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High Ancient tracks of Zanskar
Chandratal lake known as lake of moon - is source of river Chandra which
forms after joining with Bhaga river a Chenab river. Is high altitude lake 4270 m. situated 6 kms from Kunzom pass which connects
Lahaul and Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh. The circumference of this lake is 2.5 km. During summer surroundings of Chandratal
lake and upper chandra valley dwells with Gaddi sheperds.
Second part of trekking programme takes us to upper Zanskar regions
This trekking programme starts from Batal at the foot of Kunzom pass and
continues upto Baralachala pass on Manali - Leh highway. Further we our trail crosses Kelang Sarai upto Chumik Marpho below
high pass of Phirtse la. The area is mainly dwell with Gaddi sheperds during summer time.
We join the great traverse of zanskar and visit great monastery of Zanskar.
Later we climb to Shingo la pass and upto Darcha village. We make
great excursion around Keylong visiting some ancient monasteries and finally drive back to Manali over Rohtang pass.
Region: Kullu valley, Lahaul, Zanskar and Ladakh
Trip Length 26 days,
Grade: Strenuous,
Maximum elevation: 5300m.
Best Season: End june until Sep. end.
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Day 1 Arrival in New Delhi
Day 2. New Delhi - Manali
Day 3. Manali
Day 4: Manali
Day 5: Manali - Batal
Day 6. Batal - Kunzom la - Chandratal lake
Day 7. Chandratal - Tokpo yongma
Day 8. Tokpo Yongma - Tokpo Gongma
Day 9. Tokpo Gongma - Baralachal la - Kelang Serai
Day 10. Kelang Serai
- Debni
Day 11. Debni - chumik Marpo
Day 12. Chumik Marpo - Phirtse la - Zingchen
Day 13. Zingchen - Tanze
Day 14. Tanze - Purne
Day 15. visit Phuktal
Day 16. Shadi
Day 17: Sumdo
Day 18. Thongde
Day 19: Zangla
Day 20. Karsha
Day 21. Ringdum
Day 22. Lamayuru
Day 23. Leh
Day 24. Leh.
Day 25: Leh.
Day 26: Fly New Delhi.
Depart home.
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26 days Price
Includes:
Hotel accommodation at 3 star
basis New
Delhi, Manali and Leh.
Transportation by jeep,suv,
Manali - Batal, Karsha Padum - Ringdum, Lamayuru - Leh.
Sight seeing as per itinerary:
local sight seeing in Manali, Padum, Sight seeing in around Leh and Indus valley. Khardung la pass visit.
Deluxe bus Delhi – Manali.
Leh - New Delhi domestic flight.
All meals: bed tea, break
fast, packed lunch, hot drinks, snacks, dinner.
Staff: Guide, cook, helpers,
trekking mules/horse.
All trek gear and accessories,
Camp fee and national park
fees.
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Price excludes:
Sleeping bags,
Alcohal, personal laundry,
Personal insurance.
Entrance fee at monasteries.
Tipping.
19 days Price
includes:
Jeep Transportation Manali
– Batal. Starting point of trek.
Karsha - Padum - Ringdum -
Lamayuru - Leh.
New Delhi - Manali overnight
deluxe volvo sleeper coach.
All meals,
Staff, Guide, cook, helpers,
trekking mules.
trek gear and accossories.
camp fee.
Price excludes:
Hotel accommodation at Manali,
Leh, New Delhi
Entrance fees at monastery.
sleeping bag,
alcohol,
personal laundry, insurance,
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High ancient tracks of Zanskar trek itinerary
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Arrival in New Delhi
Arrive in New Delhi international airport. Transfer to hotel.
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New Delhi - Manali 2040m
We drive with night coach a luxury super deluxe bus. A drive of 15-16 hrs. We prefer
to drive either taking domestic flight to Kullu - Manali airport. Due to bad weather flight could cancel. We are sure to be
on schedule with land drive.
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Manali
Arrival in Manali morning at 09:00 - 10:00 hrs. Refresh yourself in hotel. Go out for
lunch in main market. There are some great restaurant serving delicious food. Weather you like Italian, Chinese, Punjabi,
Tibetan. There are numbers of restaurant in Manali. Explore around local market or simply visit to Tibetan monasteries of
Geluka and Nyingmapa sect.
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Manali
Today after breakfast we visit Hadimba temple, Manu temple and Vashisht hot spring. We stop
Vashisht for lunch at roof top restaurant with great view and sun. After lunch at Vashisht we drive to Naggar castle and roerich
art gallery 21 kms south of Manali on the left bank of Beas river. A scenic route through apple orchards, terraces rice fields
and ancient villages offering exceptional view.
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Manali - Batal 4000m 7 hrs.
Today an early breakfast we drive on the road know also as Manali - Leh highway. We drive
to Rohtang pass 3978 m. enroute we pass some scenic villages of Palchal Kothi. After crossing Rohtang pass we follow the left
bank of this river till Chatru hamlet. Crossing bridge at Chatru we follow the right bank of Chandra river till Batal. Having
some refreshment at Chatru we pass by Chota Dara hamlet and panoramic view of CB peaks and Bara Shigri glacier are magnificient.
Overnight camp at Batal.
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Day 06
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Batal - Kunzom la (4551m) Chandratal lake (4270m) 6/7 hrs.
Today at first we cross the Chandra river 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.
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Day 2
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Day 07
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Chandratal to 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.
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Day 3
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Day 08
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Tokpo
Yongma to 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.
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Day 4
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Day 09
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Tokpo
gongma - Baralacha la pass (4,890m ) - Kelang Serai 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.
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Day 5
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Day 10
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Kelang Serai - Debni
Today trails narrows down and a river crossing is made. After
this the terrain becomes more and more barren, the landscape attaining fantastic forms and hues. Gradually the trail becomes
Steeper as it leads towards the (5’450m) high Phirtse-la. Following upward on the right bank of Lingti Chu River arrive
at the campsite of Debni.
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Day 6
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Day 11
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DebniI – Chumik Marpo
An early start is recommended due to the crossing of Khamerup stream.
After about 2 ½ hours you arrive at a broad river of Khamerup, cross it, this originates from the glacier of Phirtse-la Crossing
small Phirtse-la, where extensive views are a delight.
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Day 7
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Day 12
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Chumik Marpo - Phirtse la (5’350m) - Zingchen (4’440m)
An early start to avoid the snow turning softens the Phirtse la is advised. After half an hour cross-grassy flat land.
Now after crossing a wide steep slope on a ride, descent to stream. Go up the opposite slope and reach Phirtse-la (5’350m.)
Steep descent on un-even ground with patches of ice and at the base of the slope. Now trail enters in the phirtse Chu valley,
2 hours walking in the valley arrive at the campsite of Zingchen.
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Day 8
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Day 13
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Zingchen - Tanze
The path leads away from the river, gradually up the slope. First view
of rocky escarpment. Further on, a pass with cairn and pasture. Fantastic view of Zanskar valley and the first village after
Darcha. By passing behind a rocky bridge follow steep gorge. Cross a stream. Then arrive Tanze village. Monastery in ruins
a bit higher up. Over night camp in Tanze.
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Day 9
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Day 14
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Tanze - Purne (3’965)
A short distance beyond Tanze, there is a small bridge across to the
left bank. Slight rise leading to Kuru village. Arrival in Testa beautifull village the path continues downwards near the
river. Walk along the left bank, and then climb to Yal. Crossing village descent towards a bridge, which you cross to Purne
for overnight halt.
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Day 10
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Day 15
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Purne - Phuktal monastery (4’055m.)
Today after breakfast we follow the right bank of the Tsarap River
in to the splendid gorges. Cross a bridge in good condition. Walk for few minutes. A leads to a small plateau sprinkled with
Chortens (stupas) and praying flags. From here see the most spectacular sight in the tradition of Gelukpa (Yellow section).
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Day 11
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Day 16
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Phuktal monastery - Tantak Shadi 6-7 hrs.
Today after breakfast at Phuktal we follow the main trail along the ridge and pass by small
pass on the top of ridge. We in main Tsarap valley. After we descend down to join another river stream which takes its
course from Thongde la itself. From at this junction other trail that join with Yarshun, Marshun than to Takh.
Now valley narrow and we will see Tantak monastery. The monasteries mantainence is done by
Phuktal gompa.
We cross the bridge and cross the three chorten before arriving at Shadi village.
Last village in this valley.
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Day 12
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Day 17
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Tantak Shadi - Sumdo
Today after breakfast we continue to trek down the gorge by passing 3 small chorten
a half an hour of trek to wooden bridge. We are back to main trail
and enter in right hand valley along the the river. After gorge cross a bridge and start climb
by passing narrow valley. Now valley get wider . Passing through small plateau . Cross several times a river and
arrive at Sumdo (junction)for Overnight camp.
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Day 13
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Day 18
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Sumdo - Thongde la - Thongde 7-8 hrs.
Today after leaving camp behind climb steadly towards pass. We pass by Sultantakhtakh
for 3 hrs. Have a good view of Zanskar Himalayas.after crossing pass descent over a Thongde grassland pasture. Descend untill arriving at at Thongde gompa situated
on a ridge. See Karsha monastery across the Zanskar river. Visiting Thongde gompa walk down to village
for overnight camp at Thongde village.
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Day 14
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Day 19
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Thongde
- Zangla 6-7 hrs.
Today leaving Thongde village behind we trek
on valley floor. An easy levelled foothpath leads us to Tsazar village. At Tsazar village has exquisite frescos. Continue
along the right bank of Zanskar river to Zangla. Zangla is 35 kms from Padum. At Zangla we visit ancient kingdom of Zangla
fort. An ancient and ruin fort of Zangla built on a small hill overlooking the valley. Its more than 500 years old. Another
interesting place to visit is old nunnery monastery, small monastic life of nuns.
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Day 15
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Day 20
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Zangla - Karsha monastery ( 3660m ) 6-7 hrs.
We retrace back to bridge and cross Zanskar river. We follow the left bank of Zanskar river.
At this point the right trail leaves to Pishu village. We follow the left levelled trail along the left bank of Zanskar river
that goes to Rinam and further to Karsha village and monastery. Enroute spectacular site of Thongde gompa
can be obtain before Rinam. Overnight camp at Karsha village below.
KARSHA MONASTERY: It is one of the largest
monatery of Gelukpa sect in Zanskar. The full name of Karsha monatery is Karsha Chamspaling. It consist of numbers
of shrine and boast of exquisite wall painting. The most interesting to see at Karsha is festival of this monastery known
as GUSTOR. Which celebrated every year at the 28 and 29th day of sixth month of Tibetan calender. The temple is
built by the known Rinchen Zangpo.
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Day 16
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Day 21
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Karsha - Padum - Ringdom ( 3667m ) 158 kms. 7 hrs.
Today after healthy breakfast we drive 8 kms to Padum. Headquarter of Zanskar
region. We visit town and stay for lunch. After lunch at Padum we drive 150 kms to Ringdom over Pensi la pass 4401 m. We arrive
at Ringdom gompa for overnight stay.
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Day 17
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Day 22
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Ringdom
- Kargil - Lamayuru 245 kms
Today
after lovely breakfast at wide and spectacular view we continue our journey to Kargil by passing at foot of Nun and Kun massif.
We drive through suru valley and pass by beautiful villages of Parkachi and Panikhar. After Kargil we cross Suru river and
road winds up to Mulbekh.
At Mulbekh
a huge rock carved of Maitrya or Future Buddha believed to carved on 7th, 8th centuary. After Mulbekh yet scenic
pass of Namiki la . 40 kms after Fotu la pass. A short and scenic ride after pass we arrive at Lamayuru monastery. overnight
camp at Lamayuru.
LAMAYURU
MONASTERY : Situated at a distance of 127 kms from Leh town. This monastery is one of
the most famous, largest and oldest monastery in Ladakh region. Founded by Mahasiddhachary Naropa in 11th century. It
belongs of red hat sect. Every year Lamayuru host a mast dance festival which takes place 17th and 18th day of the 5th
month of Tibetan calender.
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Day 18
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Day 23
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Lamayuru - Alchi - Leh 168 kms.
Today after breakfast we drive to Alchi by passing Khaltsi or Khalsi check
point. 20 kms before Alchi we pass Nurla village. We drive along the Indus river and enter in valley with plain
terrain. We visit Alchi monastery also known as Alchi Choskor. We stop for lunch at Alchi and after lunch continue drive
to Leh 67 kms.
Alchi Monastery: Alchi monastery is yet
another oldest monastery in Ladakh region. Basically famous for its wall paintings of the 11th century. Wall painting It reflects
the ancient artistic details of both hinduism and Buddhism. Founded and built by Rinchen Zangpo in 1000 AD. It is at a distance
of 67 kms from Leh.
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Day 19
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Day 24
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Leh sight seeing
Today after breakfast we visit important places in around Leh ie. Shey, Thiksey, Hemis
monastery and Stok palace.
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Day 25
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Leh - Khardung la - Leh 74 kms.
Today after breakfast in hotel we go for a spectacular drive to Khardung la pass. Highest
mountain pass in world on Ladakh range gateway to Shyok and Nubra valley. It is at a distance of 37 kms from Leh. We return
back to Leh after visiting Khardung la.
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Day 26
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Leh - New Delhi Flight.
Today an early breakfast and we drive to domestic airport at Leh and fly back to New
Delhi.
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Depart home
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