For those who seek adventure and to explore the barren, untouched natural beauty, this trek is a great experience. It is 22-day high altitude trek, crossing the beautiful Shingo La (5100m). Another must-see is the Phuktal Gompa perched high on a cliff. After a day at leisure in Purni, the trek cotinues for another 13 days to reach Lamayuru.
SEASON: July – Mid September
MAX. ALTITUDE: 5100m
NUMBER OF DAYS: 23 days
HIGH PASSES: Rohtang, Shingo La (5100m), Parfi La (3900m), Anuma La (4710m), Sengge La (5000m), Sirsir La (4805m)
TREK GRADIENT: Challenging
Day 01: Participants arrive in Manali.
Day 02: Manali – Jispa / Darcha (3360m) by road
Duration: 8 hours
Day 03: Jispa / Darcha – Palmo (3450m)
Duration: 3 hours
Once the trek commences, the landscape changes dramatically. The trail leads past Chikka and Rarik, the last villages of Lahaul before Zanskar.
Day 04: Palmo – Zanskar Sumado (3600m)
Duration: 5 hours
The trail leads through boulder fields before arriving at the campsite at Zanskar Sumdo.
Day 05: Zanskar Sumdo – Chumiknakpo (4460m)
Duration: 6 hours
It is difficult walk since the trail climbs almost 800m to reach the next camping site at the base of Shingo La.
Day 06: Chumiknakpo – Lakang (4060m)
Duration: 6 hours
Be prepared for a steep climb to reach to the top of Shingo La (5100m). However, it is an easy descent from the pass to the campsite in the Zanskar Range.
Day 07: Lakang – Kargyak (4010m)
Duration: 6 hours
Today you will walk through the plains of Zanskar. The Gumburanjon monastery looks majestic and it will be visible till Kargyak, the first village of Zanskar.
Day 08: Kargyak – Purni (3700m)
Duration: 8 hours
The trail follows the Kargyak River till mid day. After crossing Tanze (another village of Zanskar) bridge, it continues on the left bank of same river till you reach Purni.
Day 09: Purni – Phuktal Gompa – Purni
Duration: 5 hours
About two and a half hours walk from Purni takes you to the magnificent monastery of Phuktal. Do not forget to take a torch to view the magnificent frescoes inside.
Day 10: Purni – Pipula
Duration: 5 hours
It’s about 5-hour’s walk along the Zanskar river. The trek through the gorge has the river accompanying you all the way.
Day 11: Pipula – Raru (3600m)
Duration: 4 hours
It is a wonderful walk through the village of Ichar. Further along, after crossing the river, you get to Raru.
Day 12: Raru – Padam (3500m)
Duration: 7 hours
Walking further, you will pass through Mune and Bardan Gompas. Mune monastery is a fine example of the traditional Tibetan architecture whereas the Bardan monastery is built on the huge rock along the river.
Day 13: Padam – Karsha / Rinum
Duration: 5 hours
Karsha is the largest and the most important monastery in the Zanskar region. It lies North of Padam, towards Yalang and can be reached after crossing the Doda River (Stood River). The monastery, which is picturesquely built on a rock high above the Doda River, can be seen fron a distance. The monastery houses more than 150 yellow capped monks, who are headed by younger brother of Dalai Lama. The monastery was built in the 15th Century and contains beautiful statues of Buddha, Shakyamuni, Tsongkhapa and Avolokeshwara. It also contains a big library. On the way to the monastery, one passes the Chamber Ling temple, which dates back to the 11th Century.
Day 14: Karsha / Rinum – Pishu
Duration: 6 hours
The trail is easy, often following the Zanskar River. Before Pishu, make a little detour to see the longest hanging bridge over the Zanskar.
Day 15: Pishu – Hanumil
Duration: 5 hours
The trail continues on the left bank. While the path is mostly easy, a moraine or two needs to be crossed on the way.
Day 16: Hanumil – Snertse
Duration: 6 hours
The path now leads away from the Zanskar River, up to the plateau, then to the foot of the Purfi La. The climb to the pass is steep and difficult. After the pass, the descent is rather sudden and equally steep, until you reach the Oma Chu River. Walking further and after crossing a bridge, you will reach the campsite.
Day 17: Snertse – Lingshed
Duration: 7 hours
The ascent to the Hanuma La pass goes through gorges and then passes a sheep fold. A kilometer of steep descent after the pass and a climb for half a kilometer will bring you to the campsite.
Day 18: Lingshed – Base of Sengge La (5060m)
Duration: 6 hours
It’s an hour’s easy climb up to Margum La (4100m). Descending from there, you reach the Zanskar River again. After passing the villages of Gongma and Skiumpata, a steep ascent will take you to Kuba La (3800m). Continue climbing up to the base of Sengge la (5060m).
Day 19: Sengge La – Photoksar (3750m)
Duration: 7 hours
It takes about two hours to reach on the top of the pass, and then a short descent opens out in a broad valley. After an easy walk, climb up to Boumitse La (4200m). Then descend to Photoksar.
Day 20: Photoksar – Hanupatta
Duration: 6 hours
A long ascent from Photoksar takes you to Sirsir La. From the pass, descend to the river, cross a bridge and after passing a stony valley, arrive at the campsite.
Day 21: Hanupatta – Wanla
Duration: 5 hours
From Hanupatta, continue across the slope until entering the gorge. Follow the path till you cross a ridge, and then go down until you reach a good bridge across the Yapola. A beautiful Gompa welcomes you at the campsite.
Day 22: Wanla – Lamayuru
Duration: 5 hours
Go up the Shill Kong along the right bank, cross it then arrive in Shilla village. After passing this village you will arrive at a broad chorten, then follow a dry gorge as far as the Prinkiti La (3762m). After the pass, cross the river and go towards the village of Lamayuru.
Day 23: Lamayuru – Leh by road
Duration: 7 hours
