The Zanskar valley wandering is an adventurous and senic round-trip trek. We begin and end the trek in Padum the largest town in the Zanskar valley. There are hardly any village in between Padum and Phuktal, except Shadi, a tiny village, in a side valley. Horses and mules cannot be used on this trek and we normally hire porter in Padum. The trek takes you though many gorges of the Zanskar valley. After Phuktal, the trail from Darcha, joins at Purne and Purne to Padam.
SEASON: June – Mid Spetember
MAX. ALTITUDE:
NUMBER OF DAYS: 7 days
HIGH PASSES: Thongde La (5490m)
TREK GRADIENT: Challenging
Day 01: Padam – Thongde (3450m)
Duration: 3 hours
The trek starts on flat ground with some spectacular views along the way.
Day 02: Thongde – Thongde La (5490m) – Habitable Cave (4800m)
Duration: 8 hours
A steep climb takes you to Thongde La which offers some spectacular views of the Zanskar range. A short descent later, you will arrive at the Habitable Cave, the camp for the night.
Day 03: Habitable Cave – Shadi (4200m)
Duration: 6 hours
After a strenuous day, this will be an easy day, mostly on flat ground.
Day 04: Shadi – Phuktal (3745)
Duration: 7 hours
A gradual but long descent past some great views will take you to Phuktal.
Day 05: Phuktal – Ichar
Duration: 6 hours
The trek continues on the flat ground to the campsite at Ichar.
Day 06: Ichar – Bardan Gompa
Duration: 7 hours
This will be a longish day on an unvarying trail to the beautiful monastery at Bardan.
Day 07: Bardan Gompa – Padam
Duration: 3 hours
A short trek brings you back to Padam.
