Miyar valley: Yosemite of India, Stunning mountains, Crossing of 24 kms long Kang La glacier at Greater Himalayan Range, Southern Zanskar and its high villages

One of the least explored trekking routes and mythical journeys in the Indian Himalaya. With passes over 5000m that connects Sarchu to Kanji. Zanskar grand traverse, Zanskar wild and remote or La Grande Traversee du Zanskar is an updated Zanskar traverse known to the world as Darcha Lamayuru. Twenty-two days of walking in the heart of spectacular landscape and the complete crossing of Zanskar from South to North. Zanskari village which remains cut off from the rest of the world for eight months. The inhabitants of Zanskarpa live in serenity and inner peace. 
Setting off from Leh after 2-3 days of well acclimatizing, you drive to Sarchu crossing the Taglang la 5268 m on Leh - Manali highway known as 2nd highest mountain road in the world. We pass through high plains on the Rupshu Changthang to the wide valley of Sarchu., from where we cross the highest pass of our trek Phirtse la 5450m and descend to Lungnak River valley. Passing through villages and exploring the daily life of Zanskari to Phugtal gompa, this is built under a huge cave. We continue to Shade one of the remotest village in Himalaya, a series of high passes and narrow gorge of Zangla before we visit Karsha and Padum.
Our 2nd stage will take us through the Ladakh part after crossing Hanuma la into Lingshed, Final ascent to Sengge la to Photoksar where our trek ends.

A Himalayan village on the path of Alexander the Great - Trek to remote & lonely Bara Bhangal village - home of Himalayan shepherds
Trek across beautiful Pir Panjal range into Dhauladhar range of lower Himalaya to remote & lovely village of Bara Bhangal - home of Himalayan shepherds. Over craggy passes, pass icy glaciers and ancient monasteries. The Dhauladhar range divides the Kullu and Kangra valley of Himachal. To the north lie Lahoul and Spiti, which have a fantastic range of snow peaks- a mountaineer's paradise.
This trek is one of the most enchanting and picturesque, leading from the Kullu valley to scenic Kangra valley over the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas A high altitude trek, anyone reasonably fit will find it an almost dreamlike experience. Each day presents a different and startlingly beautiful landscape all lavishly decorated, a trek that leaves one with wonderful awesome of the Himalayan regions. The Trek terminates at Bir near Dharamsala: the mini Lhasa in India which is the seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A demanding and challenging trek into the Bara-Bhangal region, which still remains cut off from the World by 4500- 4700m high passes and still, a very few trekkers find their way here. 

You may have already heard of some of the famous Ladakh cycling routes. But did you know that Ladakh has the highest cycling route in the world and some of the toughest and longest climbs you’ll find in this part of the Indian Himalayas? Zanskar is a sub-district of extremes; we have the mountains and the steep climbs. You’ll never be bored of the views here either. Even if they’re shrouded in mist, there might just be a snow-covered mountain, abandoned monasteries, or herd of highland yaks around the next corner.

One of the Indian Himalayas’ most spectacular, diverse, and challenging bicycle trips! Our Great Zanskar cycling trip passes through remote, sublimely beautiful regions of northern India – the Chandra Bhaga and Zanskar River valleys, Atal Tunnel, Buddhist central Lahaul & Zanskar, a hike to Phuktal monastery and Zanskari villages and its people – ending this epic cycling trip in the Ladakh moon land at Lamayuru, we stay on tents occasionally homestays and tour the Khardung La, the perfect end to an amazing bicycle adventure! 

Enjoy the views out to Gonbo Rangjun peak, and Phuktal Gompa is the most spectacular sight in Zanskar, built under a huge cave and situated on the rock above the Tsarap River. Stops for a tasty lunch prepared by our camp cook every day. Travel from Kurgiakh the first village of Zanskar southern highland to the ancient capital of Padum. Soak up the stunning mountain scenery as you cycle through the plains of Padum, and Thongde before being rewarded with a panoramic view of the central Zanskar Mountains. The stunning (but challenging) loop northwest of Zanskar travels through some of the region's wildest and most idyllic landscapes. See famous mountains such as Singe La, Sirsir La, Lingshed monastery, and Zanskar River gorge, as well as a tranquil area of Zangla creating the best experience for cycling in Zanskar mountains. 

Pin Parvati Pass at an altitude of 5,319 m / 17,450 ft connects the Parvati Valley (Kullu) in the west and Pin Valley (Spiti) in the east. Pin Parvati can be crossed without any technical difficulties. In Parvati Valley, the trail begins at a relatively low altitude, which makes better acclimatization before crossing 5319m. After the large alpine meadows of Tunda Bhuj, you reach the large flat valley floor at Mantalai, where the moraines of the Parvati glacier come to an end. Leaving the valley, steep path to the left to base camp. A long stretch of a glacier crossing, the trail runs through steep scree to the small pass, which provides a panoramic view of the Great Himalayan range peaks, Parvati South, Parvati North, Pinnacle, Kullu Eiger all above 6`000 m. A steep descent to Pin River. The easy trail along the left banks of Pin River to Mudh (3820m), the last village in the Pin valley. With the extreme differences in climate, Pin Valley is much more rugged and barren than Parvati Valley. This cold desert valley with its snowy crags, cliff, jagged rocks, and other fossils makes Pin Valley a unique geological lab. Pin Valley National Park is home to snow leopard, red fox, marten, weasel, Himalayan Royle Pika, bearded vulture, golden eagle, lynx, and Tibetan wolf. The Pin area has been conserved as a national park since 1987. The main attraction of Pin Valley is the Chamurthi pony, known for its fast, sure-footed-on mountain terrain, moving safely on ice, and being well adapted to cost and harsh environment.

Due to the southern edge of the main Himalayan range, during summer monsoons often at the foothills determine the weather, which brings rain and snow around the pass. Mudslides at Pin Valley can cause unpleasant surprises during the monsoon, which brings the Pin Valley cut off from the main Spiti valley.  The best time to go for this trek remains is from mid-June to mid-July and from the third week of August to the end of September. But be careful after the third week of September, when frozen monsoon tails can bring huge snowfall at the main Himalayan range.
The picturesque village of Mudh,  where the trek ends is surrounded by barley fields. From here, a jeep safari into the Spiti valley offers opportunities to visit the sights of Spiti i.e. Kungri, Tabo, Dhankar, Lalung, Langza, Comik, and Kee-Kibber, before returning to Manali.

Miyar Valley is situated in the west of Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. The Miyar Valley is stretching over 75 km from Udaipur to the great Kang la. Miyar Nala as it is often known, with the Miyar River running down from the snout of Kang la glacier into Chenab River for almost 50 km. This glacier stretches a further 24 km up to the high Kang La Jot ( 5,468 m). North of Kang La lies Zanskar of Ladakh union territory. Miyar Valley is also known as the Valley of Flowers. It’s an unspoiled area similar to Zanskar and local people in the area follow Buddhist customs and are mainly shepherds and farmers. During summer cultivating peas, Barley, and other vegetables.
July and August are prime times to visit this magnificent valley, blooming with high-altitude flowers, medicinal plants, herbs, and the rare Blue poppy quite famous among all. The Miyar valley is comparatively easy to reach by road and there are plenty of unspoiled things to explore which are still hidden from the outside world. The best time to do the Miyar Valley trek is from mid-May to mid-July and September. Miyar Valley is a paradise of Gaddi Shepherds, their flocks of sheep and goats graze in the high-altitude meadows until late summer. Known to the outside world as Yosemite of India or the Himalayas, many professional rock climbers have made ascents of unclimbed peaks, still, some peaks have not been climbed yet. We at Potala Adventure have successfully made logistic support for professional rock climbers in the past, the first ascent of Lotus Tower SE face was climbed by Cyrill Bosch, Elias Gmunder, Arunas Kamandulis, and Gediminas Simutis all logistics to them given by Potala Adventurers.

Leaving Manali we drive to Udaipur which is famous for wood wood-carved Mrikula Devi temple, continue to drive we enter the Miyar valley. Arriving at Urgos where there is a small gompa and further at Shukto, where we start our trek to Khanjar, Thanpattan, Zardung, and finally to Kesar Yon Chhap which means seven sacred water at the snout of the Miyar glacier at the bottom of Castle peak, which dominates the Palphu area. A day to explore the Chhudong valley.  Takdung Glacier faces Southwest and the Pimu la Glacier sits on the opposite side of the Miyar River. The climbing peaks in the area are Neverseen Tower (5,990 m) nearly 6,000 m located above Tawa glacier, Ogre I, II, & III, Lotus, Iris, Mt. Maudit, Om Shanti, Shabnam, Garuda Peak, Premsingh Peak, Toro peak, Ashoka's pillar, Mt. Mahindra peak (6080 m). Apart from these peaks, the well-known peaks in Miyar Valley are Mt. Menthosa (6,443 m), Tharang I, II & III, and Phabrang (6,172 m).

This demanding and Challenging Trek takes us to the land of Changpa nomads living on the vast high plateau of Changthang. It focuses mainly on the life of Nomadic people and wildlife in motion.  After 2-3 days of well acclimatizing in Leh, we drive to Rumtse (85 km) at the foot of Tanglang la pass (5328 m). Beginning to trek from Rumtse we cross over passes of Kyamari la, Mandalachan la, and Shingbuk la before approaching Lake Tsokar. This tour is taking place in the Changthang region, which has an average altitude of 4000-5000m, higher than central Ladakh and Nubra Valley. In that case, a long acclimatization is a must before starting the trek.

The first stage of the area is relatively uninhabited, while the second phase after Tsokar up to the Tsomoriri Lake area is vastly dwelt by Changpa nomads. We visit several yurts along our trail and carefully witness nomadic daily life. Crossing over 3 high passes of Kyamayuri la, Kartse la, and Yarlung Nyau la we arrive at Karzok phu. One of the largest nomadic settlements in the region. Occasionally chances to see wildlife such as Kyang, black naked crane, Tibetan Antelope, Himalayan Marmot, and Blue Sheep. Finishing trek at Karzok we drive back to Leh via Chumathang.

Spiti valley is located on the Tibetan border enclosed on the South East by Tibet, North West by Ladakh, and West by Lahoul and Kullu. Geologically and archeologically Spiti valley is a living museum. Spiti valley is high altitude cold desert and in its lunar landscapes are still stretches, where every other rock is fossils. Spiti valley is formed by the Spiti River, which rises on the slopes of Kunzom pass (4’551 m) and ends at the river confluence with Pare-Chu near Sumdo. The length of the valley is about 150km. Enroute Spiti River receives the water of many streams: Guindi Nala, Parilungbi Chu, Pin River and Lingti River. There are two routes to Spiti valley, one over Rohtang-pass (3’978m/13’050ft) and Kunzom pass and other via Shimla, Rampur and Kinnaur.
Spiti was once a part of the West-Tibetan Kingdom of Guge in the early 17th century. Guge became fragmented and Spiti, along with Lahoul, came under Ladakhi rule. A vital link of Great Trans Himalayan trade route from Lhasa to Kashmir and Spiti – Literally “The middle country” – found itself locked between the mountain range and International border, now a part of Himalayan tribal sub-division of Lahoul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh.
Today more and more travellers, tourists, trekkers, geologists and researchers are discovering this wonderful and last inhabitable world.

Zanskar refers to a high-altitude region in the Union Territory of Ladakh, India, known for its remote Zanskar Valley and the surrounding Zanskar Range.
Zanskar is one of the most isolated and sparsely populated parts of the Himalayas, traditionally part of the Kargil district but recently designated to become its own district by 2028.
Geography: A high-altitude semi-desert at 3,500–7,000 metres, protected from the monsoon by the Great Himalayan Range. Padum: The administrative centre and largest village. Phugtal Monastery: A unique monastery built into a cave. Zanskar River: Famous for the Chadar Trek, a winter trail over its frozen surface. Gumbok Rangan: A sacred, standalone peak known as "God's Mountain". Culture: Primarily Tibetan Buddhist, known for preserving ancient traditions due to its geographical isolation. Adventure Sports: The Zanskar River offers world-class white-water rafting (Grade III to V) in summer and the famous Chadar Trek (Frozen River Trek) in January and February.
The valley is now accessible via three primary routes, though most remain seasonal:
Via Manali (Shortest): Manali - Darcha - Shinku La Pass - Padum. This route is typically open from April to December. A 4.1km all-weather tunnel is currently under construction beneath Shinku La, with a revised completion target of August 2028.
Via Kargil (Traditional): Srinagar/Leh - Kargil - Suru Valley? Pensi La Pass? Padum. This scenic route is generally open from June to September.
Via Leh (Adventurous): Leh - Nimmu - Padum. This newer axis (N-P-D road) is under construction to provide a third gateway to the region.
Best Time: June to September for pleasant weather
Connectivity: Extremely limited. Only Postpaid works reliably in Padum. There is a frequent scarcity of fuel, so travelers should fill up in Kargil or Padum.
Health: Due to the high altitude (3,500m to 7,000m), 2 days of acclimatisation in Lahaul, Leh or Kargil is highly recommended to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).