Starting from Leh, 3 days will be spent travelling through the valley of the Indus passing through Kargil and Rangdum before reaching in Padum. The Zanskar range dominates the landscape as we join the Suru Valley where the trek begins. It is a difficult trek as we pass over several passes of varying altitudes – highest being 4700 m (15,419 ft.). With 10 days of trekking we will explore many villages and monasteries perched high on hilltops. Ending the trek in Lamayuru, we will head for Leh where you will eventually depart for 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
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Trek 1 – Padum to Rinam
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 3500 m / 11,482 ft.
After departing Padum we will head towards Pipting, before reaching the dusty plane heading towards the Doda River. En route we will visit the Karsha Monastery; a beautiful Gelugpa monastery dating from the 15th Century (in common with the Likkir Gompa in Leh and the Kamoling Gompa). We will then advance to the campsite in Rinam outside the village.
Day 8
Trek 2 – Rinam – Pishu
Trekking Time: 3 hours (Via Zangla - 6 hours)
Altitude: 3400 m / 11,154 ft.
The trek will begin with a flat trail beside the Zanskar River where you will be able to visit Zangla Village - an ancient capital of Zanskar – as well as the ruins of a castle and a Nunnery. A small Gompa within the village had been shifted from the Old Fort houses (some old Thangka and statues) which can be seen. After visiting the village we will then make our way back to the beautiful campsite of Pishu.
Day 9
Trek 3 – Pishu – Hanumil
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 3550m / 11,646 ft.
We will be following a track that leads up and down until we come across a bridge that crosses over a stream. A colourful Chorten appears before arriving in the Pidmo Village. Another 2 hours of trekking until we reach the campsite of Hanumil.
Day 10
Trek 4 – Hanumil – Snertse
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 4200 m / 13,779 ft. (Over Parfi La 3900m / 12,795 ft.)
The trail leads through a cliffy track until a gradual climb to reach Parfi La. A steep zigzag descent needs to be made to reach the riverside where you can then refresh yourself under a Willow shrub. The dusty and sunny trail will lead to the campsite, where one can occasionally see the Ibex (a mountain goat) grazing on the slope in front of the camp.
Day 11
Trek 5 - Snertse to Lingshed
Trekking Time: 7 hours
Altitude: 3800m / 12,467 ft. (Over Hanuma La 4700 m / 15,419 ft.)
A gradual ascend through gorges until later the valley will widen. Once reached the top, an extensive view of the rugged Himalayan Mountains layered one after one can be viewed. A long descent to the Lingshed where we will then make camp, before a visit to a Gelugpa sect (Yellow hats) monastery.
Day 12
Trek 6 - Lingshed to Yulchun Gyra
Altitude: 4500 m / 14,763 ft. (Trek starts over Murgum La 4100 m / 13,451 ft.)
An easy climb to the Murgum La will take around an hour where you can enjoy the surrounding view before descending along the slope to the Nieraq Valley. After passing Gongma and Skiumpata Villages, there will be a steep ascent to the Kuba La (3800 m / 12,467 ft.) until an easy walk will be made to reach the campsite.
Day 13
Trek 7 - Yulchungyra to Phutoksar
Trekking Time: 7 hours
Altitude: 3750 m / 12,303 ft.
We will have 2 hours to reach at the top of the Singee La (5000m / 16,404 ft.) before making a short descent down into the broad valley where herds of Yak can be seen. We will then cross several rivers until reaching Phutoksar; a beautiful village at the base of a huge mountain wall. Overnight camp outside of the Phutoksar Village.
Day 14
Trek 8 - Phutoksar to Hanupata
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 3500 m / 11,482 ft.
Beginning with an easy walk, we will then eventually make a steep climb that will take us to Sirsir La (4900 m / 16,076 ft.). A descent to the river bank will be made where you can see farmers cultivating their pastures (peas and barley etc.). The campsite is located before the Hanupata Village on the banks of a stream.
Day 15
Trek 9 - Hanupata to Wanla
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 3300 m / 10,826 ft.
Across from the Hanupata Village, a steep path cuts down into the rocks before ending up out of the gorge where we will then arrive in Franjila Village. You will enjoy a pleasant walk through the villages before reaching in Wanla. A monastery can also be visited at the top of the hill. An overnight stay in a campsite.
Day 16
Trek 10 - Wanla to Lamayuru
Altitude: 3600 m / 11,811 ft. (Over Pritnik La 3800 m / 12,467 ft.)
Heading up to the Shilacong, cross the bridge and follow the broad Chorten then continue on to follow the narrow and dry gorge up to the Pritnik La. We will then descend and cross a small stream until we begin to climb to the village of Lamayuru. Here we will visit the monastery before heading for camp.
Journery from Lamayuru to Leh
Altitude: 3500 m / 11,482 ft.
You will be joining the morning Puja before continuing towards the beautiful Alchi Village, en route visiting the monastery before driving on to Leh. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 18
Stok Palace and Spituk Monastery
We will be visiting the Stok Palace and museum followed by a visit to the Spituk Monastery and a stroll in the village. In the afternoon you will be able to spend the rest of your time at your leisure, with an overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 19
Sightseeing around Leh
We will visit to a monastery within the town and view 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
You will be given the opportunity to visit Old or New Delhi as you will have a full day of sightseeing, before being transferred to the Indira Gandhi International Airport where you will depart to your onward destination.
