Trans-Zanskar Expedition Trek

Highest Altitude: 5,350m
Duration: 25 Nights and 26 Days

Trans Zanskar Expedition in its scope and overwhelming in its sheer grandeur. Starting at Lamayuru Gompa, the most ancient monastic site in all of Ladakh, we cross 4 high passes to reach Zanskar's capitol of Padum. From Padum, we continue ever deeper into the wonders of Zanskar, including a diversion to the famous Phugtal Gompa. Our departure from Zanskar is over 17,000 foot Phirtse La to the vast plain of Sarchu.

Ladakh is both historically and culturally Tibetan. Its ancient monasteries and villages have remained unchanged over the centuries. Even if Zanskar had only got a handful of Gompas and settlements that lie within striking distance of the road or hidden away in the remote valleys, it offers glimpses into Tibetan Buddhism and the colorful lifestyles of this isolated region.

Day 01: Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi airport met our representative and then transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02: Delhi - Manali (2050 M)

In the morning after breakfast take a guided sight seeing tour of Delhi visiting Red Fort built in 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, Raj Ghat and Shantivan, the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Lal Nehru, Humayun Tomb, India Gate (War Memorial Arch), Laxmi Narayan Temple and then pass through the government buildings, the President House and the Parliament House. By evening drive to Manali by AC Volvo Coach at 18:00 hrs. Overnight journey.

Day 03: Manali (2050 M)

Arrival at Manali by morning and then transfer to hotel. At leisure or a tour of attractive places like Hadimba Devi temple, Vashisht Hot Springs, Club house etc. can be taken. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 04: Manali - Darcha (3400 M)

Drive 180 kms/5-6 hrs to Darcha over to Rotang Pass (3980 m). Overnight in Tent.

Day 05: Darcha - Palamo

We start our trekking today. First day its an easy trekking of 3-4 hrs, follow the track until the last hamlet then good footpath and pass a spectacular gorge. Overnight in Tent.

Day 06: Palamo - Zanskar Sumdo

Continue trekking and follow the track on the left side of the river passing through the rocky path with big boulders and moraines. We also have to cross streams twice or thrice enroute. Arrive Zanskar Sumdo (4000 M), a good camping ground for the overnight in Tent. (5-6 hrs).

Day 07: Zanskar Sumdo - Chuminakpo

Today its trekking high up on mountain side. First cross the river by a hanging bridge and then steep climb up for about an hour and then follow the trek on a narrow valley until you reach Ramjak, a small meadow. Thereafter to Chuminakpo (4800 m). Overnight in Tent. (5-6 hrs).

Day 08: Chuminakpo - Lukung

Climbing zigzag up through the moraine, ice and snow up to Shingo-La (5090 m). Thereafter descent is through the ice and the snow which is steep and dangerous for the horses and the mules till you reach small meadow. Lukung (4400 m) is further down near the river (7-8 hrs). Overnight tent.

Day 09: Lukung - Kurgiakh- Shi

Its long and easy trekking up and down. Crossing over the bridge we go to another side of the river and follow the path with a mass of fallen rock. Besides this we cross several streams and also pass beneath the face of Gumburanjon peak. Overnight Tent. (7-8 hrs)

Day 10: Shi - Prune

Long day of about 8-9 hrs trek. After breakfast continue on the right side of the river along an easy path. We pass through some villages such as Table, Tanze, Kuru, and Jal. Kuru is a major village of livestock breeders. Climb up the gentle slope is the village Jal and thereafter steep descent towards a good bridge for Prune (3650 m). Overnight in Tent.

Day 11: Prune - Phugtal - Gyalbokh

Today we visit Phugtal Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in Zanskar and spectacularly located. Passing through a narrow valley and the splendid gorge we cross the bridge and come to a small plateau sprinkled with Chorten and religious banners. From here we see one of the most spectacular sight of the Phugtal Monastery built in a cave. The monastery belongs to the tradition of the Gelugpas (Yellow Hats). Back to Prune and further trekking up on the left bank of Tsarap river after crossing the bridge. Arrive Gyalbokh village. Overnight in tent.(6-7 hrs).

Day 12: Gyalbokh - Raru (3700)

Several difficult stretches for the horses and mules. A gradual climb before coming to small plateau and the gradual descending towards to Raru village. Overnight in Tent. (6-7 hrs)

Day 13: Raru - Mone - Padum

Its an easy trekking down on motorable road. After an hour's trekking we come to a small village called Mone. Visit a Gompa there. Further enroute after two hours is Bardan Gompa, situated on mountain plateau. Arrive Padum (3650 m), the capital of Zanskar where two rivers Doda and Tsarap join to form Zanskar River. Overnight in Tent. (6-7 hrs)

Day 14:

Padum the day is free to acclimatise.

Day 15: Padum- Karsha - Rinam

From Padum head towards Pipiting and follow a dusty plain towards the Doda River and reach bridge. Cross the bridge to reach Karsha Monastery dating back to the 16th century. It is the largest and the wealthiest of all monasteries in Zanskar. Further trekking down on the plain path is Rinam. Overnight in Tent. (6-7 hrs)

Day 16: Rinam - Pissu

Today we trek through the easy stretches often hot and dusty through the bank of Zanskar river and a small stream and shelter formed by rocks. Overnight in Tent. (5-6 hrs)

Day 17: Pissu - Hanumil

Follow left bank of Zanskar River. Easy going along the river, sometimes across the morainic plateau. Overnight in Tent. (5-6 hrs)

Day 18: Hanumil - Purfila - Snertse

Now onwards the path leads us away from Zanskar River. Climb up to Parfi-La (3950 m) and then steep descend until reaching the Oma-Chu River. Crossing over the bridge and further climb up a 500 m sandy slope we reach the sheepfolds of Snertse. (6-7 hrs)

Day 19: Snertse - Hanumil La - Lingshed

Long gradual ascend towards Hanumil-La (4877 m). Reach the top of Hanumil-La and then steep descent about 1000 meters. Again climb about 400 meter up along the mountain side, cross a small pass and then easy descent to Lingshed (3800 m). Overnight in Tent. (7-8 hrs)

Day 20: Lingshed - Foot of Shinge - La

Gradual one hour climb to the Margum-la (4200 m) then pass an escarpment, go along the slope. Gentle descent towards the villages of Gongma and Skiumpata. Steep climb to Kiupa-la (3850 m) and then gradual climb along mountainside to the foot of Shinge-la. Overnight in Tent.

Day 21: Foot of Shinge - La - Photoskar

About one to two hours steep climb to Shinge-la (5060 m) and then descending to a broad valley. Again gentle climb towards Bumiktse-la (4200 m) and descending towards Photoskar (3750 m), a splendid village. Overnight in Tent. (7-8 hrs)

Day 22: Photoskar - SirSir La - Hanupatta

From Photoskar it's gentle climb up to a large Chorten, then long ascent of SirSir-la (4990 m). An easy descent to the river and village Hanupatta (3450 m). Overnight IN Tent. (6-7 hrs)

Day 23: Hanupatta - Shilla

Trek down the slope until entering the gorge and the bridge at the junction of the two rivers. Some easy some difficult stretches of fallen rocks until Phenjila. Afterwards it's trekking on motorable road up to Wanla (3245 m). Overnight in Tent. (5-6 hrs)

Day 24: Shilla - Lamayuru - Leh

Last day of our trekking. We pass the Shilla village to cross Prinkti-la (3726 m) to reach Lamayuru (3 hrs). Visit monastery and drive to Leh (3500 m). Overnight in hotel.

Day 25: Leh

Visit Shey, Thiksey and Hemis monasteries. Hemis is the most important Gompa in Ladakh, famous for Hemis Festival. Drive back to Leh for the Overnight.

Day 26: Leh - Delhi

Early morning transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi. Overnight in Hotel.