Darcha - Lamayuru Trek Across Zanskar Himalayas

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Classic Darcha-Lamayuru trek

Karsha Zanskar

Lamayuru

Darcha - Lamayuru trek 22 days

Here is a chance for hardiest trekker, 14 to 20 kms of rough tough and wonderful views every day for 3 weeks. You and your group will be led among Western Himalayas premier long distance footpath. Which links Darcha in Lahoul with Padum in Zanskar and Lamayuru in Ladakh. At several points you will visit : Phuktal monastery which is built under a huge cave, Sani gompa, Mani gompa, Burdan gompa, Karsha gompa, Lingshed gompa and Lamayuru gompa. You will reach as high as 5100 mtrs , the path crosses several passes Shingo la 5100 mtrs, Perfi la, Hunuma la 4800 mtrs, Sengge la 5060 mtrs, Sirsir la and Prinkiti la. As you cross old pack horse trail, sheperds track, and ancient route. The route crosses rivers of Chandra, Bhaga, Tsarap, Doda, Zanskar and Indus

One of the classic trekking tours of the region, the first day 7 hrs. Drive to Darcha (3,360 m) over Rohtang pass (3,978 m) the gateway to Lahoul, Spiti, Pangi and Zanskar valleys. We camp at Darcha to acclimatize, which is starting point of some major trekking tour. We cross Shingo La pass (5,090 m) to get into Zanskar. Many ancient gompa on the way: Phuktal gompa which is built under a huge cave and it provides the one of the fantastic view. Karsha gompa which is biggest in Zanskar region. Enroute we pass shepherds a ancient gompa. It is oldest gompa in Ladakh, with large library of Buddhist literature. Leh with their flocks of sheep and climb beautiful snow covered passes with panoramic views of the Great Himalayan range. Trek terminates at Lamayuru, which has is 147 Kms from Lamayuru.

TRIP FACT:

Region: Lahoul, Zanskar, Ladakh,

Total Day:28

Trek Days: 20,

Grade: Moderate to strenuous

Maximum Elevation : Shingo - la (5090mt.),

Best Season: Mid June to September end

Day 01 Arrival in Delhi

Day 02 Drive Delhi - Manali (2,040m)

Day 03 Manali

Day 04 Drive Manali – Rohtang pass – Kardang monstery.

Day 05. Trek Kardang – Piukar, drive to Jispa.

Day 06 Trek to Palamo (3825m).

Day 07 Trek to Zanskar Sumdo (4,100m).

Day 08 Trek to Chhumik Nakpo (4670m).

Day 09 Trek to Shingola (5090m) - Lakhong (4590m).

Day 10 Trek to Kargyak (4230m).

Day 11 Trek to Purne (3965m).

Day 12 Trek to Phuktal (4055m) and back to Purne.

Day 13 Trek to Vipula (3865m).

Day 14 Trek to Raru (3960m).

Day 15 Trek to Padum (3,530m).

Day 16 Trek to Karsha (3,320 m).

Day 17 Trek to Pishu (3660m).

Day 18 Trek to Hanumil (3650m).

Day 19 Trek to Snertse (3940m).

Day 20 Trek to Lingshed (4100m).

Day 21 Trek to foot of Sengge-la (3,990m).

Day 22 Trek to Sengge-la ( 5060m) Photoksar ( 4400m).

Day 23 Trek to Sir Sir-la ( 4965m) Hanupatta (4070m).

Day 24 Trek to Wanla ( 3470m).

Day 25 Trek to Prinkiti-la ( 3930m) Lamayuru (3750m).

Day 26 AT LEH sight seeing day 1.

Day 27 Sight seeing day 2.

Day 28: Fly to Delhi.

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22 days

2 person:     990 Euro,1300 USD, 890 GBP/person.

3-5 person: 880 Euro,1160 USD, 792 GBP/person.

6-8 person: 770 Euro,1016 USD, 693 GBP/person

Cost Includes:

Transportation Manali – Darcha, Lamayuru – Leh.

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, Dinner, snacks, hot drinks. We serve Indian, Tibetan, Chinese and local cuisine.

Well English speaking local guide. Cook, Kitchen assistant. Horseman with mules.

Trek gear: 2 men sharing 3 season tent, air mattresses, air pillow, dining tent, table chair.

Camping fee along the trek. national park fee.

Cost excludes:

Hotel accommodations,

Sleeping bags

Alchoholic bevarages.

Entrance fee at monasteries.

personal laundry,

Personal insurance,

For booking of Darcha Lamayuru trek Please contact us at info@potala-himalaya.com

Darcha - Lamayuru trek itinerary

Day 01 Arrival in Delhi

Meeting upon at Indhira Gandhi International Airport. Transfer to hotel.

Day 02 Delhi - Manali (2,040 m)

8 hrs by deluxe bus. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 03 Manali

Sight seeing around Manali or day for final preparation, before heading off to starting point of trek Darcha.

Day 4 Drive to Kardang monastery (3300mt.) 7 hrs.

7hours drive over Rohtang pass (3978mt.), which is the gateway Lahoul and Spiti Pangi and Zanskar valley.

Day 5 Trek to Piukar monastery 5-6 hrs.

Leaving Kardang monastery behind we trek to Barbog village. From Barbog well defined trail to Lapchang village and its monastery. This area is starting point of famous Buddhist kora pilgrimage of Guru gantal. After Lapchang trail along the village canal to Piyaso village situated high above. Magnificient view of Lady of Keylong peak, Gangstang and top of hill where English nun Palamo spent several years in cave. Now trail descend down to Piukar village. Piukar village has only nunnery in entire Lahaul valley. Overnight camp at Piukar village.

Day 06. Piukar – Jispa 4-5 hrs. trek.

After Piukar we trek along the Bhaga river. En route we pass beautiful village in Tod valley. And finally cross bridge at Jispa. Overnight camp at Jispa.

Day 07 Trek to Palamo (3825mt.) 4/5 hrs.

Starting point of our trek from Darcha to palmo.3 hours trek through two villages of Rareek and Chikka. On the way, way pass A spectacular gorge. Continue along the left bank, and then cross a first ford overnight stay in camp.

Day 08 Trek to Zanskar Sumdo (4,100mt.) 5 hrs.

Gradual climb and good view of mountain continue on the left bank until reaching a second ford. 400mt.gradual climb from Palamo to Zanskar Sumdo. Good camp aside a ford.

Day 09 Trek to Chhumik Nakpo (4670mt) 6 hrs.

Cross the second ford then go up the right hand valley following the stream, which comes from Shingo la. Streams in Himalayas should be cross carefully even if they look small. Camp in the small meadow.

Day 10 Climb to Shingo-la (5090mt.) - Lakhong (4590mt) 7/8 hrs.

An eventful day for those who have never climbed to this height. From the camp, climb moderate slopes to foot of the pass. Finally at the top of the pass of Shingo-la (5090mt.) see the view of various peaks. Walk over the glacier and fallen rocks. Finally reach Lakhong camp beside small stream.

Day 10 Trek to Kargyak (4230mt.) 5/6 hrs.

Cross the stream and come to the right side of stream. Walk on a mass of fallen rocks, then cross a small stream. After one hour, you pass beneath the face of the Gomborangjum, then an easy descent to the first village of Zanskar region Kargyak.

Day 11 Trek to Purne (3965mt.)   6 hrs.

Walking through the Buddhist regions means always go from the left side of Chorten (Stupa) and recite as OM MANE PADME HUM, Continue on the right bank along an easy walk. Reach Tanze

Which is a small village, gompa in ruins a bit higher up. A short distance beyond Tanze, there is a small bridge across to the left bank. Slight rise leading to Kuru, a major village of livestock breeders. Then arrival in Testa, beautiful village. The path continues downward as near the river. Stay on the left bank, and then climb to Yal. Reaching Yal steep descent towards a large bridge, which you cross to go Purne

Day 12 Trek to Phuktal (4055m) and back to Purne 6 hrs.

Go up the right bank of the Tsarap River in to the Splendid

Gorges. Cross a bridge in good condition, walk up for few minutes. A ledge leads to a small plateau sprinkled with Chorten and religious banners. From here see the most spectacular sights in the Zanskar regions. Phuktal Monastery, which is built under a huge cave. Phuktal belongs to the tradition of Gelukpas (Yellow section) visiting Phuktal return back by the same route to Purne.

Day 13 Trek to Vipula (3865mt) 5/6 hrs.

From Purne come back to the bridge, cross the bridge and then go up the left bank. Frequent small canyons of pudding stones. Pass a bit above a hanging bridge, which leads to the village of Cha. 2hours later reach Kheydang, a small village in a poplar grove. Carry one until Gyalbo teashop. Pass below the village of Surle. The trail is still not good Finally reach the campsite of Vipula near teashop

Day 14 Trek to Raru (3960m) 6 hrs.

Long way to Large bridge which leads to Ichar village. Gradual climb before coming to a major tributary (bridge), then to the campsite of Raru. Camp near the lake

Day 15 Trek to Padum (11,580 ft/3,530 m) 5/6 hrs.

From the camp cross a beautiful plain covered with flowers. Watch the monastery of Mune. Go down a steep incline to the main trail. After two hours, arrive at Burdan Gompa, a Kargyudpa Monastery famous for its prayer wheel. Several beautiful villages on the right bank of Tsarap River. A dusty trail will take you to the sub-headquarter of Zanskar regions, Padum.

Day 16 Trek to   Karsha (10,890 ft/3,320 m) 4/5 hrs.

Trek towards Pipiting, a dusty plain towards the Doda river .A new bridge over the Doda river, cross it and walk up to wards Karsha Monastery. Visit the Monastery, which is of Gelukpas section, and have a good view of the valley. Karsha is the biggest Monastery in Zanskar region, having 150 monks of the yellow section. Camp at Karsha.

Day 17 Trek to Pishu (3660m) 5 hrs.

Walk along the left bank of Zanskar River. Above Rinam, small stream an shelter formed by the rocks. See the Thongde monastery on the right side of Zanskar River. Trail further will take you to the Pishu village. A very attractive campsite below the village of Pishu.

Day 18 Trek to Hanumil (3650m) 5/6 hrs.

Continue left bank, some times along the river. A bridge Before Pidmo, then another 2 hours to the campsite of Hanumil.

Day 19 Trek to Snertse (3940mt.) 6 hrs.

Still continue on the left bank of the Zanskar River. Cross Small stream on the left, the trail leads away from the edge of the Zanskar and the up to the foot of pass. Steep and difficult climb to Perfi-la (4560mt.), after pass steep descent to Uma Chhu River, cross bridge and up to 500 mtrs.On sandy slope, then one and half hour to the campsite of Snertse.

Day 20 Trek to Lingshed (4100m.) 7/8 hrs.

Very long gradual ascent to the pass of Hanuma-la (4800m.) through gorges 2and half hour to reach the pass from the camp. A 1000mt. Long descent towards, then another 250m. Climb to small pass, from pass easy walking to the campsite of Lingshed.

Day 21 Trek to foot of Sengge-la ( 13,090 ft/ 3,990 m ) 6 hrs.

1 hour easy climb to Netoski la (4475m.). Look out the view Nerag, on the other bank of Zanskar River. Gradual descent to the villages of Gongma and Skiumpata. Cross small stream and hour steep climb to pass of Kuba-la94520mt.) Slowly climb to the campsite of Gazo or foot of Sengge la.

Day 22 Climb to Sengge-la ( 5060 mtrs. ) trek to Photoksar ( 4400 m. ) 6/7 hrs.

From camp 2 hours steep climb to Sengge-la pass, (5060m.) easy going down to the valley and cross another ford. Short climb to Bhumiktse-la (4520mt.) descent towards Photoksar, a beautiful villages at the base of huge mountain wall, cross the bridge and camp near the stream.

Day 23 Climb to Sir Sir-la ( 4965 m. ) trek to   Hanupatta (4070mt.) 5/6 hrs.

Long ascent of the sir sir-la (4965mt.) then easy descent to the river, cross the river by bridge and walk along the left bank. Camping before Hanupatta village.

Day 24 Trek to Wanla ( 3470 m.) 5/6 hrs.

Continue along the left bank until entering the gorges. Cross the small bridge then a natural bridge again to the left side, come over a bridge and until reaching a good bridge across the Yapola. Three hours to Phenjila (a small village). Walk along the right bank until reaching village of Wanla. Cross the Bridge and to the camping place.

Day 25 climb to Prinkiti-la ( 3930 m.) trek to Lamayuru (3750mt.) 4/5 hrs.

Walk up to Shillakong along the right bank and cross the bridge come to left bank until reaching a Chorten (Stupa) then follow a dry and narrow gorge going up to Prinkiti-la ( 3930 m.) Walk down and cross Small River and towards the village of Lamayuru. Lamayuru has a famous ancient monastery. Monastery is Oldest in Ladakh regions and has big library of Buddhist literature. The trek terminates here and from here Leh is 120km. Lamayuru Leh By luxury bus/or by taxi to Darcha Pickup from Lamayuru to Leh Included.    Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 26 AT LEH

Explore around Indus valley, Visit Thiksey gompa, Shey, Hemis.

Day 27 Spituk, Stok palace and Sankar gompa. Evening visit bazaar.

Day 28 Leh – New Delhi.

Morning flight to New Delhi. Evening transfer to international airport. Fly back to home.

Testimonials

Ladakh Zanskar: Lamayuru - Darcha trek / 21 days
" From 16th July till 5th of August we did great Zanskar trek organise by Potala Adventures. Not only the trek was amazing, the crew cook, guide and horseman were brilliant and absolutely professional. whole 3 weeks through Zanskar was an unforgettable adventure".
Mr. Bar Edelbacher & friend. AUSTRIA. August 2009.

"The team we are perfectly satisfied of the trek and its organisation. The team was quite efficient and also very kind scrupulous and mindful of everything. We appreciate to have realised all that was planned and respected the schedule. The landscape were beautiful and we like also the visit of monasteries.   We were glad also to notice that it was possible discuss alternating possibilities for the part of the itinary and that they were studied careful (like possibilities of making Stok-kangri ascent at Stok valley ). We had a feeling of good communication with our team and it was very pleasant.   I also congratulate also for the good quality and varous cooking. So our trek was perfact and we had a marvellous of Ladakh and Zaskar".

From Pierre and Ginette , BELGIUM.

"Overall, the trek went very well, spectacular scenery, fascinating gompas, a look at rural life. Karma cooked excellent food throughout, even when the supplies i.e. vegetable, ran low, as we were unable to buy supplies in Padum ( due to circumtances at Kargil ). He structured the trek, to avoid very long, difficult days, assisted with river crossing and was very helpful. Vilati is an excellent and efficient pony man. He treated the animals well when unwell and particularly impressed with getting over Shingo La so early in season (May). Also to Prem for assisting up until this stage over pass and for cleaning up campsite it was very good to see this attitude to the environment 5 sacks of other begs as rubbish at Zanskar Sumdo. Tsering did an excellent job thanks also for assistance with translating throughout" .

From : Anthony and Luise , Australia.

"At first I had no intention of using a trekking agency to backpack from Darcha to Lamayuru. 20 minutes in the Potala Adventurers office changed my mind. They are by far the friendiest agency in Manali. Our on the trail they provide more of an experience then I could have hoped for. Urgen and crew are an exceptional choice of the villagers you pass through, especially if you want a chilled pitcher of Chang at the end of the day. All in all, highly recommended. The only choice if you ask me".    Ryan Damron, USA

"We would have no hesitation in recommending Potala Adventurers for wilderness trekking during our 22 days using them we found then to be honest, reliable and professional. I am sure anybody using their services will not leave than disappointed".

Michel Stewart, Glasgow. ScotLand.

" A great trek with great scenery and beautiful campspots. We were throughly spoiled with excellent food, excellent camping and excellent cards games. We were all looked after by the Potala team and I hope to trek with them again one day. Wonderful".

Catherine Macdonald. Scotland.

"Since tomorrow we will finish our trek from Darcha to Lamayuru. We like to say a few things about it. We travelled together with Shiva as our horseman (The best in Manali) Ram Kumar (cook) and K.T. whose name he has to write in ful himself (Kunchok Tsering ) who was our guide.

For the entire three weeks we felt save and comfortable, we enjoyed their perfact service and we didnt have to care about anything. Their equipment surpasses our imagination, the food was always carefully prepared and plentiful. Because we were so happy with he trek we thought we should give this recommendation book to K.T.with hope that you also enjoy your time with his team".

"Da wir morgen beenden unsere Wanderung von Darcha zu Lamayuru. Wir möchten noch ein paar Dinge über sie.
Wir reisten zusammen mit Shiva als unsere Reiter (am besten in Manali) Ram Kumar (Koch) und KT deren Namen er zu schreiben, in der sich vollständig (Kunchok Tsering), der war unser Führer.
Für den gesamten drei Wochen Wir waren der Meinung, speichern und komfortabel, wir genossen die idealen Service und wir didnt haben, sich über alles. Ihre Ausrüstung übersteigt unsere Vorstellungskraft, das Essen war immer gut vorbereitet und reichlich. Da waren wir so glücklich er mit Trek wir dachten, wir sollten diese Empfehlung Buch KTwith zu hoffen, dass Sie auch Ihre Zeit mit seinem Team".

Hannah Scrant, munich Germany and Roland Durnest, Zurich, Switzerland

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