Here is a chance for hardiest trekker, 14 to 20 kms of rough tough and wonderful views every day for two weeks. You and your group will be led among Western Himalayas premier long distance footpath, which links Darcha in Lahaul with Padum in Zanskar and Photoksar in Ladakh. At several points you will visit: Phuktal monastery which is built under a huge cave, Mani gompa, Burdan gompa, Karsha gompa and Lingshed gompa. You will reach as high as 5100 mtrs , the path crosses passes i.e. Shingo la 5100m, Perfi la, Hunuma la 4800m, Sengge la 5060m. As you cross old pack horse trail, sheperds track, and ancient route. The route crosses Rivers of Chandra, Bhaga, Tsarap, Doda, Zanskar and Indus
Zanskar traverse is one of the classic trekking tours of the Himalayan region, the first day 5 hrs. Drive to Keylong, than to Jispa, Darcha (3,360 m) over Rohtang pass (3,978 m) the gateway to Lahoul, Spiti, Pangi and Zanskar valleys. While acclimatizing slowly and doing a hike in around Keylong, we start our trekking tour from Palamo. We cross Shingo La pass (5,090 m) to get into Zanskar. Many ancient gompa on the way: Phuktal gompa which is built under a huge cave and it provides the one of the fantastic view. Karsha gompa is biggest in Zanskar region. Enroute we pass shepherds with their flocks of sheep and climb beautiful snow covered passes with panoramic views of the Great Himalayan range. Trek terminates at Photoksar and we drive to Leh which is 6-7 hrs of spectacular short drive along the Yapola river gorge and finally 5 to 6 hrs along the Indus river.
Day 0: Arrive Manali (2,040 m) from New Delhi or Chandigarh
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.
To help with acclimatisation before we start trekking you spend the day in Manali at just over 2000 metres. This is a very popular tourist town and you visit some of its famous sights while you are here. You can visit the colourful 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.
a day for final preparation before leaving to Zanskar
- Hill resort town of Manali -
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.
- hairpin bend road with spectucular view enroute Manali - Rohtang la -
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, Darcha and finally to Palamo campsite.
- Keylong view from Kardang - sub headquarter of Lahaul valley -
Gradual climb and good view of mountain. Leaving Palamo today on a well defined trail we continue on the right bank.to Zanskar sumdo. However today and our next day trek are to have a proper acclimatization before crossing the Shingo la to enter Zanskar. 
- Zanskar Sumdo camp -
Today leaving Zanskar Sumdo we cross the second ford then go up the right hand valley following the stream, which comes from Shingo la. Streams in Himalayas should be cross carefully even if they look small, camp in the small meadow.
- Chumik Nakpo - Chumik means spring water in Zanskari -
Today leaving early gradual ascent to Shingo la, the highest point of our trek at 5,090 meters. An eventful day for those who have never climbed to this height. Soon after camp trail goes through rock fields and glacier. From the camp, climb moderate slopes to foot of the pass. Top of Shingo la pass there are prayer flags and mani stones are telling story of those people cross over years back. With impressive view to Zanskar side the valley we trek and summits rising above 6000 m of Great Himalayan range. Today the road has open up this pass and its officially open for public. Walk over the glacier and fallen rocks. A long descent to Pankeya and further to Lakhong we reach at the valley floor. Lakhong is high pasture land for yaks, dzo and sheep, where domestic animals are kept during summer time and produce cheese, butter for winter stock. Finally reach Lakhong camp beside small stream.
- Group at Shingo la -
- The descent from Shingo la above Lakhong -
Cross the stream and come to the right side of stream. Walk on a mass of fallen rocks, then cross a small stream. After one hour, you pass beneath the face of the Gomborangjum, then an easy descent to the first village of Zanskar region Kargyak.
- Gomborangjum peak - numbers of yaks can be seen at this area grazing -
- Enroute to Kurgiak (the first village) -
Leaving Kyin along the right bank of Kurgiak chu on a well define 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.
- Reaching Testa village -
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 Tsarap river by rope bridge. This monastery is built under a huge cave and it belongs of 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. Finally trek back to Purney. 
- Phuktal / Phugtal gompa - one of most spectacular sight in Zanskar - built above Tsarap river -
Leaving Purney trail goes through some impressive gorge. We remain on the left side of Tsarap river. Short ascend to Kalbok which has a very old tea shop to make stops and refresh. Passing above the Tsethang village we hike close to the River to campsite of Vipula. 
- Trail between Tsethang - Vipula -
After Vipula along the river for a short period and crossing bridge we ascend to beautiful village of Ichar.
We explore this village, later trail goes through barley fields. Passing all fields the trail makes its way through cliffs and descends to another bridge near Raru. We drive to Padum from Raru for 2 hrs, enroute you visit Bardan gompa. You visit the Padum market while the crew will be busy buying fresh vegetables for our next part of trek. 5 - 6 hours of trek and 2 hours of drive.
- Pipiting village near Padum -
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 Thongde, which is built on hill top by Lama Marpa and its more than 950 years old. and finally drive to visit Zangla fort and our camp is beside Zanskar River on a large meadows. 
- Karsha gompa - one of largest monastery in Zanskar -
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. 
- Hanamur located at the left banks of Zanskar river - view from enroute to Parfi la -
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 bridge and up 500 meters on sandy slope, then one and half hour to the campsite of Snertse.
- Parfi la descent trail and Oma Chu gorge -
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 connecting point between Ladakh and Zanskar. Soon after the pass its 800 meters long descent to campsite of Lanang also known as Hanumil base. 
- At Hanuma la -
Today after Lanang short ascent to small pass than an easy trail to Lingshed village. After spending few hours at Lingshed we climb to Netoski la (4,475 m). We descend gradually to the villages of Gongma and to the campsite of Skiumpata. 
- Lingshed gompa - Crossing Hanuma la, you enter Ladakh and leaving Zanskar behind -
Leaving Skiumpata gradual climb to pass of Kiupa-la (4,420 m) and long and finally steep climb to Sengge-la (4,950 m). Sengge la is also called Lions pass, due to the pass and surrounding mountains making shape of a Lion. To the south great view of Yulchung and across the Zanskar river the Nyerak. An easy descent from pass down to the valley and arriving at lonely stupa where our camp is set.
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 huge mountain wall. Arriving at Photoksar, our vehicle will be waiting for us here. We drive to Sirsir la - Hanupatta - Wanla and further along the Indus river to Leh.
- The road between Sengge la - Photoksar - the trail on the left, we trek away from road -
- Photoksar - our trek ends here -
Trip Ends - You can visit by your own the places
Day +: Leh - Visit Shey - Thiksey - Hemis - Matho - Stok - Spituk - Leh palace, Tsemo Gompa - Shanti Stupa
After breakfast, drive to 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. 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 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 13th century. The famous two oracles (known as Rongtsan), who were invited from Tibet by the founder of this monastery still make appereance 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 great collection of ancient royal ornament and finally drive back to Leh to visit.
- Leh palace and old city of Leh -
Day +: Leh - New Delhi, and evening flight back to home
Early flight to Delhi. Drop at Leh airport, flight to Delhi and onward flight back to home.
ü All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary Manali to Leh.
ü 2 nights hotel accommodation at Keylong & Padum on MAP plan
ü 14 nights camp with all camping facilities. 3 men spacious 4 season tents for 2, sleeping bags, foam mattresses, dining tent, trekking poles & safety gears.
ü All meal during trek - starts with bed tea to breakfast, lunch, 3 course dinner, tea /coffee, snacks. from Indian, Tibetan, Chinese to continental cuisine.
ü Support staff: well English, Ladakhi speaking local trekking guide, cook & camp crew.
ü Trekking mules/horses for porterage of your luggage and trekking gear.
ü Camping fee, trekking permits.
ü Goods and services tax.
ü First aid medical kit.
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 explore market or short hike to Shishur gompa.
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, Darcha and finally to Palamo campsite.
Gradual climb and good view of mountain, we continue on the left bank until reaching a second ford. 400mt.gradual climbs from Palamo to Zanskar Sumdo. Good camp aside a ford.
Today leaving Zanskar Sumdo we cross the second ford then go up the right hand valley following the stream, which comes from Shingo la. Streams in Himalayas should be cross carefully even if they look small, camp in the small meadow.
Today is an eventful day for those who have never climbed to this height. From the camp, climb moderate slopes to foot of the pass. Finally at the top of the pass of Shingo-la (5090mt.) see the view of various peaks. Walk over the glacier and fallen rocks. Finally reach Lakhong camp beside small stream.
Cross the stream and come to the right side of stream. Walk on a mass of fallen rocks, then cross a small stream. After one hour, you pass beneath the face of the Gomborangjum, then an easy descent to the first village of Zanskar region Kargyak.
Walking through the Buddhist regions means always go from the left side of Chorten (Stupa) and recite as OM MANE PADME HUM, Continue on the right bank along an easy walk. Reach Tanze
Which a small village, gompa is in ruins a bit higher-up. A short distance beyond Tanze, there is a small bridge across to the left bank. Slight rise in terrain leads to Kuru, a major village of livestock breeders, then arrival in Testa, beautiful village. The path continues downward as near the river. Stay on the left bank, and then climb to Yal. Reaching Yal steep descent towards a large bridge, which you cross to go Purne
Today leaving Purne we go up the right bank of the Tsarap River in to the splendid gorges. Cross a bridge in good condition, walk up for few minutes. A ledge leads to a small plateau sprinkled with Chorten and religious banners. From here see the most spectacular sights in the Zanskar regions, Phuktal monastery which is built under a huge cave. Phuktal belongs to the tradition of Gelukpas (Yellow section) visiting Phuktal we return back by the same route to Purne.
Today after breakfast from Purne we come back to the bridge, cross the bridge and then go up the left bank. There are frequent small canyons of pudding stones. Pass a bit above a hanging bridge, which leads to the village of Cha. 2hours later reach Kheydang, a small village in a poplar grove. Carry one until Gyalbo teashop. Pass below the village of Surle. The trail is still not good finally reach the campsite of Vipula.
Today long way to Large bridge which leads to Ichar village, gradual climb before coming to a major tributary (bridge), then to the campsite of Raru. Arriving at Raru, we drive to hotel in Padum. The drive passes through Burdan gompa, a Kargyudpa monastery famous for its prayer wheel. There are several beautiful villages on the right banks of Tsarap
Today leaving Padum, we drive to visit Karsha, one of the biggest monastic complex in Zanskar region, After Karsha we visit Thongde and finally drive to visit Zangla fort and our camp is beside Zanskar River on a large meadows.
Today we continue along the right bank of Zanskar, cross the bridge and along the left bank sometimes close to river. The great Zanskar River rafting expedition runs from these places to Nimo in Ladakh, bridge before Pidmo, then another 4 hours to the campsite of Hanumil.
Still today 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 and the up to the foot of pass. Steep and difficult climb to Perfi-la (3900m) after pass steep descent to Oma Chu River - Oma means White in Zanskar and Chu is for water, so simple white water or milky water. Arriving at Zingchen cross bridge and up to 500 mtrs. on sandy slope, then one and half hour to the campsite of Snertse.
Very long gradual ascent to the pass of Hanuma-la (4800m.) through gorges two and half hour to reach the pass from the camp. A 1000 meters long descent to campsite of Lanang also known as Hanumil base.
Leaving base 250m. Climb to small pass than an easy trail to Lingshed village. After spending few hours at Lingshed we climb to Netoski la (4475m.). Look out the view Nyerak, on the other bank of Zanskar River. We descend gradually to the villages of Gongma and Skiumpata.
Cross small stream and hour steep climb to pass of Kiupa-la (4520mt.) and long and finally steep climb to Sengge-la pass, (5060m.) easy going down to the valley and near Chorten our camp is set.
Short descent to Bhumiktse-la (4520mt.) descent towards Photoksar, Photoksar is a beautiful village at the base of huge mountain wall, cross the bridge and our trek terminates here.
Arriving at Photoksar, our vehicle will be waiting for us here. We drive to Wanla and further to Lamayuru has a famous ancient monastery. Monastery is Oldest in Ladakh regions and has big library of Buddhist literature
ü All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary Manali to Leh.
ü 2 nights hotel accommodation at Keylong & Padum on MAP plan
ü 14 nights camp with all camping facilities. 3 men spacious 4 season tents for 2, sleeping bags, foam mattresses, dining tent, trekking poles & safety gears.
ü All meal during trek - starts with bed tea to breakfast, lunch, 3 course dinner, tea /coffee, snacks. from Indian, Tibetan, Chinese to continental cuisine.
ü Support staff: well English, Ladakhi speaking local trekking guide, cook & camp crew.
ü Trekking mules/horses for porterage of your luggage and trekking gear.
ü Camping fee, trekking permits.
ü Goods and services tax.
ü First aid medical kit.
× Domestic flight
× Hotel in Manali and Leh.
× 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, road block which cost extra lodging & boarding beyond trip Schedule.
Trip: Darcha – Padum - Photoksar – LehAll service given to us clients have been to my fill pleasance, my expectation have been fulfilled meansThe kitchen was very good and always considering our special wishesThe guide organized a good team work with the staff and also made short and agreeable advise of us clients. He has a good skill in leading people. This was showed also by a good atmosphere in the ...
Dates | Trip Starts | Trip Ends | Duration | Status |
12 June to 28 June 2019 | Manali | Leh | 17 days | USD 1760 |
8 July to 24 July 2019 | Manali | Leh | 17 days | USD 1760 |
Activities: Trekking
Region: Lahaul, Zanskar
Trip length: 21 days Delhi to Delhi
17 days Manali to Leh
15 days of trekking
14 nights of camping
Grade: Moderate to strenuous
Max. Altitude : Shingo - la 5090m
Best Season: Mid June to Sept. end
Group Size: Min 4, Max 6
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
An introduction with Zanskar
Remote villages & adventurous trail
Ancient fort and monasteries
Stunning gorges and canyons
Meeting with locals
|
Dates |
|
12 June to 28 June 2018 |
|
8 July to 24 July 2018 |
* approaching Lingshed gompa*
