideal peak for those with no mountaineering experience. The best months for this trek are from May to Mid July, when the western slopes of the peak remain covered with snow and September & October months remain rocky terrain.
The elegant Deo Tibba 6001m. is located east of Manali, above Jagat Sukh village. The Southeast ridge is clearly visible from while crossing of Hamta pass. Deo Tibba and Indrasan Peak 6200m dominate the entire region East of Manali. The surroundings of Deo Tibba above 3500m. provide the finest skiing and heli-skiing slopes known worldwide today. We start our expedition from an ancient village of Jagatsukh to Chikka, which is at an altitude of 10200 feet. The further crossing of Seri and to Tenta - our base camp for the Deo Tibba climb. We will go for camp I and via Piton ridge climb Deo Tibba.
Superb 6000m summit in Kullu valley, approach to the base with short trek & view of GH range and its peak
Rani Sui Lake located on the extreme west of Manali, lies below Khanpari Tibba 4025m, this Rani Sui lake and Khanpari Tibba is one of the best and perfect spots to view Beas River valley at once. To the West lies Kalihani pass at an altitude of 4830m Connecting remote Bara Bhangal village of Kangra district. During summer to late Autumn, this area is mainly inhabited by Shepherds and this pass is frequently used by them to go rain shadow of high grassland. Apart from Shepherd's route, this area has one of the best trekking routes in the Manali region. Spectacular view of Great Himalayan Range and snow-clad peak rising above 6000m i.e. Indrasan 6220m, Deo Tibba 6001m to the East and Maker Beh 6068m, Shikar Beh 6200m to the North and looking down the beautiful Kullu valley are main characteristics of this trek.
Setting off from near Hadimba we climb gently through the thick forest of Cedar and Oak. Climbing up through the Manalsu River valley the gentle slopes and lush green meadows of Lamadugh appears. Later trek beneath the ridge of Khanpari Tibba (4,025m) we arrive at a place from where Indrasan (6,220m.) And Deo Tibba (6,001m.) peaks can be seen. One can see the full view of Manali town and upper Kullu valley. Continue going upward through brilliant shrubs of Rhododendron, Birch pave on the way, and wildflowers all around. Arriving at the dome of Khanpari to have a spectacular 360-degree view of the Great Himalayan Range to the East, Dhauladhar to the West, and Pir Panjal to the North. Keep your attention towards wildlife to see Monal, Fox, and Bear.
All Year Around
Day hikes in Manali. Manali day hikes are for those who want to enjoy a brilliant walk on the outskirts of Manali town. Starting from a 2000m the day treks goes up to 4000m thus gaining a 2000m altitude in a day. All-day hikes start early morning. After the end of the trek, some require transportation to get back to Manali, and some start at Manali and end at Manali. The day hiking tour allows its participants to enjoy the beautiful green forests, above tree line meadows, and spectacular view of Pin Pannjal and the Great Himalayan range.
“We just came back from the journey. (10 days tour of the Kumaon Himalayas) It was great, thank you. All the locations and hotels were very nice. We particularly want to say that our driver was a very kind, knowledgeable, and excellent person who took good care of us.” All the best
“Hello Prem, Many thanks to you and your team to give us all the support for this unforgettable ski touring trip around Lahaul Mountains. We really appreciate your help and flexibility to adapt the trip and logistics according to our needs. Hope to see you again for our future adventures in the Indian Himalaya. Many thanks for everything and wish you all the best”.
This 9-day trek (organized by POTALA adventures agency) from Rumtse to Tso Moriri Lake was a highly adventurous and difficult trek. I was accompanied by my cousin and my uncle. The total distance covered was more than 100 kilometers, and the max peak height we reached was 5450 meters. What made it much more challenging was the fact that we also slept at the high altitudes, sometimes more than 5000 meters. The trek ...
“Finally we would like to give some feedback for the hike: thanks for coming up with an alternative route, when friendship peak was closed due to snow. We thoroughly enjoyed the 5 days of the hike. Regardless: we enjoyed the trip and everything you and the crew did for us. Best regards”.
