What We Love

  • Journey into the most untouched areas of Ladakh.
  • Fantastic trekking route in the Zanskar valley.
  • Visit some of the oldest monasteries of Ladakh.
  • Visit to the gorgeous Phuktal monastery.

Overview

Trip Length

18N/19D

Group Size

N/A

Activities

Tour
Drive
Treking
Camping
Wildlife
Sightseeing

Why this Trek

The last unexplored bastion in the region, a trek in Zanskar gives you glimpses of the Ladakhi past, as well as an opportunity to visit some of the oldest monasteries in the Himalayas.

Trek Highlights

Treking

Monasteries

Treking

Moonland at Lamayuru

Treking

Beautiful Pastureland

Treking

Breathtaking Views

Detailed Itinerary

DAY
1

Fly into Leh via one of the most picturesque flights over the high Himalayas. Acclimatize yourself to the high altitude town of Leh, located at 3500m above sea level.

DAY
2

A day of sightseeing is on the cards. Visit the Shey Palace, the erstwhile residence of the royal family of Ladakh. Continue onto the Thiksey monastery complex, very reminiscent of the Potala in its structure. In the afternoon, you may want to explore the bustling bylanes of the local market, where ladies in traditional attire still sell homegrown organic vegetables.

DAY
3

Drive westwards from Leh towards the Sham valley, visiting the famous Alchi monastery as well as the celebrated moon-land of Lamayuru. Drive on and camp at Photoksar for the night.

DAY
4

Start your trek today, going over the Kiupa Pass (4450m) in car and once over the pass trek down to Skiumpata Gongma.
Trek time - 5 hrs

DAY
5

We move onwards to Lingshed, where you can visit the local monastery. Move onwards towards the base of the Hanuma Pass where we camp tonight at Lanang.

DAY
6

A steep climb, we trek upwards to the Hanuma La (4710m), from where the views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking. We descend to Snertse, only to climb up yet again and camp at Zingchen (3650m).
Trek time - 7/8 hrs

DAY
7

A sharp ascent yet again, we climb to the Parfi-La (3900m) today, post which we descend sharply till the river. Post this the route is easier, as we reach the camp at Hanumil (3500m).
Trek time - 6/7 hrs

DAY
8

The first leg of our journey ends today, as we have an easier day trekking than the last few, to camp at Zangla. Once you reach there, you may want to visit the old Palace, and the nunnery which is worth a visit.
Trek time - 4.5/5 hrs

DAY
9

Rest day. We take a well deserved break on the mid point of our trek today, and do some sightseeing in a car. The old monasteries of Zanskar are magnificent, and largely under explored. Visit Stongde, Karsha and Sani monasteries. O/N camp at Padum Zangla.

DAY
10

Drive from PadumZangla to Ichar (3500m), visiting the Bardan monastery on the way.

DAY
11

Start the second leg of your trek after the two day rest. Trek from Ichar to Purne. Camp for the night.
Trek time - 5/6 hrs

DAY
12

Keeping Purne as your base, set forth for an interesting day's hike to Phuktal, a remote 500 year old monastery which is remarkable for the fact that it is built literally on the side of a cliff. Trek back to Purne by evening.
Trek time - 5 hrs

DAY
13

Trek from Purne upwards to the village of Teta, post which the terrain is easy as we cross the villages of Tsetang and Skuru to camp at Tangtse (3980m).
Trek time- 5 hrs

DAY
14

Trek Tangtse to Zingchen, crossing some beautiful pastureland, steep gorges and beautiful landscapes.
Trek time - 5/6 hrs

DAY
15

From Zingchen, cross the Phirtse La (5490m) pass, from where you get some of the best views of the trek, to camp at Chumik Marpo (4710m) for the night, where you may find shepherds camping with their livestock as well.
Trek time - 7 hrs

DAY
16

From Chumik Marpo, it is a relatively easy day's walk to Khamerup (4490m).
Trek time - 4/5 hrs

DAY
17

Start early today to avoid the high flow of the water that may result from snow melt later in the day. You will find a lot of yaks and other livestock during your walk today. Reach Rabo (4390m) and camp for the night.

DAY
18

Your last day's trek to Keylong Sarai is rather scenic, as you descend to the Tsarap river crossing, post which it is a few kilometers till your car, waiting to pick you up. Pick up and drive to Keylong, where you stay in the relative comforts of a hotel, after a rather long trek.
Trek time - 4/5 hrs

DAY
19

Drive from Keylong to Manali, and spend the evening exploring old Manali.

Optional Extensions

Manali Tour

Trip Length

2D

Activities

Tour
Drive
Sightseeing

Trip Inclusions

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