Ladakh Zanskar Trek

Overview:Towards the western end of the Himalayas a series of continuous mountain ridges, comprising scores of 6000 metre (20000 foot) peaks, forms an effective barrier between the Indian provinces of Lahaul and Ladakh. Linking these contrasting mountainous regions is a trekking route that provides one of the great challenges of the Indian Himalaya. Transferring by train and car from Delhi, we pass through the lush Kulu Valley and cross the Rohtang Pass to reach the start of our trek at Darcha. From here, we head north across the Shingo La (c.5100m./16000ft.) into the ancient kingdom of Zanskar, famous for its hardy inhabitants and starkly beautiful landscape. En route, we encounter a succession of isolated villages and several wonderful Buddhist monasteries, notably at Phuktal, Lingshet and Lamayuru. As a finale to what is unquestionably one of the worlds classic trekking experiences, there is also time to explore the fascinating Ladakhi capital of Leh.

Highest Altitude: 3650m Total no. of days: 6 days Grade: easy

Itinerary:

Day 01: Delhi - Manali (2050 mts) Delhi to Manali by a/c bus overnight journey. Reach early in Manali check in hotel. Day 02: Manali (Local sight seeing) Hadimba Temple: Manali has many attractions but the chief centre of interest, historically and archeologically, is undoubtedly the DHOONGRI TEMPLE dedicated to goddess Hadimba. Manu Temple: 3 kms. from the main bazar in old Manali lies the temple of MANU RISHI. It is believed that this is the only temple of Manu in India, who was the creator of human race on the earth. Tibetan Monasteries: There are 3 newly constructed colorful monasteries, where visitors can buy carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts. Two are located in the town and one at the left bank of Beas river. Vashist Hot Water Springs And Temple (3 Kms): Vashist, a small village located on the left bank of river Beas towards Rohtang pass is worth a visit. It is renowned for its hot springs and temples. Nearby is the pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni. Day 03: Manali - Darcha (3,300 mts.) (147 Kms/7-8 hrs drive) After breakfast drive to Darcha. Across Rohtang Pass(3,980 mts.) which is the gateway to Lahual, Spiti, Pangi & Zanskar Valleys. 8 hours drive through Lahual valley. Overnight at Camp. Day 04: Darcha (Trek Starts) - Pa Lahmo (3,450 mts.) 4 hrs After breakfast trek to Pa-Lahmo.o/n camp. Darcha is the last village of Himachal Pradesh on the way to Leh. It is the starting point of Darcha to Padam trek. Day 05: Pa Lahmo - Zanskar Sumdo (3,600 mts.) 7 hrs After breakfast trek to Zanskar Sumdo. o/n camp.

Day 06: Zanskar Sumdo - Chumik Nakpo (4,060 mts.) 7 hrs After breakfast trek to Chhumik Nakpo. Walk towards the stream flowing from Shingo-La. o/n camp. Day 07: Chumik Nakpo - Lakhang Over Shingo La (4,060 mts.) 9 hrs After breakfast trek to Lakhang over the Shingo-La Pass. Over night Camp. Day 08: Lakhang - Kargil (4030 mts.) 6 hrs After breakfast trek to Kargiak. Over night Camp. Passing beneath the face of the Gomborangoo, descent easily towards Kargiak on the right bank. The first village of Zanskar Region. Day 09: Kargil - Purni (3,700 mts.) 6 hrs After breakfast trek to Purni. O/n camp. Day 10: Purni - Phuktal - Purni (5 hrs) After breakfast trek to Phuktal Monastery built under a huge cave and back to camp. Over night Camp. Phuktal Monastery, one of the most spectacular sights in Zanskar. Phuktal belongs to the tradition of the Gelupas(yellow-Hat Monks).The monastery is like a honeycomb, cut into a cock under a gignantic grotto, and has 70 monks. in the caves over the monastery, there is a water hole whose water level never receds, even after taking out any amount of water from there. Water is said to have healing powers. Day 11: Purni - Pipula (3650 mts) 5 hrs After breakfast trek to Pipula. Over night Camp. Day 12: Pipula - Raru (3,600 mts.) 6 hrs After breakfast trek to Raru. Over night Camp. Day 13: Raru - Padam (3,500 mts.) (Trek Ends) 6 hrs After breakfast trek to Padam. Padam is a Sub-divisional Head Quarter of Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir. Visit Bardan Gompas, one of the oldest gompa in the region. trek ends here o/n camp. Once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Zanskar, Padum (3505 m) is the present day administrative headquarters of the region. With a population of nearly 2000, Padum can be described as the most populous settlement of Zanskar, otherwise a very scarcely inhabited valley. Incidentally, it is only in Padum that there is a community of Muslims constituting nearly half the township's population, its origin in the area dating from mid 17th century. Lately, Padum has become a famous as a major trekking base and a popular tourist destination. Day 14: Padam - Kargil (2704 mts.) 240 Kms/8 hrs Drive After breakfast drive to Kargil. Overnight Hotel. Day 15: Kargil - Leh (3505 Mts) 234 Kms/8 hrs Drive After breakfast drive to Leh. Over night Hotel. Day 16: Leh (Local sight seeing) Fullday visit of Hemis/Shey and Thiksey monastery. Leave after breakfast for fullday visit of Hemis/Shey and Thiksey monastery. Pack lunch will be served. Overnight in Hotel. Hemis - the position of Hemis monastery lying in a small isolated valley south of the Indus, belies its importance. As headquarters of the Drukpa (Old Buddhist) order, it administers monasteries throughout the whole Ladakh - from the Indus to the Zanskar valley and from the Markha to the Sumdah valley. Hemis was established at the behest of Senge Namgyal in the early 17th century

and since than has enjoyed the patronage of the royal family of Ladakh. It providesmonks as caretaker for royal monasteries at the Basgo, Leh and Shey palaces. Shey - the former palace of upper Ladakh before Leh was established, this site commanded an important vantage over the Indus valley. Since 1834 however, after the royal family moved to Stokh, much of the palace and fort fell into disrepair; even the marshland immediately below was once a clear lake. Thiksey - one of the most imposing monasteries in the Indus valley, Thiksey was part of the original Delgupta order in the 15th century. The monk's quarter's stretch right the way along the hillside beneath the main assembly hall. The library at Thiksy is supposedly one of the finest in Ladakh and a multi - denominations Gompa has recently been constructed - proof indeed of the continuing vitality of Buddhism in Ladakh. Day 17: Leh (Local sight seeing) Local sight seeing Leh Palace: The nine- storeyed palace was built by the 17th century illustrious ruler of Ladakh Sengge Namgyal Jama Masjid: It was built in 1666-67 A.D.consequent to an agreement between the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and then ruler of Ladakh, Deldan Namgyal., Spituk : The gompa stands prominently on the top of a hillock,8 Kms.from Leh,and commands a panaoramic view of the Indus Valley for miles.Many icons of Buddha and five thankas are found in 15th century monastery.There is also a collection of ancient masks,antique arms,and an awe inspiring image of Mahakal. Phyang : : The monastery is situated 17 Kms.from Leh on the Leh-Kargil road.It was built by Tashi Namgyal in the later half of the 16th century A.D.and looks like a place from a distance. Leh Palace: The palace is a distinguished monument and a historical building.The ninestoreyed palace was built by the 17th century illustrious ruler of Ladakh Sengge Namgyal. Day 18: Leh - Delhi In the morning fly back to Delhi.