We make an early start from Chandigarh taking NH 21 to reach Manali.
We will leave Leh in the morning for Lamayuru. Three places Alchi , Lamayuru and Likir are the worth visiting for their historic and age values considerations. We will spend the left day after reaching Lamayuru (3420m) exploring the oldest monasteries and then we will prepare for the next day.
An easy trail will lead us to small pass Prinkti La (3750m) before we will head down to the Shilla village which is three km to Wanla (32500Hee we will set the camp for the entire night and we will spend the evening relaxing under the sun or can also go for exploring Wanla gompa before gathering up for dinner.
To a beautiful valley we will choose the easiest way towards Phansilla (3410m) from here we will walk in the valley where the valley will start growing narrow along with the mountains towering over our heads and the river Zanskar makes the way deep in the gorge. We will camp along the sides of the river after the village Hanupatta (3760) where we can observe the view deep down.
For some time we will follow the river and the valley before crossing the river and then we will begin with the gradual descent to Sirsir la (4850)at the top we can find the beautiful views of the Zanskar range as well as the pass the Singge La (5090m).
To reach down the village Photoskar (4200m), situated on the cliffs of the hills path has to be followed. We will camp for the night along the river rest and enjoy.
This morning we will cross the small pass of Bumifktse La (4200)and will enter the wide valley Lush Photang. The majestic Zanskar river assumes when crossing through the deepest gorges and twisted green fields which forms its own life. Steadily we will walk towards the Sengge La or the Lion pass. The final few distance we have to travel is steep but it will offer us the rewarding sight on the top. From the pass the distance from our site is easy to walk.
We will move above the Zanskar river; -where the hills take greener and gentler formations before we will descend from Kiupa La (4400) there is a deep zigzag path to the village Skiumpata. From here we will start climbing up an easy way to the Margum La (4400m) from where we can watch Lingshed for an hour or so. Set a camp next to the local monastery.
We will walk for the entire day through the green fields of Linghed. The way has some up and down curves before we will reach the base of Hanuma La. The tracks are flooded with rose bushes and a flourishing riverbed. There is a herders camp present above the campsite of Snertse were cheese, milk and curd is available sometimes.
Next day we will take the path for another pass Parif La. which is at small distance from Snerte, There is the beautiful view of the valley , the Oma Chu River and we can see the pass just below from there. There starts the juniper covered zigzag ways when we will pass the bridge up to Parif La . From here we will walk down towards the banks of the river Zanskar and then we will take the path to the village Hanumil (3380m) where we will find our camp for overnight.
We will start the journey by choosing an easy way along the river Zanskar and then will follow the way to Pishu (3470m) passing the Pidmo (3420m). We will end the day reaching to our camp at a lush green campsite which is situated close where we can satisfy our thirst.
We will begin our day with a healthy breakfast and will start towards our next stop. There is the way from Pishu which ascends slowly to Rinam (3550m) which is situated at the bank of Great river Zanskar. We will reach Karsha (3600m) and camp next to river bank. Karshe monastery
We will take the path to Pipiting village which is a dusty path from Karsha. Padum is the centre of activities of the valley. We can utilize the day for sightseeing of the popular Sani Gompa which is located at the nearby distance of four hours. Camp for the night.
There we will find a dusty road and there we will begin the journey to En route where we will pass the Bardhan villages. It will take another two and a half hours to reach the Tsarap River before we will take a turn off to the Kangla, and rise to a raised ground and reach the moon (3900m) village.
Raru is considered as a tough journey by few visitors. After passing by the chief tributary beyond Raru, its a small walking distance before a slow drop to the main valley. After that a trail will begin along the river which will lead to village Ichar were we will camp for the rest of the night.
Its tricky trail for the horses from Ichar but it's also thrilling to be in the wonderful gorge. As we cross from Cha there are many falls and climbs and small river side which leads to the Surle and Cha village. From Cha there is walking path along the river and amidst vegetation when we will cross the bridge which feels like spiritual tunes flowing through the stream which takes the exhaustion with it. Camp is at village Purne (3700m).
Phuktal (3850 m) trail will lead us to the right sides of the river Tsarap which enters into the grand gorges and continues to a makeshift bridge. After travelling a short distance we will come across a small plateau with chortens sprinkling and prayer flag. From here we can have a beautiful view of the Phuktal monastery which is one of the wonderful sights in the Zanskar river. We will come back to the camp to rest after visiting the monastery.
We will start a venture with passing the bridge in the gorge. We will take the trail along the right bank of the river before the vertical ascent starts in the fertile plain grounds of Tetha village (3980). The path is convenient with minor climbs and fall is marked by a series of well marked steps of the village Kuru (3990)which is the main core for livestock breedings. The trail moves down back to the right side of the bank of the river towards the tense (9850)village. Its a simple small distance from Tanze to the path which joins up the climbing tours Darcha-Padum by the Baralacha & Phirtse La.
The track from the Tabley normally ascends to the Kargyak (4050m) which is on the left bank which is the peak enduring settlement in the Zanskar area. We can easily climb up towards the majestic rock tower which is also known as Gonpo Rangjung. After travelling through grand Rockface, there we will find a number of passages which will lead to the upper grounds of the Kargyak river. The road when then lead to the amazing yak grazing pastureland which is known as Lakung (4470) This is one of the rewarding places for camping.
Today we will start with a good breakfast to store additional energy to face the challenges of Shingo pass (5090)Though it is not tough if compared to Himalayan standards. It is worth trying and can certainly be accomplished within a few hours. The regular ascent will lead us to the pass top. The path of descent is simple and compressed. Which will begin with a little steepness path and will lead to a slope towards the right of the valley; passing through the shepherds' huts at Chumik and ahead of it will lead to the Meadowlands Rumjak campsite.
We will continue the journey on the river bank where inclines are quite slow until the final sections of the Zanskar Sumdo (3680)Before arriving Zanskar Sumdo the path is simple. It needs alertness for the steepness. There is a steep incline at the diversion which we are crossing on the river on a manned bridge pulley. Ahead the track will run alongside the shores towards the fields of boulder until Pallamo. Camp for the night stay.
The concluding day we will begin with the simplest and shortest hike on this journey of adventure. We will first pass down the valley for Rarig village and continue path until we will reach for the final stage to Darcha.
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