Ladakh Zanskar Trek - The Wild Route Indian Himalaya Zanskar Traverse Trek

Overview

LADAKH ZANSKAR TREK - THE WILD ROUTE INDIAN HIMALAYA
One of the least explored trekking routes and mythical journeys in the Indian Himalayas. With passes over 5000m, it connects Sarchu to Yulchung. 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 a spectacular landscape and the complete crossing of Zanskar from South to North. Zanskari village 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 three days of well-acclimatizing, we drive to Sarchu, crossing the Taglang La (5,268 m) & Lachulang La (5,059m) on the Leh-Manali highway, known as the second-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, Surichun La (5,620m), and descend to the Kurgiakh Chu River valley. Passing through villages and exploring the daily life of Zanskari to Phuktal Gompa in the Lungnak River Valley. Phuktal monastery is built under a huge cave. We continue to Shade one of the remotest villages in the Himalayas, a series of high passes, and the narrow gorge of Zangla before we visit Karsha and Padum. Our second stage will take us through the Ladakh part after crossing the Takti La, with the final ascent of Nyerak to Yulchung, where our trek ends, and return to Leh via visiting Lamayuru and Alchi.

WILD ZANSKAR TRAVERSE TREK INDIA - BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1: Fly Delhi - Leh (3,600m). Leh airport pick up & Check into the hotel. Acclimatize, rest & relax.
Day 2: Leh acclimatize: Drive to visit  Leh palace - Tsemo Gompa - Sankar - Shanti Stupa - Spituk - Leh.
Day 3: Leh acclimatize: Drive to visit Shey – Thiksey – Stakna -  Hemis - Matho - Leh.
Day 4: Drive Leh - Taglang La (5,328m) – Pang (4,660m) – Lachulang La (5,059m) - Sarchu (4,100m).
Day 5: Trek to Berga Songchak (4,400m) 6 hrs, or continue to Khamerup (4,450m).
Day 6: Trek Chumik Marpo (4,650m), 6-7 hrs
Day 7: Trek Surichun La (5,620m) – High camp (5010m), 7-8 hrs.
Day 8: Trek Kargiakh (4,000m) over Kargiakh La (4855m), 5-6 hrs. 
Day 9: Drive Purne, hike to Kye - Thangso – Shanka.
Day 10: Trek Purne – Phuktal (3,900m)
Day 11: Trek Yatah (4,000m). 6 hrs
Day 12: Trek Shade (4,300m). 7 hrs.
Day 13: Trek Lar (4,300m) over Rotong La /Gorteng la (4,900m) – Lar La (4,680m), 6-7 hrs
Day 14: Trek Yarumchun (4,430m). 7 hrs
Day 15: Trek Pandang La /Ningri La (5,175m) - Zangla Sumdo (3,900m).
Day 16: Trek Zangla river camp (3,550m).
Day 17: Day trip in Central Zanskar, drive to visit Thongde – Karsha – Sani - Padum (3,600m).
Day 18: Trek Kurmafu (3,700m) over Namtse La (4,500m)
Day 19: Trek Bear Valley Camp (3,980m).
Day 20: Trek Nyerak (3,710m) over Takti La (4,950m).
Day 21: Trek Yulchung (3,900m). Drive Lamayuru (3,750m) - Alchi - Leh.
Day 22: At Leh
Day 23: Fly Leh - New Delhi and flight back to hometown.

Cost Includes
All Ground Transportation to & fro as per the Itinerary, Leh to Leh.
Leh Airport Transfers & Leh Sightseeing Tour.
Central Zanskar Valley Day Trip.
5 Nights of Hotel Accommodation in Leh at CP Plan.
17-Night Camp with all Camping facilities.  3 men spacious 4 season tents for 2, Sleeping bags, foam Mattresses, Dining tent, Camp chair/table, Trekking poles & Safety gear.
All Meals during the Trek start with Bed Tea to Breakfast, Lunch, 3-Course Dinner, Tea /Coffee, and snacks, from Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese to Continental Cuisine.
Support staff: English-speaking local Trekking Guide, Cook & Camp Crew.
Trekking Mules, Horses for carrying Luggage & Trekking Gear.
Camping fees, Goods & services Tax.
Restricted Area Permits.
Basic first-aid medical kit, oxygen cylinder, oximeter.

Cost Excludes
×     Domestic flight.  Delhi - Leh, Leh - Delhi
×     Hotel in Delhi and the rest of the hotel in Leh.
×     Travel insurance.
×     Soft or hard drinks.
×     Entrance fee at monasteries
×     Personal tipping to staff: Guide, cook, helper, horsemen.
×     Any unforeseen cost arising from natural hazards rain, snow, or roadblock, which costs extra lodging & boarding beyond the trip Schedule.

LADAKH ZANSKAR TREK - THE WILD ROUTE INDIAN HIMALAYA - DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Fly Delhi - Leh (3,600m). Leh airport pickup & check into the hotel. Acclimatize, rest & relax.
Fly from Delhi to Leh. Leh airport pickup & check into the hotel. Acclimatize 1, rest & relax. Evening, explore the local bazaar.

Day 2: Leh acclimatize: Drive to visit  Leh palace - Tsemo Gompa - Sankar - Shanti Stupa - Spituk - Leh.
Today after breakfast visit the Royal Palace of Leh from the 16th century, continue to Tsemo gompa, Sankar monastery , which is adjoins the north Leh and onward to Shanti Stupa, Finally end the day trip with Spituk gompa near airport. Evening explore local bazar. Overnight in hotel.

Day 3: Leh acclimatize: Drive to visit Shey – Thiksey – Stakna -  Hemis - Matho - Leh.
After breakfast,  we drive to visit Shey first, than Thiksey. Next to Stakna and to Hemis, Hemis monastery is the oldest monastery of Gelugpa School in Ladakh. The great Lama Paldan Shesrap built it in 14th century. Here you can see the big statue of the Future Buddha.  Continue to visit Hemis monastery which is 45 km far from Leh and it takes 90 minute drive. The great Mahasiddha Staktsang Raspa along with great ancestor Singey Namgyal builds this biggest monastery in 16th century. Continue to Matho than we drive to Stok which is situated opposite of Leh at a distance of 14 kms, At Stok visit of Royal Palace built during 1825 AD and palace has great collections of antiquity. Continue to visit Matho situated 10 kms from Stok, which has 10th century complex. Finally we drive back to Leh.

Day 4: Drive Leh - Taglang La (5,328m) – Pang (4,660m) – Lachulang La (5,059m) - Sarchu (4,100m).
Today leaving Leh, we drive on Leh – Manali highway. The Leh–Manali Highway is a highway northern India connecting Leh in Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir state and Manali in Himachal Pradesh.Open for only about four and a half months in a year in summer between May or June, when the snow is cleared by the Border Roads Organisation of indian army, and mid-October when snowfall again blocks the high passes. It connects Manali valley to Lahaul and Spiti valleys and Zanskar valley in Ladakh. It is a part of NH 21. The average elevation of Leh-Manali highway is more than 4,000 m (13,000 feet and its highest elevation is 5,328 m (17,480 ft) at Taglang La mountain pass. It is flanked by mountain ranges on both sides featuring some stunning sand and rock natural formations. The highway crosses many small streams of ice-cold water from snow-capped mountains. Finally at the plains of Lingti as we approach to Sarchu. 20 minutes short walk to the campsite of Sarchu at the junction of Lingti and Tsarap river.

Day 5: Trek to Berga Songchak (4,400m) 6 hrs or Continue to Khamerup (4,450m).
Today soon after the camp and after crossing of Tsarap River we climb gradually to a long plateau. After this the terrain becomes more and more barren, the landscape attaining fantastic forms and hues. Following upward on the right bank of Lingti Chu River arrive at the campsite of Berga Songchak.

Day 6: Trek Chumik Marpo (4,650m), 6-7 hrs.
We start early this day to cross Khamerup river. It will take us about 2 ½ hours to  a broad river of Khamerup, Soon after crossing the river we walk on a large plains and finally enter in a small valley leading to Chumik marpo. Again crossing of river which originates from Phirtse la and Serichun la. We follow the left bank of this river and ascend gradully to the campsite. Numbers of shepherds living in the area mainly from the Southern regions of Himachal who comes during summer times looking for high pasture land for their flocks of sheep and goats. At the end of Chumik marpo the doksa are summer settlements of Zanskari people can be found, with their yaks and dzo, making cheese. These Zanskari people often cross Phirtse la, we may have a chance to meet with them or walk together while crossing of pass next day.

Day 7: Trek Surichun La (5,620m) – High camp (5,010), 7-8 hrs.
An early start to avoid the snow turning softens the Phirtse la is advised.  Leaving campsite after half an hour we cross-grassy flat land, gradually the trail becomes Steeper as it leads towards the (5’620m) high Surichan la. Now after crossing a wide steep slope on a ride, descent to stream. we go up the opposite slope and reach Surichan-la (5’620m). There is a steep descent on uneven ground with patches of ice and at the base of the slope. Now trail enters in the Kurgiakh Chu valley, 2 hours walking in the valley arrive at the high camp above Kurgiakh.

Day 8: Trek Kurgiakh (4,000m) over Kurgiakh La (4855m), 5-6 hrs. 
Leaving highcamp the path leads away from the river, gradually up the slope, first view of rocky escarpment. Further on a pass with cairn and pasture.  A spectacular view of Zanskar valley and arrive at the village of Kurgiakh. Our campsite for tonight is further at short distance from Kurgiakh peaceful and comfortable campsite at near to Kurgiakh Chu River and below the beautiful Kye village.

Day 9: Drive Purne, hike to Kye - Thangso – Shanka.
After breakfast hike to Kye, Thangso as far as Shanka, the last village in the valley. Post trek back to the campsite and drive to Purne.

Day 10: Trek Purne – Phuktal (3,900m).
There is a road built from Purne to near the bridge at Phuktal, which makes the entrance to the monastery. We drive short to the bridge, crossing bridge and to a small plateau sprinkled with Chorten and religious banners. From here see the most spectacular sight in the Zanskar regions, Phuktal monastery which is built under a huge cave. Today is a short day of walk, thus rest of day you spend your time in Phuktal monastery and visiting the prayer room and meeting with young monks and can also join their prayer meeting in prayer hall.

Day 11: Trek Yatah (4,000m). 6 hrs.
Today leaving Phuktal the trail winds up the steep slopes of the gorge along Tsarap. The trail has recently been repaired and is again a pleasant width. We stay in Yatah, with a small source of water.
The day can be very hot in this part as we are in the bottom of valley at river bed. So take enough water for this day. The most attracting view of the day will be the Tsarap river. Making its way to Zanskar with clear blue color.

Day 12: Trek Shade (4,300m). 7 hrs.
Leaving Yatah the trail continues along the river Tsarap on an old salt caravan route. Tsa is called salt and Rap is a shallow place to cross. On this route nomads who for centuries have transported salt from Tibet to Zanskar and traded there against barley. After one to two hours, we left the Tsarap and follow the small river Chu Shade. This can be crossed on a new bridge recently. Past the small hamlet Thantak we come to the village Shade. This village is one of the most isolated in Zanskar and for us one of the most beautiful villages in the whole Himalayas.

Day 13: Trek Lar (4,300m) over Rotong La /Gorteng la (4,900m) – Lar La (4,680m), 6-7 hrs.
Leaving Shade we climb a small hill to reach numbers of chortens, signs of Shade's importance as an ancient trade route. The valley on this side of Shade is colorful in shades of yellows, oranges and reds, and we contour easily up to the Rotong La (4890m) except for one steep ridge, an ascent of three hours or less. From the crest of the pass we look out to the craggy peaks, deep valleys and oasis of green doksas that mark our exciting and remote route to Zangla. The descent is gradual, past Rotong Doksa (4470m). From the doksa the trail switchbacks down to Mitsik Doksa (4285m). The deep, willow-lined valley to our left leads to Niri Chu, which snakes through deep canyons below us. Jumping the river, or wading across, we climb past a large doksa on the plateau just above us and then start up the 400-meters to the Lar La (4690m), a steep grazing ridge which drops right down to the next valley. The valleys are now a dramatic combination of soaring cliff-walls, deep canyons and willow filled river valleys, lovely. We'll set up camp in this second valley, another grazing settlement called Lar with a small stream running down the centre.

Day 14: Trek Yarumchun (4,430m). 7 hrs.
Leaving Lar today is an adventurous and beautiful river day. Soon after camp we cross the stream and ascend a small pass and continue along the left bank of river and reach at a Niri sumdo. From here we cross numbers of times the river, usually a water level below knee . But the rivers get high in the afternoon. We call this valley a Snow leopard valley as we have spotted the foot prints in this valley. You may see wild animals coming to drink water in river bed during day time mostyl blue sheep and ibex. Finally we arrive at a sumdo from where to the right trail goes to Shapodak la to Ruphu Kharnak. We take the left valley to our beautiful campsite of Yarumchan.

Day 15: Trek Pandang La /Ningri La (5,175m) - Zangla Sumdo (3,900m).
Today we have to cross another pass, we start with gradual climb to a grassy doksa about an hour away up the hillside and finally an easy half an hour to the pass of Pandang La 5175 meter. This pass is also called Ningri la. From the pass Zanskar mountain panorama is breathe taking and magnificent. Now walking to the right side of steep ravine which will drops down below us. Wild animals roams the hillside, so we our eyes open to all around. We now walk over green plateau and ahead filled with willow trees.Coming out from the willows which hides our campsite, we now descend gradually for half an hour. We descend steeply on a trail of loose scree and rocks which ends down at the Zumlung Chu below. We have to cross the river, and make our way through the underbrush to join the trail to Zangla. The route is known by village from Tsazar just south of Zangla who use the valley as summer pastures. At the next sumdo the trail widens and we trek through a batch of sea buckthorn bushes. The next two hours of hiking are easy, crossing the river many times in a magical valley which narrows as we head south, following the Zumlung Chu. Finally to our campsite of Zangla Sumdo.

Day 16: Trek Zangla River Camp (3,550m).
Today, leaving the Zangla sumdo, our trail leads through colourful gorges. We have to cross river again so prepare your sandals for river crossing to reach Zanga. We pass the large sumdo where to the left the trail leads to jumlam and Charchar la an ancient and old trade route leading into Zanskar from Leh. The Jumlam route are mostly in active when flow of river at its lowest volume. We continue to trek along Zumlung Chu, which we cross many times, finally reaching at Zangla Doksa and continue along the Zangla irrigation ditch while ascending to Zangla fort. The magnificent Zangla fort home of the kings of Zangla. We not descend to village. Zanskar plain lies below us. We continue down to river side to our camp.

Day 17: Day trip in Central Zanskar, drive to visit Thongde – Karsha – Sani - Padum (3,600m).
We take this day to restock our supplies and buy fresh vegetables from Padum market. While the crew and chef will be busy at bazaar, you explore and visit the Karsha, one of the largest monasteries in Zanskar, or even if you wish, you may have a chance to visit the Dzonkhul monastery. Explore Padum and lunch here. Finally, visit the Thongde gompa on our way back to camp.  

Day 18: Trek Kurmafu (3,700m) over Namtse La (4,500m).
Today, leaving camp at Zangla, we walk along the Zanskar River to Honya for an hour. We change our position to our right, which leads to Khurmafu. We ascend steeply through a gorge. After three to four hours of ascending through a narrow valley by following a small stream, we reach Namtse La (4500m). Now trail follows a willow tree for an hour. After trekking through these willows, we climb a small hill and see our campsite below us. A clear path brings us to a Kurmafu.

Day 19: Trek Bear Valley Camp (3,980m).
Today, leaving Kurmafu, starting with crossing the small stream and on a plateau, today is a short walk and full of excitement. After the plateau just above the willow, we arrive at a junction of a small stream. After climbing up a stone steps and then we drop down to the river and follow it to reach a high, exposed trail on the right, which continues to the next bend in the river. One more climb and we reach an ice bridge, usually through a narrow canyon with ankle-deep water. Now for another hour of walking through the willow and finally to our campsite.

Day 20: Trek Nyerak (3,710m) over Takti La (4,950m).
Today, leaving our camp early morning to cross Takti La with a climb of over a thousand meters. We at first make our way on a small trail through, crossing streams, and then to a narrow valley to the right. Now here we climb for an hour, a steep ascent. After to our first small pass at 4580m, after kept our eye on Takti La ahead of us, with a glacial stream and then a steep ascent to Takti La (4950m). From here we will have a great view of our next pass of Sengge La that we will cross in the coming days. The Himalayan range to the south and the Ladakh range to our north. After having lunch at the pass we now descend to Nyerak. We descend on a good path along the old irrigation wall. Lastly, to our campsite at Nyerak. Later, having snacks at camp, you may go and take a look inside the village and its life.

Day 21: Trek Yulchung (3,900m). Drive Lamayuru (3,750m) - Alchi - Leh.
Today, leaving early from our fantastic camp at Nyerak, we continue to our next stage to yet another significant place of our trek. Leaving Nyerak and crossing the Zanskar River, we descend along the old mani walls and to a wooden bridge at the Zanskar gorge. We pass Chochokhuri La (3865m) and then around several hillside, and the last contour leads to a small ridge from where we finally see Yulchung across the valley. The isolated village of Yulchung, meaning small Kingdom, is remote and traditional. Our jeep will be waiting for us here and drive Sengge-La (4,950m), Photoksar ( 4400m) the spectacular view of the village Photoksar appears at suddenly, Crossing Sirsir La, into the Hanupatta & Phenji La gorge with impressive rock formation on bothsides in the gorge to Phenjila. Continue to Wanla, and further to visit the ancient monasteries of Lamayuru and Alchi. A magnificent drive to Sirsir La, Wanla, and further to Lamayuru, en route to Leh, you will visit the ancient village and monastery of Alchi. Finally arrive at Leh and check into the hotel.

Day 22: Leh
Last day at Leh to wash off and relax.

Day 23: Fly Leh - New Delhi and flight back to the hometown.