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Nominated in the category "Best in Mountain Environment" on "Virgin Holidays, Responsible Tourism Awards 2010, 2011"
Ladakh Trekking - Zanskar Trek
Trip Facts
- Trekking Destination: Ladakh Trekking - Zanskar Trek
- Group Size: Min-4, Max 12,
- Highest Access of the Trekking: 5200m.
- Grade: Challenging
- Transportation: Private Vehicle, Domestic Flight
- Mode of Trekking Tour: Trekking, Hiking, Walking, Culture
- Trekking Hour: Approximately 5-6 hours each day
- Total Days: 27 Days
- Trip Cost: US$ 3500 Now - US$ 3000
Trip Overview
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.
Trip Information
Day to Day Itinerary
| Day | Activities | |
| Day 01 | - | Arrive in Delhi just relax and catch up sleep |
| Day 02 | - | 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 03-04 | - | 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 05 | - | 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 06 | - | 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 07 | - | 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 08 | - | 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 09 | - | 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 | - | Fly to Delhi and tour ends. |
| - | Optional tour add on. You can book an optional tour of Taj Mahal or The Golden Triangle tour of the Taj Mahal, Jaipur and Delhi. Please email us if you want to book the optional tour. |
Fact Finder
| Duration | - | 27 days |
| Trip Details: | - |
|
| Activities | - | Cultural, Touring, Walking, Trekking |
| Trip Grade | - | Challenging |
| Mode of Travel | - | Private coach, Trekking, |
| Group & Staff | - | Min 4, Max 12, Responsible Adventures leader, local guides, Poters/ Pack animals plus driver |
| Accommodation | - | - |
| Land Cost | - | US$ 3500 Now - US$ 3000 |
Note:- Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients
Trip Cost
Cost Includes:-
- 'A' class hotel in Leh
- All meals throughout the tour
- Experienced regional leader and porters on the trek
- Trek permit
- Park fees
- Staff insurance
- Transport
- Accommodation
- Sightseeing as indicated.
Cost Does Not Include:-
- International airport taxes
- Visas
- All optional additional tours or activities during free time
- Transfers outside of the tour program
- Travel insurance (buy insurance)
- Tips(suggested amount; US$50 per week)and items of a personal nature.
- Domestic flight Leh-Delhi- Leh (Book early for cheaper airfare).
Client Reviews
Highly recommend Responsible Adventures for their local knowledge, reliability, and attention to the customer. Raj was extremely responsive to emails and inquiries, and planned a great itinerary for us. When trekking at high altitude, it's invaluable to be traveling with someone who is an expert in the health risks and treatments. I never felt at risk while travelling with Raj since he demonstrated significant knowledge not just of the area and culture, but of health issues as well. (added bonus - there are no language issues since he speaks english fluently...and Chandra - our cook - was also fantastic. Our meals ranged from chicken green curry to local samosas to cinnamon rolls and chocolate pancakes in the morning. You will eat like royalty!)
Caroline Hollis
Denver, United States of America
