Darcha is the starting point of this trek – situated in the Lahoul Valley – where we will trek alongside the Zanskar Chhu. The highest point of this trek is passing over the Shingo La 5090m (16,699 ft.) before exploring the scenic routes through Zanskar. The trek terminates in Padum where we will then drive to Leh via Suru Valley that is shadowed by the high peaks of the Zanskar range. Once reached in Leh we will be able to visit the Shey, Thiskey and Hemis monasteries, before your flight departure to Delhi.
Day 1
Arrival in Delhi
Guests will be received at the airport followed by a transfer to a hotel, where you will be staying overnight.
Day 2
Overnight bus journey Delhi – Manali
Travelling Distance: 570 km
Travelling Time: 16 hours
Altitude: 2000 m / 6,561 ft.
Following a full day’s sightseeing in the vibrant Delhi City, we will then transfer you to the bus station. Overnight bus journey, fully air conditioned and comfortable to make the journey more relaxing.
Day 3
Arrival in Manali
Upon arrival in Manali, we will check you into your hotel to freshen up before exploring the local area. Old Manali, the Hadimba and Shiva Temple are all main attractions for sightseers. After lunch, a visit to the hot springs in Vashisht will make you feel rejuvenated. In the afternoon you will then be able to roam freely within the town, with an overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 4
Journey from Manali to Jispa – Darcha
Travelling Distance: 135 km
Altitude: 3300 m / 10,826 ft.
Our journey begins with a drive along the Beas River, upstream along the left bank through several villages, before reaching the Rohtang Pass (4050 m / 13,287 ft.). Descending down into Gramphu, we will then have reached at the passport check point at Koskar. After Koskar we will then have reached in the tribal district headquarters of Keylong, where 35 km ahead is our campsite in Jispa or Darcha.
Day 5
Trek 1 – Jispa – Darcha – Palmo
Trekking Time: 5 1/2 hours
First day of trek will begin with 30 minute walk to a check post and then we will visit the tiny village and continue high over the Zanskar Chhu River, through the last village of the valley (Rarick and Chhika). After half hours walk, the campsite is visible on the right side of the Zanskar Chhu. Overnight stay in camp.
Day 6
Trek 2 – Palmo – Zanskar Sumdo
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 3950 m / 12,959 ft.
A gradual walk through the boulders and meadows; shepherds from the Kangra Valley can be seen with their flocks. We will come across some easy stream crossing. Camping sites are available both side of the river.
Day 7
Trek 3 - Zanskar Sumdo to Chhumik Marpo
Trekking Time: 71/2 hours
Altitude: 4500 m / 14,763 ft.
The trek will begin with a short upward climb to the Shingo La (5190m / 17,027 ft.) that spreads along with the tributary of the Zanskar Chhu. After some time we will be walking through the narrow valley and beautiful meadows that contain wild flowers native to the area. We will be camping on the base of the Shingo La surrounded by snow-capped mountains that gleam the night sky.
Day 8
Trek 4 - Chhumik Marpo to Lahkhang
Trekking Time: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 4300m / 14,107 ft. (Over Shingo La 5090m / 16,699 ft.)
The path leads over moraines, snow and glacial terrains (streams may need to be crossed). Prayer flags can be seen over the pass, before beginning to descend down into the Zanskar Valley. Before arriving at the campsite, we will need to wade through the Kargyak Chhu, until arriving at the beautiful campsite on the bank of Lhakhang Chhu.
Day 9
Trek 5 - Lhakhang to Kargyak
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 4060m / 13,320 ft.
The day will begin with an easy trek beside the right bank of the Kargyak Chhu and the base of the Gumboranjom Tower; a chilled stream which we will need to cross. You will have the opportunity to see closely the herds of Yaks and hear the whistling Marmots around the meadow. The long series of Mane walls and Chortens are a symbol that we have reached Kargyak Village. It houses a small Gompa on the top of village.
Day 10
Trek 6 - Kargyak to Purni
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 3800m / 12,467 ft.
Before reaching Purni the trail leads through Tanze, Kuru, Testa and Yal, where many farming villages can be seen cultivating their pastures with melodious tunes of Zanskar. Purni is situated on the confluence of the Tsarap and Kargyak Chhu.
Day 11
Trek 7 - Purni - Phucktal then back to Purni
Trekking Time: 8 hours (4 hours there and back)
The day will consist of visiting the Phuktal Gompa; most southern of all monasteries of Zanskar that is settled in a collected side of the valley. This 11th Century monastery belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hats) section which you will be able to experience the intricate architecture and design, as well as other areas of Phuktal.
Day 12
Trek 8 - Purni - Pipula
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 3600m / 11,811 ft.
Trek will begin with heading back to the bridge and following the confluence continuing left of the banks of Tserap River to Cha, where we will then continue onto Surley until reaching in Pipula; situated on the bank of the river Tserap.
Day 13
Trek 9 - Pipula - Raru via Ichar
Trekking Time: 51/2 hours
Altitude: 3700m / 12, 139 ft.
We will continue the trail beside the Tserap River until reaching the photogenic Ichhar Village (located opposite the trail) where you can then visit the village and the Gompa which is situated at the top of the village. After a short distance, the campsite is located beside the lake where locals stock the water for irrigation use.
Day 14
Trek 10 - Raru - Padum
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 3600m / 11,811 ft.
Leaving early in the morning, you will be able to visit the Mune and Bardan Gompa, as well as the Kagyupa Monastery; famous for its prayer wheel. Once reached the Padum administrative headquarter of the Zanskar subdivision, of the Kargil district, we will then spend an overnight stay in a camp within Padum.
Day 15
Journey from Padum - Rangdum
Altitude: 3600 m / 11,811 ft. (Over Pensi La 4400 m /14,435 ft.)
We will begin the drive over the Pensi La, where we will then visit the Sainy Gompa. The road leads through several villages, accompanied by spectacular views of the Darung- Drung glacier and the whole chain of the Zanskar mountain range. We will then descend to the valley from the pass, visit the monastery of Rangdum and camp on the meadow of Edelweiss.
Day 16
Journey from Rangdum to Kargil
Altitude: 3700 m / 12,139 ft.
The day will consist of a full day of driving through the Suru Valley; one of the most beautiful valleys in Ladakh. You will be able to experience the scenic view of the magnificent Nun-Kun glacier and Himalayan peaks of the Zanskar Range. The trail goes through the foot of the Nun – Kun glacier. We will then reach at a passport control check point in Panikhar. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 17
Journey from Kargil – Leh via Lamayuru/Alchi
Travelling Distance: 230 km
Travelling Time: 7-8 hours
We leave Kargil and head towards the Indus Valley, en route visiting the famous Lamayuru and old monastery of Alchi, before continuing the drive to Leh. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 18
Sightseeing around Leh
Full day of sightseeing with a visit to the Shey, Thiskey and Hemis Monasteries of Ladakh. Afternoon visit around the town. Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 19
Sightseeing around Leh
We will visit to a monastery within the town and sightsee of the Shanti Stupa and Old Fort of Leh. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 20
Flight from Leh-Delhi
You will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Delhi. Once reached in Delhi you will then be transported to your hotel where you will be staying overnight. The afternoon can be spent at your own leisure.
Day 21
Flight Departure: Visit Old/New Delhi (Optional)
You will be given the opportunity to visit Old or New Delhi as you will have a full day free, before being transferred to the Indira Gandhi International Airport where you will depart to your onward destination.
