The Greater Himalayan Range is a most formidable barrier between Zanskar and the valleys to the south, a natural frontier for more than just the sides of the valleys. It is a frontier for the monsoon which is broken up on the peaks and exhausted before it reaches Zanskar. Consequently either side has its own distinctive vegetation and climate. It is a frontier for the inhabitants who are racially, culturally and religiously worlds apart. It is a frontier which marks differences in the very mountains themselves - by Luke Hughes
Unlike the others high passes Kang La, Poat La, Shingo La. The Umasi La / Omasi La also is the Southern entrance to Zanskar, situated at Great Himalayan Range in between Kishtwar and Zanksar. This trek offers one of the spectacular route.
Setting off from Gulabgarh we follow a well define trail through Oak and conifer forest and pass numbers of beautiful villages with traditional Paddari home i.e. Garh, Kundel, Chishoti, Jashail etc. Crossing Machail the Buddhist culture starts to appear which has a close links with Zanskari for centuries. After Suncham we trek beneath the Kishtwar Shivling and camp in beautiful vast alpine meadows. Taking on left steep ascent towards hanging valley through boulder, rocks, moraine and then long glacier to beneath the huge rock which has a huge cave mostly used by Paddari and Zanskari people for a overnight shelter for next day early crossing of Umasi La / Omasi La. After crossing large ice and snow field arrival at tiny corridor - Umasi La / Omasi La at the edge of rock wall. Steep descent through loose rocks and moraine to long glacier to the natural bridge. Than long descend along the stream and crossing it to Dzonkhul gompa road head finally. You will be driven to Ating and Padum.
NOTE: To do Umasi La trek - one must have a experience of high altitude trek above 5000m.
14-15 Days Manali to Manali
an hour before base
View of Kishtwar Shivling from hanging valley camp - Khachey Pangsa
Umasi la /Omasi La South glacier crossing
Dzonkhul gompa - Zanskar (The end of trek)
· All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary. Leh airport transfer
· All camping gear: Kitchen tent, cookware, stoves, fuel. 4 season tents,foam mattress, trekking poles & safety gears.
· All meals during trek
· Qualified & trained mountain guide and experienced crew.
· Porters for porterage of trekking gear & food items.
· Camping fee, trekking permits and park fee.
· Medical first aid basic kit.
· Goods and services tax.
· Personal sleeping bags.
· Hotel in Manali, Leh
· Travel insurance.
· Soft or hard drinks.
· Equipment rentals (Can rent at Leh all trekking and mountaineering gear)
· Personal tip to staff: Guide, cook, helper, horseman, driver.
· Any unforeseen cost arises by natural hazards rain, snow, road block which cost extra lodging & boarding beyond trip Schedule.
“Good support on all various aspects. 4 season tent to keep me warm all night. Provide sleeping bag and thick mattress; provide rope carabineer for Umasi La glacier travel. Morning bed tea and hot water for washing. Gas stove are in good condition. Its play an important role to prepare a hot meal after a long trek. Porters are helpful for helping me to some obstacle on river crossing, glacier crossing. ...
Trip info
Trip Facts
Activity - Trekking & hiking
Region: Paldar/Paddar valley - Kishwar & Zanskar
Difficulty level - Strenuous
Max Altitude - 5342 m / 17526 ft
Max sleeping altitude - 5000 meters
Lowest trek altitude - 1850 meters
Trip Length - 15 days Delhi to Delhi
12 days Manali to Leh
8 days trekking
7 nights camping
7 nights hotel
Best time - Mid July to Sept
“Good support on all various aspects. 4 season tent to keep me warm all night. Provide sleeping bag and thick mattress; provide rope carabineer for Umasi La glacier travel. Morning bed tea and hot water for washing. Gas stove are in good condition. Its play an important role to prepare a hot meal after a long trek. Porters are helpful for helping me to some obstacle on river crossing, glacier crossing. Folding chair, toilet paper, pass message to my family during trek where std is not available. Driver Raj is very experienced and knowledgeable on the Manali - Paddar valley. To make us a safe trip. Arranged bus ticket from Delhi to Manali. I have to carry only my day bag during trek which i enjoyed. Always choose the best spot for set my tent, client came first. This is my third time of joining Potala Adventurers - achieves the objective with happy memories. I am looking forward to next adventurous holiday with Potala Adventurers in the near future. "
Mr Stanlay - SINGAPORE - 26th Aug to 16 Sept 2015 (21 days Umasi la & Kanji la combined)
