This Indian Himalayan trek is a great mix of breathtaking scenery, challenging adventure and unique culture, as we cross some of the world's highest passes offering amazing views of the arid landscape, its high peaks, lush valleys and grasslands that bring us face to face with Changpas and their gripping lifestyle that is so adapted to these extreme locations.
Our first stage of the trek will take us to an unexplored world of Pangi valley. A rugged, remote yet beautiful Himalayan valley close to the Greater Himalaya Range. Leaving the Chenab River valley to the North there are some magnificent valleys inhabited with Bhatori tribes i.e. Chasak Bhatori, Hudan Bhatori, Sural Bhatori. Bhatori refers to inhabitants of Pangi valley who follow Buddhism. In this trip, we mostly take on Chasak & Tuwan. Surrounded by virgin mountains, unscaled peaks, untrodden paths where only a few travelers, adventurers find their way.
Our second stage of the trek is mostly at Rupshu Kharnak regions of Ladakh. Rupshu is the westernmost extremity of Changthang of Tibetan plateau. It's fascinating native inhabitants the Changpas, nomadic yak herders that have navigated the region for sanctuaries. This region is characterized by rolling hills dotted with white sheep and small clusters of nomadic tents near the freshwater sources.
Setting off from the lush green & Himalayan resort town of Manali to Rohtang La, the first-day journey goes along the Chandra later Chenab river to Sach Khas, from where we enter in Saichu or Chasak Bhatori. Exploring Chasak we reach Tuwan. The last village in the valley and from where our actual trekking begins. For the next 2 days along the stream to the base and finally, we make our way through the glacier to Pimu La / Dagai jot and descend into the valley of soaring granite peaks, glaciers. Next 2 days easy descend on the plains of Gumbah & Tharang Thanpattan, from where we ascend to Tarsalamu la to Zanskar Sumdo and drive to Sarchu over Baralacha La. We continue our way through Rupshu valley to Shang - a road head to Leh.
18 July - 11 Aug 2019 - 25 Days
MANALI - PANGI VALLEY - DAGAI JOT/PIMU LA - TARASALAMU - MORANG LA - RUPSHU KHARNAK - KANG YATSE 2 - LEH
Thurs, 18 July, Day 1: Arrive Delhi, Delhi airport pickup by private car, drive to Manali.
Fri, 19 July, Day 2: Manali
Pangi valley
Sat, 20 July, Day 3: Manali - Rohtang La (3978m) - Udaipur - Saichu (2730m) - Tuwan (2970m), drive 9 - 10 hours.
21 July, Day 4: Trek to Tuve Longpo (3660m)
22 July, Day 5: Trek to Zarong Rong (4100m)
23 July, Day 6: Trek to Base (4600m)
24 July, Day 7: Trek to Dagal Jot / Pimu La (5223m) - Kesar Unchob/Base Miyar side (4600m)
25 July, Day 8: Trek to Phalpu (3850m)
Miyar & Tarsalamu La
26 July, Day 9: Trek to Gumbah / Tharang (3700m)
27 July, Day 10: Trek to Base Tarsalamu (4400m)
28 July, Day 11: Trek to Tarasalamu la (5362m) - Base Zanskar sumdo side (4530m)
29 July, Day 12: Trek to Kuddu (4080m)
30 July, Day 13: Trek to Zanskar Sumdo (3900m), drive to Baralacha La (4890m) - Sarchu, 4-5 Hrs
Rupshu Kharnak
31 July, day 14: Drive to Brandi nallah 45 minutes, Trek to Tsokmitsik - Morang La base
1 Aug, Day 15: Trek to Morang la (5300m) - Lun - Thathok - (Camp between Yabuk & Lungmoche)
2 Aug, Day 16: Trek to Lungmoche - Yar la base
3 Aug, Day 17: Trek to Yar La (4970m) - Dat (4200m)
4 Aug, Day 18: Trek to Sorra (4600m) - Base Zalung Karpo la
5 Aug, Day 19: Trek to Zalung Karpo La (5200m) - Tikyu
6 Aug, Day 20: Trek to Konka Nongpo la (5080m) - Kang Yatse base (5050m)
Kang Yatse 2 - 6200m
7 Aug, Day 21: At Base - preparation
8 Aug, Day 22: Climb Kang Yatse II (6200m)
Fri, 9 Aug, Day 23: Trek to Kongmaru La (5150m) - Chogdo - Shang Sumdo, drive to Leh
Sat, 10 Aug, Day 24: Leh
Sun, 11 Aug, Day 25: Flight to Delhi and onward flight to hometown.
DETAILED TREK ITINERARY
Thurs, 18 July, Day 1: Arrive Delhi, Delhi airport pickup by private car, drive to Manali.
Fri, 19 July, Day 2: Manali
Pangi valley
Sat, 20 July, Day 3: Manali - Rohtang La (3978m) - Udaipur - Saichu (2730m) - Tuwan (2970m), drive 9 - 10 hours.
Leaving lush green Manali, you drive to Rohtang pass 51 km from Manali. It’s a favorite destination of Indian tourist to snow point. Rohtang pass connects Lahaul-Spiti with Kullu valley. This pass is the fifth lowest altitude pass on the part of the second highest mountain road in the world. We drive through magnificent villages along the Chandra River in Lahaul. At Tandi where the confluence of Bhaga and Chandra River makes Chenab River, one of the five major Rivers of Pakistan. We enter in Pattan valley, driving along the right bank of Chenab. We pass through terraces barley fields and superb small villages all along the route. Passing Udaipur continues to reach Sach Khas and enter in Saichu.
Sun, 21 July, Day 4: Trek to Tuve Longpo (3660m)
Hillu Tuwan is located at the junction of Jambu nallah and Saichu Nalla. To the North along the Saichu nallah valley goes to Guru ka Aliyas along the Paphita nallah. Leaving Tuwan on along the Jambu nallah, we pass alpine meadows with some small river/stream crossing to the campsite at the junction with Sirakund nallah.
22 July, Day 5: Trek to Zarong Rong (4100m)
At the valley floor over rocky moraine to the campsite by the junction with Sappar nallah.
23 July, Day 6: Trek to Base (4600m)
Today we make our way towards base camp. The previous two days were small walks and to ensure crossing of pass without any altitude sickness. You are now well acclimatized for the crossing of pass tomorrow.
24 July, Day 7: Trek to Dagai Jot / Pimu La (5223m) - Kesar Unchob/Base Miyar side (4600m)
No trail today, we make our own way steep to the Pimu La pass also known as Dagai jot by shepherds. Crossing the pass descent on a Pimu glacier on the Miyar side than crossing huge boulders and rough scree. The granite peaks of Miyar appears and the most famous among are Castle peak. Which is favorite among rock climbers.
25 July, Day 8: Trek to Phalpu (3850m)
Leaving base also the area is known as Kesan Unchob, a short descent to the valley floor and along the Miyar nallah to the foot of Kang la glacier. cross the glacier near Phalpu and walking below the Castle peak down the valley. Occasionally some side stream of Takdung and others to cross before reaching the campsite near Gumbah.
Miyar & Tarsalamu La
26 July, Day 9: Trek to Gumbah / Tharang (3700m)
Continue down the valley on high pasture and cross the ford at Gumbah than on a stony moraine to Thanpattan campsite. Yaks, Dzo graze in these vast plains of Miyar which is carpeted with numbers of wildflowers. The Tharang group of peaks remain in site and to the East the trail that leads to Zanskar Sumdo after crossing Tarasalamu la. Wonderful campsite at Thanpattan / Tharang. Explore the area and walk to the base of Tharang.
27 July, Day 10: Trek to Base Tarsalamu (4400m)
From Tharang / Thanpattan turn east up Tarasalamu creek, swing northeast up the glacier and pop through the narrow pass to the Bharal nallah valley.
The upper Miyar valley is gentle, green and simply delightful, as good as it gets in the Western Himalaya. During summer the valley is filled with many flowers, clear streams, occasional Yaks, white and black flocks of goats, shepherds, and sunshine.
28 July, Day 11: Trek to Tarsalamu la (5362m) - Base Zanskar sumdo side (4530m)
Today rough and steep vertical ascent towards to pass. Camp at glacier snout.
Tarasalamu pass straddles the Pir Panjal and Great Himalayan ranges. Tarasalamu la (5360m) is an ancient, now is rarely used animal pack route which connected Yaks and goats in Zanskar with the rich grazing land of upper Miyar valley in Western Lahaul.
29 July, Day 12: Trek to Kuddu (4080m)
Leaving camp along the river to Kuddu, a favorite area for Shepherds.
30 July, Day 13: Trek to Zanskar Sumdo (3900m), drive to Baralacha La (4890m) - Sarchu, 4-5 Hrs
Along the nallah to Zanskar sumdo, where we find the road and end of our first part of the trek. Upon arrival at Zanskar sumdo, our vehicle will be waiting for us here, we drive to join Manali - Leh highway at above Darcha. Arrive at Sarchu, overnight camp.
Rupshu Kharnak
31 July, day 14: Drive to Brandi nallah 45 minutes, Trek to Tsokmitsik - Morang La base (4600m)
Early departure from Sarchu, the first short drive starting point of the trek. The trek begins at the foot of Gata loops. The trail goes along the right bank of Tsarap river for 2-3 km. From there, it branches off from the Tsarap River and begins the gradual and long ascent to the foot of Morang La Pass. Camp. Trek 6 hours
1 Aug, Day 15: Trek to Morang la (5300m) - Lun - Thathok - Yabuk (4200m)
Leaving base a steady climb will take you to the top of Morang La before descending into a narrow and muddy valley. After a beautiful plateau, you come to the Zara Chu valley. Turn right and follow the river for an hour along the left bank before reaching the village of Lun, we continue to Thathok and camp in between Yabuk and Lungmoche. Following the Zara Chu valley to the village of Yabuk, which has some beautiful campsites and low stone walls to cover the fields in front of the sheep and goats of the Ladakh nomads. Trek 6 hours.
2 Aug, Day 16: Trek to Lungmoche - Yar la base
After Yabuk we reach the summer settlement of Lungmoche. Morning and afternoon view of nomads tents are something to view with smoke flying over the tent. Continue to Yar la base for overnight camp.
3 Aug, Day 17: Trek to Yar La (4970m) - Dat (4200m)
The gradual 2-hour ascent to the summit of Yar La offers you magnificent views of Rupshu. The plateau is clearly visible with a mountain range on the mountain range of brown, bare hills and in addition some snow-covered mountains in the distance. Take a quick descent from the pass to a waterhole because the next few hours will be very dry. Another descent brings you to the Dat Chu Valley. Turn right and follow the valley to Dango and on to Dat, which has a small monastery. Camp.
4 Aug, Day 18: Trek to Sorra (4600m) - Base Zalung Karpo la
We follow the very wide valley of Dat, which is inhabited all year round, past mani walls and chorten in a narrow valley. The stream meets Sura Chu and forms the Chang Chu of Khurna, one of the largest tributaries of the Zanskar River. Follow the Sorra Chu into a valley with beautifully wooded gorges up to the summer village Sorra. Leaving the lush green meadows of Sorra, a 3-4 hour hike leads over the Rubering La Pass to Zangla, the ancient capital of Zanskar. Overnight camp at the base.
5 Aug, Day 19: Trek to Zalung Karpo La (5200m) - Tikyu
After you've crossed the valley, a steep climb takes you to the west ridge of Zalung Karpo La, which offers great views. Then descend into the valley. Camp.
6 Aug, Day 20: Trek to Konka Nongpo la (5080m) - Kang Yatse base (5050m)
It is an easy walk from Tikyu before a steep climb to Konka Nongpo La begins. The descent on the other side of the pass to the Nimaling plain. The Nimaling Plateau is a broad, rolling meadow that slopes up to the foot of the ice-covered Kang Yatse that dominates the area. Nimaling, with its small ponds and streams bubbling through the meadows, offers pastures for an amazingly large number of animals in summer. Yaks, dzos (crossings of yaks with cattle), sheep, goats, and horses not only from Markha but from all the villages around, graze here. Himalayan marmots and white-tailed hare are plentiful, and it's not uncommon to see occasionally blue sheep or a wolf.
7 Aug, Day 21: At Base - preparation
Today take the day to rest and before noon practice some technical skills which can be useful for next day and in the afternoon take some rest or gain some altitude.
8 Aug, Day 22: Climb Kang Yatse II (6200m)
The summit day. Leaving midnight early approach to the edge of Kang Yatze II. In the beginning walking on scree and moraine than onto snow. At the snowline, crampons are applied and the rise follows. Gradual ascent all the way up except last few steep parts where you rope up. Reach at the summit by sunrise and enjoy the great view over the Markha Valley to the West and Zanskar to the South, Ladakh & Karakoram to the North. Descent to base camp.
Fri, 9 Aug, Day 23: Trek to Kongmaru La (5150m) - Chogdo - Shang Sumdo, drive to Leh
Today a long day ahead, leaving the base, descent to Nimaling, continue on the path where small stream to cross then a gradual climb to the top of the highest pass of our trek, with its wonderful views from the top as far as the eye goes to all directions. On a clear day, you can see the giants of the Karakorum, including K2 on the Northwestern horizon. Soon after crossing the pass steep and long descent to Chuskirmo. We pass the sulpher springs of Chuskirmo and follow the River to the village of Shang Sumdo. End of the trek, say adieu to horseman and drive to Leh.
Sat, 10 Aug, Day 24: Leh
Rest day at Leh, explore local bazaar.
Sun, 11 Aug, Day 25: Flight to Delhi and onward flight to hometown.
Morning flight to Delhi and onward flight back to home.
Arrive Delhi, Delhi airport pickup by private car, drive to Manali.
Manali
Leaving lush green Manali, you drive to Rohtang pass 51 km from Manali. It’s a favorite destination of Indian tourist to snow point. Rohtang pass connects Lahaul-Spiti with Kullu valley. This pass is the fifth lowest altitude pass on the part of the second highest mountain road in the world. We drive through magnificent villages along the Chandra River in Lahaul. At Tandi where the confluence of Bhaga and Chandra River makes Chenab River, one of the five major Rivers of Pakistan. We enter in Pattan valley, driving along the right bank of Chenab. We pass through terraces barley fields and superb small villages all along the route. Passing Udaipur continues to reach Sach Khas and enter in Saichu.
Hillu Tuwan is located at the junction of Jambu nallah and Saichu Nalla. To the North along the Saichu nallah valley goes to Guru ka Aliyas along the Paphita nallah. Leaving Tuwan on along the Jambu nallah, we pass alpine meadows with some small river/stream crossing to the campsite at the junction with Sirakund nallah.
At the valley floor over rocky moraine to the campsite by the junction with Sappar nallah.
Today we make our way towards base camp. The previous two days were small walks and to ensure crossing of pass without any altitude sickness. You are now well acclimatized for the crossing of pass tomorrow.
No trail today, we make our own way steep to the Pimu La pass also known as Dagai jot by shepherds. Crossing the pass descent on a Pimu glacier on the Miyar side than crossing huge boulders and rough scree. The granite peaks of Miyar appears and the most famous among are Castle peak. Which is favorite among rock climbers.
Leaving base also the area is known as Kesan Unchob, a short descent to the valley floor and along the Miyar nallah to the foot of Kang la glacier. cross the glacier near Phalpu and walking below the Castle peak down the valley. Occasionally some side stream of Takdung and others to cross before reaching the campsite near Gumbah.
Continue down the valley on high pasture and cross the ford at Gumbah than on a stony moraine to Thanpattan campsite. Yaks, Dzo graze in these vast plains of Miyar which is carpeted with numbers of wildflowers. The Tharang group of peaks remain in site and to the East the trail that leads to Zanskar Sumdo after crossing Tarasalamu la. Wonderful campsite at Thanpattan / Tharang. Explore the area and walk to the base of Tharang.
From Tharang / Thanpattan turn east up Tarasalamu creek, swing northeast up the glacier and pop through the narrow pass to the Bharal nallah valley.
The upper Miyar valley is gentle, green and simply delightful, as good as it gets in the Western Himalaya. During summer the valley is filled with many flowers, clear streams, occasional Yaks, white and black flocks of goats, shepherds, and sunshine.
Today rough and steep vertical ascent towards to pass. Camp at glacier snout.
Tarasalamu pass straddles the Pir Panjal and Great Himalayan ranges. Tarasalamu la (5360m) is an ancient, now is rarely used animal pack route which connected Yaks and goats in Zanskar with the rich grazing land of upper Miyar valley in Western Lahaul.
Leaving camp along the river to Kuddu, a favorite area for Shepherds.
Along the nallah to Zanskar sumdo, where we find the road and end of our first part of the trek. Upon arrival at Zanskar sumdo, our vehicle will be waiting for us here, we drive to join Manali - Leh highway at above Darcha. Arrive at Sarchu, overnight camp.
Early departure from Sarchu, the first short drive starting point of the trek. The trek begins at the foot of Gata loops. The trail goes along the right bank of Tsarap river for 2-3 km. From there, it branches off from the Tsarap River and begins the gradual and long ascent to the foot of Morang La Pass. Camp. Trek 6 hours
Leaving base a steady climb will take you to the top of Morang La before descending into a narrow and muddy valley. After a beautiful plateau, you come to the Zara Chu valley. Turn right and follow the river for an hour along the left bank before reaching the village of Lun, we continue to Thathok and camp in between Yabuk and Lungmoche. Following the Zara Chu valley to the village of Yabuk, which has some beautiful campsites and low stone walls to cover the fields in front of the sheep and goats of the Ladakh nomads. Trek 6 hours.
After Yabuk we reach the summer settlement of Lungmoche. Morning and afternoon view of nomads tents are something to view with smoke flying over the tent. Continue to Yar la base for overnight camp.
The gradual 2-hour ascent to the summit of Yar La offers you magnificent views of Rupshu. The plateau is clearly visible with a mountain range on the mountain range of brown, bare hills and in addition some snow-covered mountains in the distance. Take a quick descent from the pass to a waterhole because the next few hours will be very dry. Another descent brings you to the Dat Chu Valley. Turn right and follow the valley to Dango and on to Dat, which has a small monastery. Camp.
We follow the very wide valley of Dat, which is inhabited all year round, past mani walls and chorten in a narrow valley. The stream meets Sura Chu and forms the Chang Chu of Khurna, one of the largest tributaries of the Zanskar River. Follow the Sorra Chu into a valley with beautifully wooded gorges up to the summer village Sorra. Leaving the lush green meadows of Sorra, a 3-4 hour hike leads over the Rubering La Pass to Zangla, the ancient capital of Zanskar. Overnight camp at the base.
After you've crossed the valley, a steep climb takes you to the west ridge of Zalung Karpo La, which offers great views. Then descend into the valley. Camp.
It is an easy walk from Tikyu before a steep climb to Konka Nongpo La begins. The descent on the other side of the pass to the Nimaling plain. The Nimaling Plateau is a broad, rolling meadow that slopes up to the foot of the ice-covered Kang Yatse that dominates the area. Nimaling, with its small ponds and streams bubbling through the meadows, offers pastures for an amazingly large number of animals in summer. Yaks, dzos (crossings of yaks with cattle), sheep, goats, and horses not only from Markha but from all the villages around, graze here. Himalayan marmots and white-tailed hare are plentiful, and it's not uncommon to see occasionally blue sheep or a wolf.
Today take the day to rest and before noon practice some technical skills which can be useful for next day and in the afternoon take some rest or gain some altitude.
The summit day. Leaving midnight early approach to the edge of Kang Yatze II. In the beginning walking on scree and moraine than onto snow. At the snowline, crampons are applied and the rise follows. Gradual ascent all the way up except last few steep parts where you rope up. Reach at the summit by sunrise and enjoy the great view over the Markha Valley to the West and Zanskar to the South, Ladakh & Karakoram to the North. Descent to base camp.
Today a long day ahead, leaving the base, descent to Nimaling, continue on the path where small stream to cross then a gradual climb to the top of the highest pass of our trek, with its wonderful views from the top as far as the eye goes to all directions. On a clear day, you can see the giants of the Karakorum, including K2 on the Northwestern horizon. Soon after crossing the pass steep and long descent to Chuskirmo. We pass the sulpher springs of Chuskirmo and follow the River to the village of Shang Sumdo. End of the trek, say adieu to horseman and drive to Leh.
Rest day at Leh, explore local bazaar.
Morning flight to Delhi and onward flight back to home.
- All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary.
- New Delhi airport pickup (first day) by private car to Manali.
- 2 nights bed & breakfast hotel accommodation in Manali.
- 2 nights bed & breakfast hotel accommodation in Leh.
- Accommodation on twin share in 3 men 4 season tents (New tent Mountain Hardwear Trango 3), sleeping bags/liners, foam mattresses, mess tent / Kitchen tent, stool, chair, toilet tent.
- Climbing gear for Kang Yatse 2: climbing boots, crampons, harnesses, ice axe, gaiters, rope, carabineers, trekking poles & other accessories.
- All meal during trek - starts with bed tea to breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea /coffee, snacks. from Indian, Tibetan, Chinese to continental cuisine.
- Support staff: Trekking guide and Qualified English speaking climbing guide, cook & camp crew.
- Porters for the first part and 2nd part trekking mules/horses for porterage of your luggage and trekking gear.
- Camping fee, climbing permits.
- GST (Goods and services tax) as applicable.
- First aid medical kit.
× Domestic flight Leh - Delhi.
× Rest of hotel in Manali, Leh, and New Delhi and lunch, dinner while staying at the hotel in Manali / Leh & not trekking.
× Travel insurance.
× Soft or hard drinks.
× Entrance fee at monasteries
× Personal tipping to staff: Guide, cook, helper, horseman, driver.
× Any unforeseen cost arises by natural hazards rain, snow, roadblock which cost extra lodging & boarding beyond trip Schedule.
DATES
18 July - 11 Aug 2019 (Closed)
TRIP FACTS
Activity - Trekking expedition
Region - Pangi, Lahaul, Rupshu regions
Difficulty Level - Strenuous
Max Altitude - 5450 meters Phirtse la
Max sleeping altitude - 4650 meters
Lowest trek altitude - 3650 meters
Trip Length - 25 days Delhi to Delhi
21 days Manali to Leh
20 days trekking
20 nights camping
4 nights hotel
Best time - Mid June, July, Aug, Sept, mid Oct
HIGHLIGHTS
Manali Sightseeing, Trekking in Pangi, Miyar, Lahaul & Rupshu valley, An acsent of Kang Yatse 2 at the end of trek, Superb mountain views, high passes, Meeting with nomads and many more....
