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SHINGO LA - PHIRTSE LA CIRCULAR
This is a trek recommended for the well-acclimatized, hardy trekker. While the difficult part of the trek are the two high passes - Baralacha La and Phirtse La - the views and the experience of trekking in the Zanskar range is well worth the trouble.
SEASON: July - Mid September
MAX. ALTITUDE: 5450m
NUMBER OF DAYS: 14 days
HIGH PASSES: Rohtang, Baralacha La and Phirtse La
TREK GRADIENT: Challenging
Day 01: The participants arrive in Manali.
Day 02: Manali - Jispa (3142m)
Duration: 6 hours
Drive from Manali to Jispa over Rohtang Pass and Keylong, the main town of Lahaul valley.
Day 02: Jispa - Kilan Serai (3900m)
Duration: 5 hours
The second day is again a drive to the base camp at Kilan Serai over Baralacha La, from where the trek starts the next day.
Day 03: Kilan Serai - Debni (4360m)
Duration: 7 hours
The trail now narrows down till a river is crossed. After this, the terrain becomes more barren, the landscape attaining fantastic forms and hues. Gradually the track becomes steeper as it leads towards the 5450m-high Phirtse La. The trail now winds upward on the right bank of the Lingti Chu river until it finally reaches Debni.
Day 04: Debni - Chumikmarpo (4660m)
Duration: 7 hours
The day's trek involves crossing 4 canyons and a river, Khamerup. The climb that follows will take you to a few shepherds' huts and a narrow valley. A steep climb from the valley leads to a small pass. Descend from the pass to Chumikmarpo, the base for Phirtse La.
Day 05: Chumikmarpo - Zingchen (4480m)
Duration: 7 hours
After crossing a wide steep slope and descend to a stream. Go up the opposite slope to reach Phirtse La. The descent from the pass is steep and uneven with patches of ice till the trail emerges near the banks of the river. The trail continues on the left bank of the river till the camp at Zingchen.
Day 06: Zingchen - Tanze (4000m)
Duration: 5 hours
The trail now leads away from the river and up the slope till you come to the Zingchen Pass (4650m). You cna have a breathtaking view of Zanskar valley from the top of the pass. The path then descends to Tanze, a small village with a Gompa.
Day 07: Tanze - Purne (3650m)
Duration: 5 hours
After crossing a bridge and walking across a moraini, arrive at Kuru, a major village of livestock breeders. Descending from there, you will arrive at the village of Teta. The trail continues down to the river. From the left bank, ascend the gentle slope up to Jal. After a steep descent, cross a large bridge to reach Purne.
Day 08: Purne - Phuktal Gompa and back
Duration: 5 hours
Following a trail on the left bank of the Tsarap into splendid gorges, you will reach the Phuktal monastery, one of the most spectacular sights in Zanskar. Phuktal belongs to the tradition of the Gelupas (Yellow-hat monks). With a library, prayer rooms, abbot's chamber and the grave of Gangsem Sherap Sampo, the founder of Phutkul, the Gompa is a must-visit. In caves above the monastery, there is a water hole whose waters are said to have healing powers.
Day 09: Purne - Kargiakh (4010m)
Duration: 8 hours
This a long day's walk goes over classic moonscape. Eroded rocks assume all forms and colours, and in the distance, the Ankara peaks emerge majestically. Kargiakh is the last village of the Zanskar region, from where you enter Lahaul. Kargiakh has numerous mani walls and stupas.
Day 10: Kargiakh - Lakhang (4060m)
Duration: 6 hours
Lakhang lies at the base of Shingo La (5100m). A gradual walk through barren moonscape with the mighty peaks of the Zanskar region looming over the trail finally ends at Lakhang.
Day 11: Lakhang - Chumiknakpo (4460m)
Duration: 6 hours
A steep ascent to the saddle of the pass is rewarded at the top by some of the most awesome views in the Himalayas. To the north, lie the Zansker mountains while to the south, the Lahaul range appears with sudden impact. Another steep descent later, the campsite of Chumiknakpo is reached.
Day 12: Chumiknakpo - Zanskar Sumdo (3600m)
Duration: 4 hours
The trail now proceeds over rugged, barren countryside and it is a fairly easy walk. A short while after a river is crossed, the camping site of Zanskar Sumdo appears.
Day 13: Zanskar Sumdo - Darcha (3300m)
Duration: 7 hours
The mountain desert gradually gives way to a few trees and shrubs. After fording two rivers and a winding trail, you finally reach Darcha on the banks of the Bhaga River.
Day 14: Darcha - Manali (2050m) by road
Duration: 8 hours
Drive via Keylong, Tandi, Khokhsar and Rohtang Pass to Manali.
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