Potala adventurers - Rupshu valley trek

Ladakh: Rupshu Markha valley trip dossier

DAY 01: Arrival in New Delhi.

meeting upon at International Airport, transfer to Hotel.

DAY 02: Fly on to Chandigarh. or drive to Manali.

A 9-hours drive through the increasingly dramatic valleys and gorges into the Kullu valley. Overnight guesthouse in Manali, 6.500 feet.

DAY 03: Excursion around Manali

local sight seeing. Visit Hadimba Devi temple, 16th century old Hindu temple, Manu temple and hot spring at Vashisht.

DAY 04: MANALI BATAL (4,000 m) drive 6 hrs.

Crossing Rohtang Pass (3978 m), follow the Chandra river upwards. Visit small hemlets of Chatru, Chota Dara. Enroute having magnificent view of Himalayan snow, capped mountain of C.B. Ranges and BaraShigri Glacier.

DAY 05: BATAL KUNZOM LA (4551m) CHANDRATAL LAKE (THE LAKE OF MOON) (4270m) 6/7 hrs.

Cross the Chandra by bridge and walk along the river for an hour and climb towards Kunzom la following small stream, which originate from this pass. Arriving at pass has a glimpse of Spiti valley, which runs 170 kms towards south. Take a path, which goes to lake 8 km; approach large meadows - a favorite area with a multitude of shepherds huts. Passing and crossing a long stretch of stony ground and small stream arrive at the lake. Across Chandra river most fascinating sight of Samudra tapu glacier, north dakka glacier, south dakka glacier and Silver glacier. Above the glaciers towering mighty peaks of Moulkila and C.B. peaks. Camp near the lake.

DAY 06: CHANDRATALl - TOKPO YONGMA (4400m) 7 hrs.

A long exhausted trek but well worth, because occasionally trekkers encounters patches of green pastureland. This stretch is about 14 to 16 km. The trail starts with a series of ups and downs through steep ravine and boulders - stream fields. As you progress, a flat grassy land, which slopes up to snow, clad ridge. Snow cock can be heard has heard and even sighted, if you are lucky. After 3 hrs the trail winds down a knoll, which has a steep precipice to the river far down to the left. Cross the stream if the water is low or find Snow Bridge up near the source. Or camp and cross next morning as earliest.

DAY 07: TOKPO YONGMA - TOKPO GONGMA (4,700m) 6/7 hrs.

Trek through a narrow valley flanked on both sides by snow capped mountains. Star walk early as possible, since this stream to be cross, while the flow of the water is less early in the day. A short walk after crossing the river, here the valley opens out on a broad plateau where camp is set on a delightful grassy patch.

DAY 08: TOKPO GONGMA BARALACHA LA (4,890 M) KELANG SARAI 6/7 hrs

Today after break fast start trek towards Baralacha la pass, which is 7 km long gives the source of three rivers - Chandra through South, Bhaga through upper Lahoul and Yunam towards Zanskar. A splendid view of M-4, which is the highest in the Moulkila range, can be seen from the trail as well as of Keorang range of Great Himalayas. On the pass, join the main highway. Crossing Baralacha la walk down to Suraj Tal Lake, cross a small stream and camp.

DAY 09: KELANG SARAI - SARCHU (4250m.)

Now valley widen into high pasture ground. Easy and moderate walking along the Yunam River. 5000 to 6000 mtrs peaks can visible if weather permits. Shepherds huts can be both sides of river, now further 1 ½ hour will take you to Sarchu bridge. Good campsite.

DAY 10: SARCHU BRANDY NALLAH - TAKH

Now after crossing Sarchu Bridge one enter in Ladakh region. A short distance beyond river to be cross. By the evening arrive at Takh campsite.

DAY 11: TAKH MORANG LA (5300m.) - DAKTAO

Today long ascent towards Morang la 5,300m. Reaching the top gradual descent on a will kept trail. Pass the entire valley on right then come to a beautiful plateau. Take a good path, which leaves the river down to the right; lastly arrive at the campsite of Daktao.

DAY 12: DAKTAO - YABOOK

From, camp trek on the right bank until reaching Lun (Lun a village fields). Further cross a valley on the right then on 1-½ hours to north. Continue following the same valley reach Yabook, a village populated by Tibetan nomads, wonderful campsite with several low stonewalls.

DAY 13: YABOOK -LUNGMO CHE (4550m.)

Today gradual walking to wards Sangtha village though not much water and pasture on the way. Now go to a right hand valley. Ascent along the right river to arrive Lungmo Che (summer village).

DAY 14: LUNGMO CHE - YAR LA (4200m.) - DAT

From Lungmo-Che gradual climb for 2 hours to Yar la 4960m. From the pass fantastic and wonderful view of the Rupshu region. Now ascent towards foot of pass. Passing through Dango village, finally arrive Dat (4200m.) A Gelukpa monastery can be visited in Dat.

DAY 15: DAT - SORRA (4200m.) 5 hours

Now valley becomes very broad and passes in front of several Chortens (Stupas) and Manis (stone carved with hyms of (OM MANI PADME HUM). Now leave a valley on the left to go Sorra. Before cross the Sorra Chu at junction, Sorra Chu and Dat Chu makes up the Chang Chu which flows later in Zanskar River. After crossing wonderful woody gorges arrive at the campsite of Sorra.

DAY 16: SORRA - ZALUNG KARPO LA (5,150 M) - LANGTHANG CHU

From camp horizontal walking on valley floor, then ascent towards 1st pass, 4 hours after crossing pass walk towards Zalung karpo la (5100m.).Now continue trek with ups and downs. Further cross a large stream and morainic wall. Arrive at campsite of Langthang Chu.

DAY17: LANGTHANG CHU - HANKAR SUMDO

From the camp treks Lang thang Chu deep in the valley. Now the trek is in Hemis high altitude national park. National park an area of 3350 sq km.inhabits number of species of wild animals, like Ibex (Capra sibirica), Snow Leopard (Panthra uncia), Blue sheep, Ladakh Urial, Giant Sheep, Wild Dog, Marmots, Golden Eagle, Partridge and Bearded vulture. Camp near stream.

DAY 18: HAKAR SUMDO - NIMALING (5000m.)

Now path is well marked, ascent along the stream for few minute. Pass through a small lake, cross pasture arrive at Nimaling (5000m.).It is most beautiful valley in Ladakh region and Kang Gyatse (6400m.) Dominates the valley. Several difficult routes leas to summit but climbing through west part is not difficult with crampons ice axe. Beautiful campsite at Nimaling.

DAY 19: Full day rest and relax. Sight seeing to Kang Gyatse Lake.

DAY 20: NIMALING - KONGMARU LA (5150m) - SHANG SUMDO

From camp zigzag climb to Kongmaru la (5150m.). For 1 ½ hour. Crossing pass steep descent up to 4700m. Then along the stream for 3 hours in gorge. Leave the gorge and continue walking in the left bank to Chukirmo. Now valley becomes broad easy descent along the river till Shang sumdo. Shang monastery I hour from camp.

DAY 21: SHANG SUMDO - HEMIS - LEH

Again walking in riverbed, from camp Cross River by ford then walk on right bank on good path. Crossing River again, walks through left side. Now path is suitable for vehicles. Passing a small house arrive Martselang. Further on left side a series of big Chortens and Manis. Passing through it gentle climb to arrive Hemis. Hemis monastery is biggest and richest in Ladakh region. Monastery has biggest Thanka (scroll painting) of the world. Drive to Leh. Visit eventually Thiksey & Shey monasteries and transfer to Hotel.

DAY 22. EXCURISON AROUND LEH.

Sight seeing in and around Leh. Visiting Sankar Gompa, Leh bazaar, Phyang & Spituk, and witness a culture program in the evening.

DAY 23: FREE DAY IN LEH. LEISURE AROUND MARKET.

DAY 24. FLIGHT TO NEW DELHI. DEPARTURE TO HOME TOWN