PADAM - LAMAYURU


For those who seek adventure and to explore the barren, untouched natural beauty, this trek is a great experience. One of the tougher routes in Ladakh, it is recommended for those well acclimatized.

SEASON: July - Mid September

MAX. ALTITUDE: 5060m

NUMBER OF DAYS: 10 days

TREK GRADIENT: Challenging

Day 01: 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 02: 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 03: 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 04: Hanumil - Snertse
Duration: 6 hours

The path now leads away from the Zanskar River, up to the plateau, then to the foot of the Parfi 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 05: 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 06: 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 07: 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 08: 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 09: 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 10: 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.

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