Zanskar
Trek
Zanskar Trek-Ladakh, Northern India. Himalayan summer trekking
in northern India 's Ladakh province, known as "Little
Tibet".Zanskar lies south of the Indus valley and north
of the Great Himalayan Range , its boundaries are loosely
defined by the drainage basin of the Stod, Zanskar, Lungnak,
Tsarap and Kargyak rivers. Rich in traditional culture and
breathtaking landscape, it remains a draw for trekkers who
can put up with strenuous mountain days or long uncomfortable
bus journeys to get to these isolated valleys.
Across Zanskar
A classic trail crossing Zanskar from south to north, taking
in some of its finest scenery from the Great Himalaya on the
border with Lahaul to the jagged Zanskar mountains in the
north. The Zanskar treks provides with the opportunities to
dawdle in villages deviating up some quiet valleys and visiting
some very remote monasteries including Karsha the largest
and Phugtal the most beautiful in Zanskar.
The route starts from the south from a small village of Darcha
on the Manali-Leh road north of Keylong in Lahaul. This is
one of the longest treks in the region and an exciting way
to see the beautiful landscape, villages, and a variety of
Himalayan cultures from Central Ladakh in the north to Lahaul
in the south while Zanskar itself has some fascinating villages
and gompas.
Experience of a traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture undisturbed
by the Cultural Revolution Ancient, yet active monasteries
where monks go about their daily lives, and beautiful artwork
enhances rustic interiors Trekking through one of the most
remote areas of the Greater Himalaya in a landscape of plunging
canyons and verdant river bottoms.
Day to Day Itinerary (28 days)
| Day
1: |
Arrive in Delhi just relax and
catch up sleep |
| Day
2: |
A long day’s drive in a comfortable
vehicle takes us through the plains then the Himalayan
foothills and middle ranges to the picturesque hill resort
of Manali where you check into a hotel for the night.
|
| Day
3- 4 |
After lunch we take our vehicle
to Keylong 3300m via the Rohtang Pass 4000m. Keylong is
the district headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti. We have
an extra day for acclimatisation. Possible to do day hikes
around the town, visit village, and monastery. |
| Day
5: |
Leaving Keylong after breakfast
we head north west into the Lahaul valley after crossing
the 3978m / 13, 050 ft high Rohtang Pass. We reach our
destination at Darcha a small settlement which is also
the starting point for treks into Zanskar. Overnight Camp. |
| Day
6: |
Darcha - Palemo 3600m / 11,808
ft. 5-6 hours. We being our trek and head uphill into
a valley stopping over at the Chika and Rarik monasteries.
Camp overnight. |
| Day
7: |
Palemo - Zanskar Sumdo - 3860m
/ 12,660ft. 5 - 6 hours. Today the trail reaches a river
which we cross by a trolley. The trail leads over rocky
terrain to our campsite for the night. |
| Day
8: |
Zanskar Sumdo - Chumik Nakpo -
4640m / 15,219 ft. 5 hours. The trail goes uphill steeply
to the base of the Shingo La pass. Camp overnight. |
| Day
9: |
Chumik Nakpo - Shingo La - 5090m
/ 16,695 ft. to Lakhang - 4470m /14,662 ft. 6 hours. The
steep climb is rewarding as once upon the saddle of the
Shingo La with its colourful prayer flags fluttering in
the stiff breeze, the views of the
expansive snow covered Zanskar and Ladakh mountains are
stunning. Walking down an easy glacier we reach the green
grazing meadows of Lakhang. Camp. |
| Day
10: |
Lakhang - Kargyak - 4050m / 13,284
ft. 6 - 7 hours. After a gradual descent we walk along
the Kargyak river passing a few Mani walls. We camp outside
the village of Kargyak in green pastures. |
| Day
11: |
Kargyak - Teta 3950m / 12,956 ft.
7 hours. This enchanting trail goes through flower strewn
meadows and fertile fields of barley. There are a number
of Chortens all along the route. We reach our campsite
by evening. |
| Day
12: |
Teta - Purne - 3700m / 12,136 ft.
2 hours. A side trek leads us to the spectacular Phugtal
monastery perched at 3850m / 12,628ft on a craggy hill
with a yawning cave. This takes about four hours after
which we return to our campsite at Purne. |
| Day
13: |
Purne - Ichar - 3650m 11,972 ft
4 Hours. This easy trail along the valley floor takes
us to the small village of
Ichar with its white washed houses standing out amidst
a brown arid landscape. Camp. |
| Day
14: |
Ichar - Mune - 3900m / 12,792 ft.
to Shilla 3600m / 11,808 ft. 5 hours. The trail follows
the Tsarap river winding up and down till we reach our
campsite. On the way we divert a bit to visit the enchanting
Mune and Bardan monasteries. Camp at Mune |
| Day
15: |
Shilla - Karsha - 3600m / 11,808
ft. 6 hours. A lovely walk through green fields and an
almost level trail. We by pass the main town of Padum
and a little ahead stop over to explore the Pipiting monastery.
We reach the small village of Karsha by evening. The Karsha
Gompa is the
largest and the most important monastery in Zanskar and
dates back to the 15th century. Camp near the village.
|
| Day
16: |
Karsha - Pishu - 3470m / 11,382
ft. 5 hours. The trail goes along the Zanskar river to
the small hamlet of Pishu. |
| Day
17: |
Pishu - Hanumil - 3380m / 11,086ft
in 5 hours. A leisurely walk along the right bank of the
Zanskar river takes us to Rinam village offering excellent
views of the mountains. The trail continues over a large
plateau to the small hamlet of Hanumil. Camp. |
| Day
18: |
Hanumil - Parfi La - 3950m / 12,956ft
ft. to Snertse - 3850m / 12,628ft. 6 hours. The undulating
trail gives you impressive views of the Zanskar gorge
as it climbs steadily towards the Parfi La pass the first
of eight passes on the route. We walk across a steep ridge
and descend to our campsite at Snertse with its small
makeshift shepherd huts. |
| Day
19: |
Snertse - Hanuma La - 4950m / 16,236ft
to Lingshed - 4000m / 13,120ft. 6 hours. A steep climb
later we reach the pass with its excellent views of Lingshed
and the stark ribbed terrain of the Zanskar and Ladakh
mountains ahead. Later as we approach Lingshed we cross
yellow coloured valley with strangely shaped hills. As
we near the end of our days trek we stop over to visit
the village monastery. Camp. |
| Day
20: |
Lingshed - Base of Sengge La -
4550m / 14,924ft. 6 -7 hours. The trail ascends towards
the pass and we visit the Skimpata and Gongma villages
on the way. Camp at the base. |
| Day
21: |
Base Camp of Singge La -over the
pass - 5050m / 16,564 ft. to Photoksar -4200m / 13,776ft.
6 hours. The trail goes through spectacular views of the
surrounding mountains as we descend to the Photang river
and then crossing green barley fields and reach the picturesque
Photoksar village above a clear stream. Camp. |
| Day
22: |
Photoksar - Sirsir La - 4850m /
15,908ft to Hanupatta - 3760m / 12,332ft. 6 hours. The
trail now gradually climbs towards the Sirsir La where
three Chortens mark the pass with a gigantic cedar tree
decked with prayer flags. |
| Day
23: |
Hanupatta - Wanla - 3250m / 10,660ft.
5- 6 hours. The narrow trail crosses a magnificent gorge
displaying incredible colours on the rock faces and then
goes on towards Phenjila village with pretty apricots
trees growing on the slopes around. A little ahead is
the campsite at the pretty village of Wanla with its 11th
century Gompa on a hillside. |
| Day
24: |
Wanla - Lamayuru - 3420m / 11,217ft.
4 hours. The trail now goes through a dry gorge and ascends
to the Prinkiti-La at 3726m / 12,221ftand then gradually
descends to the dramatically located 16th century Lamayuru
monastery. |
| Day
25: |
We drive to Leh- 3500m / 11,480ft.
and check into a hotel |
| Day
26: |
Free day for resting, massages,
witness Ladakh festival if it is in the month of September. |
| Day
27: |
Catch the early morning flight
to Delhi where you have the day free after checking into
your hotel. |
| Day
28: |
An extra day at leisure to explore
the modern and old cities of Delhi . Late evening transfer
to the International airport to catch your flight to your
home destination. |
Fact Finder
| Duration: |
28
days - 19 days trekking |
| Trip
Details: |
- Opportunity to witness rural village life Included
English-speaking guide
- Deluxe camping, including two-person tents, sleeping
mats, dining tent with stools, toilet tent, kitchen
tent
- Trekking support staff, including expedition cook
and kitchen staff
- Meals as per itinerary Private car and driver as
per itinerary
- Double-occupancy hotel accommodations in the cities
- Sightseeing and monastery
|
| Activities: |
Cultural, Touring,
Walking, Trekking |
| Grade: |
 |
| Mode
of Travel: |
Private
coach/ Jeeps |
| Group
& Staff: |
Min 2, Max
12, Responsible Adventures leader, local guides, ponies/mules
plus driver |
| Accommodation: |
Tourist in
Delhi , 'A' Class hotel in Leh, tents |
| Meals: |
No meals. Allow
US$8 per day |
| Entrance
Fees: |
Not included.
Allow US$35 for all sites listed as part of the itinerary
|
| Trip
Dates: |
12th
August - 8th September 2007 Special trip Witness the
Ladakh Festival |
| Land
Costs: |
USD $2500 |
| Local Payment: |
USD $500 |
|
|
(Guaranteed
to run for a minimum of 2 clients ) |
Inclusions
Inclusions
Included:
Tourist class Delhi , 'A' class hotel in Leh, all
meals throughout the tour, Experienced regional leader and
porters on the trek, trek permit, park fees, staff insurance
etc. Transport, accommodation, and sightseeing as indicated.
Not Included:
International airport taxes, visas, all optional additional
tours, or activities during free time, transfers outside of
the tour program, travel insurance, tips (suggested amount;
US$50 per week), and items of a personal nature.
|
