Zanskar, inaccessible for centuries, is unlike anywhere else on earth: A high arid land with fortress-like Buddhist monasteries steeped in myth and rich in imagery. It is also a world where the only way to travel is on foot or by pony. This trek takes us from the Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh into the ancient kingdom of Zanskar, where we visit the remarkable cave gompa of Phugtal. The people, the scenery and the challenge make this a truly unique adventure.
Most of the visitors travel to the remote parts of Zanskar region for trekking. Numerous trails wind their way north from Padum to Central Ladakh, west of Kishtwar and south to Neighboring Lahaul - all along hard hikes that involve strenuous ups and downs. The two main routes leading in to Zanskar, despite the region's isolation are those from Kargil and from Manali to Padum.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Delhi - Manali (2050 M)
In the evening, we will drive to Manali by AC Volvo Coach at 18:00 hrs for an overnight journey.
Day 2: Manali (2050 M)
On arrival in Manali by morning, we will transfer you to pre-booked hotel at Manali. Rest of the time is free for leisure or you can take a tour to major attractions of Manali like Hidimba Devi temple, Vashisht Hot Springs, Club house, etc. An overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 3: Manali - Darcha (3400 M) 180 kms / 5-6 hrs
After breakfast in the morning, we will drive along the Beas River upstream long the true left bank through various villages to the Rohtang pass (4050 m). Down the hill, we will drive to the Gramphu and passport check point at Koksar. On reaching Keylong, the tribal dist. headquarter, which is about 35 kms a head campsite at Darcha.
Enjoy camping near the river at Darcha followed by an overnight stay in the tent.
Day 4: Darcha - Zanskar Sumdo (3640m, trek 7-8 hrs)
Today, we will for a short drive to Darcha and from there to Rarig, our trekking beginning point. Thereafter, we will move up the Barai Nullah (river) valley passing Palamo village with their characteristic flat-topped dwellings. We will cross various side streams and a boulder field to reach our campsite. Enjoy an overnight stay in the tent.
Day 5: Zanskar Sumdo - Acclimatisation day
The day is free to rest and acclimatize with the changed weather conditions. You can go for short walks in this remote and barren for restless souls. An overnight stay in the tent.
Day 6: Zanskar Sumdo - Chuminakpo (4500 m) 7.30 hrs
Today, we will go for trekking high up on the mountain side. Firstly, we will be crossing the river by a hanging bridge and then steep climb up for about an hour and then follow the trek on a narrow valley until we will reach Ramjak, a small meadow. Thereafter, we will reach to Chuminakpo (4800 m). An overnight stay in the tent.
Day 7: Chuminakpo - Lahkhang (4300 m) over Shingo la (5090 m) 7-8 hrs
We will follow the path leads over moraines, snow and glacier. On the way, prayer flags can be seen flattering over the pass. Descend to the Zanskar valley, before arriving at campsite one have to wade through Kargyak Chhu, beautiful campsite on the bank of Lhakhang Chhu. An overnight stay in the tent.
Day 8: Lukung - Kargyak (4060 m) 5 hrs
Today, we will go for an easy trek beside the right bank of Kargyak Chhu and foot of the Gumboranjom tower; a chilled stream has to cross. The trek will give you an opportunity to see closely the herds of yaks, Marmots are whistling around the meadow and plays hide and seek. Long series of Mane wall and Chhorten are a symbol to reach Kargyak village, which houses a small Gompa on the top of village. An overnight stay in the tent.
Day 9: Kargayak - Purni (3800 m) 6 hrs
The day is fix to follow the trail that goes through Tanze, Kuru, Testa and Yal. On the way, villages farmer can be seen cultivating their fields with melodious song of Zanskar. On arrival at Purni, situated on the confluence of the Tsarap and Kargyak Chhu, be ready to enjoy a night stay in the tent.
Day 10: Purni - Phugtal Gompa (3850 m) - Purni (3950 m, trek 4- 5 hrs)
In the morning, we will climb next to the Kargyak River through a gorge to the Tsarap River to get entry to the stunningly located Phuktal Gompa (3850m). The monastery is perched on the mountainside and is quite an impressive sight. It was built around a sacred spring and was visited by the Hungarian, Csomo de Koros, one of the first Europeans to visit Zanskar in the 1820's. After spending some time at the Gompa, we will return to our campsite at Purne for an overnight stay in tents.
Day 11: Purni - Tanze (3850m, trek 4 hrs)
Today, we will go back over our steps to Tanze. It is a short walk and one will get enough time to rest. Enjoy an overnight stay in tents.
Day 12: Tanze - High Camp (4800m, trek 7-8 hrs)
We will take the trail towards the Phitse La from Tanze in the morning. Initially we will move through a gorge and then the trail opens out to a wider plateau. We will camp near the base of the pass so that will be easier to climb the pass next day. A remote pasture, though small is where we will camp for the night. An overnight stay in tents.
Day 13: High Camp - Phitse La (5526m) - Lingti Camp (4700m, trek 7-8 hrs)
Today, we will proceed for a short but steep climb to the pass. The final ascent is up a scree slope, making it tough to reach the Phitse La (5250m). The effort is more than rewarded by fantastic views of the Himalayan peaks and hanging glaciers close to the pass. A short detour climb to a small ridge, affords excellent views of the Zanskar range. The descent is also steep and crosses further scree slopes before reaching a meadow at Chumik Marpo. We will continue descending into a narrow gorge to the main Lingti valley. We will be camping near a side stream of the Lingti River followed by a night stay in the tent.
Day 14: Lingti Camp - Tsarap Camp (4400m, trek 4-5 hrs)
Today, we will follow the Lingti River to a confluence with the Tsarap, where we have set our camp. Our route today include crossing of several ridges dotted with juniper and marked with prayer flags or Mani walls and through meadows used by nomadic Gaddi shepherds. We have to cross streams at several places.
An overnight stay in the camp.
Day 15: Tsarap Camp - Kilong Sarai (4600m, trek 3-4 hrs)
Today, we will walk in the lower meadows where the valley widens out and we can watch the Leh-Manali highway from a far distance. Enjoy camping in a grassy field at Kilong Serai followed by an overnight stay in the tent.
Day 16: Kelong Sarai - Keylong
We will drive to Keylong, the head quarter of Lahaul valley today. On arrival in Keylong, check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 17: Keylong - Manali
Today, we will start our day a bit early in the morning and drive towards Manali through a very interesting landscape. One can stop on the way to Manali at Rohtang Pass for photography. On arrival in Manali, check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 18: Manali - Delhi (Drive 580 kms/12-13 hrs)
The day is free to relax. In the evening, we will catch AC Volvo coach for Delhi and have an overnight journey.
Day 19: Arrive Delhi
We will arrive Delhi by morning at 08:00 hrs and proceed for the onwards destination.
Inclusions:
Exclusions:
Terms & Conditions:
Cancellation Policy for Land Package:
A man with a friendly personality and a love for travel and adventure. With over 33 years’ experience in tourism, Hamza started as a guide for Ladakh region in June 1987,He also runs SPACE TOURISM. If you find yourself with Hamza, do get yourself some coffee and get him to tell you his stories, which come from years of experience leading tours to a vast number of destinations in India / Nepal & Srilanka. His knowledge and ideas will amaze you. He has so much to offer in the travel and tourism field, Besides his love for traveling, Hamza is the Chirman of SEWAK (Shingoo Educational & Welfare Association Kaksar), an NGO, Member of Universal Peace Society.-He is also one of the active members of Sheena Cultural Association, ATOAI, ADTOI, AKTTA, Hamza himself is the author of the guide book on Kargil Ladakh (The Dreamland) Hamza is actively involved in promoting tourism in Ladakh. He is a person who truly loves his job and more importantly, has an endless love with this exotic land, DIRECTOR, Kargil INTERNATIONAL MARATHON, LUMBINI PEACE mARATHON, Kargil pEACE mARATHON, Himalayan Walakathon, North East Peace Marathon,
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