Zanskar Classic Darcha Lamayuru via Surichan La 5660m 27 Days & 26 Nights The Great Zanskar Traverse

Package Itinerary

• Day 1 Arrive Delhi

  Arrive at Delhi Indira Gandhi international airport. Pickup by private car drive to the hotel, check in and relax.
  
• Day 2 Delhi to Manali (2050m)

  Leaving Delhi drive 4-5 hours journey to Chandigarh, watching the changing scenery roll by. Chandigarh is almost the end of the line, located at the point where the Indian plains meet the foothills of the Himalaya. You continue your journey into the mountains, following the Beas River to enter the Kulu Valley, one of the most picturesque valleys in the Indian Himalaya. The road winds its way past pine-clothed mountain slopes giving glimpses of snow-capped peaks and through small settlements with their fields of rice and maize and little walled orchards. Eventually, you reach the upper part of the Kulu Valley and arrive at the popular tourist resort of Manali. Manali is approximately 300km from Chandigarh and the journey will take us around 7 hours. We check into hotel.
  
• Day 3 Manali (2050m)

  To help with acclimatization before we start trekking you spend the day in Manali at just over 2000 meters. This is a very popular tourist town and you visit some of its famous sights while you are here. You can visit the colorful Hadimba Temple, the medieval wooden palace at Naggar with its own art museum and enjoy a soak in the Vashisht hot springs. It is also fun to walk around the sprawling bazaar.
  
• Day 4 Manali – Rohtang pass (3,978 m) – Keylong (3,080 m), drive 6-7 hrs. Acclimatize

  Starting trip from Manali, at the head of the lush green Kullu valley. The road slowly winds up the Rohtang-la pass (3’978m.), the first of the high passes, then down into the Lahoul valley. Rohtang La 3978, which is the gateway Lahoul and Spiti Pangi and Zanskar valley. The landscape changes dramatically, the greenery being replaced by barren hillsides, where the village with their bountiful fields of barley, peas, and potatoes, stand out in stark contrast. On entering Lahoul the Buddhist influence is visible in the many monasteries crossed on the way. The people here have distinct Tibetan features. Today we drive along the Chenab & Bhaga River to Keylong check in to hotel and short hike to Shishur gompa 2 hours.
  
• Day 5 Acclimatize trek Kardang - Lapchang (3300m) - Yurnad (3100m) 5 Hrs, Drive Jispa (3,300 m) 1 Hr.

  Today acclimatize hike to Kardang gompa, from Keylong we descend to Bhaga river and climb steadly to Kardang gompa, impressive view of Bhaga valley also known and Gharja. After visiting the gompa gentle descent to Lapchang village and descend to Gumling and from here on a well-defined path to Satingri crossing small villages of Mangun, Kyor. Arrive at Satingri than drive to Jispa for an overnight stay.
  
• Day 6 Drive Baralacha la (4890m) - Sarchu (4200m) 5-6 Hrs.

  Today leaving Jispa, we drive on Leh – Manali highway. The Leh–Manali Highway is a highway in 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, after crossing Baralacha La (4890m), we arrive at the plains of Lingti as we approach Sarchu. 20 minutes short walk to the campsite of Sarchu at the junction of Lingti and Tsarap river.
  
• Day 7 Trek Berga Songchak / Spangchen / Manichen (4400m) 6-7 Hrs

  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 8 Trek Chumik Marpo (4650m) 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 plain and finally enter a small valley leading to Chumik Marpo. Again crossing of the river which originates from Phirtse la and Surichan La. We follow the left bank of this river and ascend gradually 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 9 Trek Surichan La (5660m) - Base (5000m) 8-9 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 (5’450m) high Phirtse-la. now after crossing a wide steep slope on a ride, descent to stream. we go up the opposite slope and reach Phirtse-la (5’450m). There is a steep descent on uneven 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.
  
• Day 10 Trek Kurgiakh (4150m) - Sking (4100m) 6 Hrs

  Leaving base the path leads away from the river, gradually up the slope, the first view of a rocky escarpment. Further on a pass with cairn and pasture.  A spectacular view of Zanskar valley and arrive at the village of Kurgiakh. It's not so far to Sking village from Kurgiakh, where we camp. Lovely campsite. Explore the village and meet locals at their homes.
  
• Day 11 Trek Table (4030m) - Tangze (4015m) - Testa - Purney (3800m) 7-8 Hrs

  Leaving Kyin along the right bank of Kurgiak chu on a well-defined trail to Lakhong. We pass the Karu, Testa and Hal village. We descent to a small bridge near Purney and pass series of stupas to reach Purney campsite. Purney is situated at the confluence between Tsarap and Kurgiak.
  
• Day 12 Trek Phuktal (3,900 m) - Cha (3900m) - Anmo (3850m) 7-8 Hrs

  Leaving early today from Purney to Phuktal and to reach at gompa during morning prayer time. Its a two hours hike to Phuktal also called Phukthar. We depart early from Purney on a well-defined trail along the left bank of Tsarap River. Short before Phuktal, we cross the Tsarap river by bridge. This monastery is built under a huge cave and it belongs to Gelukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
  There is a stone tablet which serves as a reminder of the stay of Alexander Csoma de Koros at Phuktal, while he worked on the first English-Tibetan dictionary between 1826 and 1827 when he explored Ladakh.
  After spending two hours at Phuktal we retrace back to the bridge, from here we take the trail that goes to Cha. Gentle climb for an hour and descent to Cha village. Passing Cha continue to Anmo village. A short before Anmo there is small gompa which you will visit.
  
• Day 13 Drive Padum (3,600 m), 2-3 Hrs

  We drive to Padum from Anmo for 2 hrs, enroute passing Raru and you visit Bardan gompa. You take shower and wash clothes this day and visit the Padum market while the crew will be busy buying fresh vegetables for our next part of the trek.
  
• Day 14 Drive to visit Karsha (3,750 m) - Thongde - Zangla (3,500 m) - Pishu (3500m)

  Today is the day to explore the important sights in around Padum. At first you drive to Karsha, one of the biggest monastic complex in Zanskar region, After Karsha we visit Sani gompa and finally to
  visit Thongde, which is built on hill top by Lama Marpa and its more than 950 years old finally drive to visit Zangla fort and to our camp is beside Zanskar River on a large meadows at Pishu.  
  
• Day 15 Trek Pidmo - Hanamur (3650m). 6 Hrs

  Leaving camp, trek along the Zanskar river for 45 minutes and cross a large bridge and pass beneath the Pidmo village. Passing through the fields of barley, short ascend than along the left bank to the campsite of Hanamur.
  
• Day 16 Trek Parfi la (3,900 m) - Zingchen (3,360 m) - Snertse (3,800 m). 7-8 Hrs

  Today after breakfast continue on the left bank of the Zanskar River. Cross Small stream on the left, the trail leads away from the edge of the Zanskar river, steep ascent to Parfi-la (3900m. Its a long and steep descent to Oma Chu River - Oma means milk in Zanskar and Chu is for water, so simply Oma Chu is "white water or milky water". Arriving at Zingchen you cross the bridge and up  500 meters on the sandy slope, then one and a half hour to the campsite of Snertse.
  
• Day 17 Trek Hanuma La (4,800m) - Base Lanang (4,000 m) 7-8 Hrs

  Leaving camp long and gradual ascent to the pass of Hanuma-la (4800m.) through gorges for four hours to reach the Hanuma la. Spectacular view of Lingshed, Sengge la and Nyerak from the Hanuma la. This pass is the connecting point between Ladakh and Zanskar. Soon after the pass its 800 meters long descent to the campsite of Lanang also known as Hanumil base.
  
• Day 18 Trek Lingshed (3,900 m) 4-5 Hrs

  Today we take a short walk to Lingshed village and spend the afternoon exploring this wonderful village. After Lanang short ascent to small pass than an easy trail to Lingshed village. Visit the monastery and explore local life at the village.
  
• Day 19 Trek Netoski la (4,475 m) - Skiumpata (4,000 m) - Yulchung (3950m), 7 Hrs

  Leaving Lingshed we climb to Netoski la (4,475 m). We descend gradually to the villages of Gongma and to the campsite of Skiumpata. and continue to Yulchung village.
  
• Day 20 Trek Sengge-la (4,950 m) - Base (4,400 m) 6-7 Hrs

  Leaving Yulchung gradual climb to pass of Sengge-la (4,950 m).  Sengge la is also called Lions pass, due to the pass and surrounding mountains making the shape of a Lion. To the south great view of Yulchung and across the Zanskar river the Nyerak. An easy descent from the pass down to the valley and arriving at lonely stupa where our camp is set.
  
• Day 21 Trek Bumitse la (4,400 m) - Photoksar (4200m). 4-5 Hrs

  Leaving an early from camp today we will have a long drive ahead to Leh. Short descent to Bhumiktse-la (4,400 m) towards Photoksar, Photoksar is a beautiful village at the base of the huge mountain wall. Arriving at Photoksar, our vehicle will be waiting for us here.
  
• Day 22 Trek Sirsir la (4805m) - Spangthang / Urtsi Dok (4500m). 6 Hrs

  Leaving Photoksar gentle and easy ascent by following the good path to Sirsir la. Enjoy the wonderful view of Photang and Photoksar valley. From Sirsir la its easy descent to the campsite of Urtsi dok.
  
• Day 23 Trek Nigutse la (5100m) - Shilakong (4300m) 7 Hrs

  Leaving camp arrive at the immense plain where you will find many animals grazing in the area like sheep, goats, yaks, and dzos. After crossing tiny gully with a wonderful pillar of rocks starts ascending to Snigutse la. View from top of the pass is stunning and enchanting. Easy descent to the campsite of Shilakong. A small doksa can be found here, where sheep kept during summer time.
  
• Day 24 Trek Yogma la (4720m) - Kanji (3850m), 5-6 Hrs, drive to Fotu La (4100m) - Lamayuru (3500m) 3 Hrs

  After Shilakong camp, its two hrs of gently climb to Yogma la. The first view of Kanji valley can be seen from here. Descent to the small hamlet where you will meet with Kanji people. Now along the left bank of the stream to Kanji. One of the most spectacular village in this part. Arrive at Kanji and campsite is just below the village. Explore the village and meet with locals.
  Stunning view along the way to Lamayuru. The road goes through spectacular gorge after Kanji. Its a short drive to Lamayuru. Arriving at Lamayuru, explore the 1000 years old complex. Oldest monastery in Ladakh, founded by Indian scholar Mahasiddhacharya Naropa in the 11th century. Lamayuru host mask dance festival (Yuru Kabgyat) during 17th and 18th day of fifth months of the Tibetal Lunar calendar. It belongs to red hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism; monastery is rich with Thankas and wall paintings. Lamayuru monastery was constructed by Arahat Nimagung in between the 10th and 11th century. History says that in the 11th century the Mahasidha Naropa visited this place and the cave where he resided and meditated is still to be seen inside the monastery.
  
• Day 25 Drive Lamayuru - Alchi (3200m) - Likir - Leh (3500m) 6-7 Hrs

  Contine to drive to Alchi monastery, situated at a distance of 68 kms from Leh. Its monastery built on lowlands rather than on a hilltop as others are, in order to protect from enemies. The chortens around Alchi gompa contains numerous wall murals of Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo, who has built this monastery. Alchi monastery has vast collections of wall paintings and wood sculpture. Continue to Likir and than to Leh.
  
• Day 26 Leh: Visit Shey - Thiksey - Hemis - Matho - Stok - Spituk or Just relax at the hotel.

  Visit Hemis monastery which is 45 km far from Leh and it takes a 90-minute drive. The great Mahasiddha Staktsang Raspa along with great ancestor Singey Namgyal builds this biggest monastery in the 16th century. After visiting this monastery, drive back to Thiksey monastery, which is 27 km from Hemis. This monastery is the oldest monastery of Gelugpa School in Ladakh. The great Lama Paldan Shesrap built it in the 14th century. Here you can see the big statue of the Future Buddha. After visiting this monastery drive to Matho monastery built by Lama Tumgpa Dorje in the 13th century. The famous two oracles (known as Rongtsan), who were invited from Tibet by the founder of this monastery still make an appearance during the festival of the monastery and Stok visit the Royal Palace of present kind and queen which was constructed by the kind Tsepal Tondup Namgyal in 1825. Inside the palace, you” ll find a great collection of ancient royal ornament and finally drive back to Leh to visit.
  
• Day 27 Morning flight to Delhi and Evening flight back to home.

  Early flight to Delhi. Drop at Leh airport, flight to Delhi and onward flight back to home.