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Ladakh
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Darcha
to Leh Trek |
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3 Nights Delhi, Manali 2 Nights, Leh 3 nights
hotels and 20 nights camping; a strenous trek |
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Itinerary |
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Day 01 |
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Arrival in Delhi. Meet the guide at the
airport and transfer to hotel. |
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Day 02 |
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Sightseeing of Delhi and in the late afternoon,
catch bus to Manali. |
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Day 03 |
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Arrive Manali in the morning. Free stay. |
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Day 04 |
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Explore the sightse of Manali like Hadimba
Temple, Hot spring etc. |
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Day 05 |
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Manali to Darcha
As we start our journey, leaving the lush green countryside
of Manali towards Rohthang Pass (3,978 Mts.). Rohthang
Pass - Few places on the Earth can mark so dramatic a
change in landscape as the Rohthang Pass. After crossing
a bridge at Tandi, the meeting point of Chandra and Bhaga
Rivers, which later becomes Chenab, These Rivers originate
from Baralacha La, and flows all the way into the plains
of Punjab. From Tandi, the road crosses the River on a
bridge and veers North along the Bhaga Valley to Keylong
- The district head quarters of Lahaul and Spiti. Keylong
is quite a busy town, as it is the only big market in
Lahaul Region. As we move further towards Darcha, we see
along the River many villages with Buddhist prayer flags
and Stupas and the landscape also embodied more desert
look. In a way this is the beginning of, what we are going
to experience and see for the next 21 days. ( Drive 7-8
hours). Overnight camp |
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Day 06 |
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Darcha to Pa Lhamo (3,450 Mts.)
(4 Hrs.)
An early start after the breakfast to Palahmo. Slowely
the landscape changes its appearance, rocks assume human
like forms. It is flat easy walk to the last villages
of Lahaul, Chhika and Rarik. On the way we meet nice friendly
people of this region. From here another stretch of walk
along the River (Barai Nallah) to Palahmo. There is a
small temple on the edge of a gorge dedicated to the local
Goddess Paldan Lahmo, from this the place has got its
name. Standing on the top of the gorge, it is wonderful
site to see the tremendous energy with which the water
moves through this gorge. After crossing a man made bridge
over the Gorge we reach the Camping site. |
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Day 07 |
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Pa Lhamo to Zanskar Sumdo (3,600
m.) (5 Hrs)
Today's walk is all along the River (Barai Nallah). The
trail winds through the boulders and a small stream crossing
ARE involved on the way to get to the campsite. A beautiful
campsite on the banks of the River (Barai Nallah). |
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Day 08 |
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Zanskar Sumdo to Chumiknakpo (7
Hrs.) - We enter into another valley after crossing
a bridge. Comparing to the previous walks, today's walk
is bit hard, as we climb more then 800 Mts. in high altitude
conditions. But to compensating the fatigue, it is a tremendous
landscape around; there are summits of 6000 Mts. and more
all around you. This is a pure alpine region. Finally
we reach the campsite, Chumiknakpo, which in local language
means black spring. |
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Day 09 |
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Chumiknakpo to Lakhang (4,060 Mts.)
over Shingo La (5,100 m.) One has to be prepared for the
steep as well gradual ascent to the top of the Shingo
La. When you reach on the top, here you will be exactly
in the heart of the Great Himalayas. At the foot of high
summits. To the other side lies completely different World;
this is the beginning of mountain desert. In the local
language Zanskar means 'White Copper' Entering Zanskar,
the first sight we catch, is of a mammoth granite rock,
magnificently standing in the middle of the Valley. Zanskar
have a legend that this is not a sheer rock, instead a
monastery, where monks live and pray. During the Tibetan
New Year the lucky few can hear, low drumbeats and also
see tiny lamps, glimpsing on the rock. This rock is known
as Gumburangjon. Lakhang (Camp site) is at the foot of
Gumburangjon. Campsite is splendid. |
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Day 10 |
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Lakhang-Thamble/Thangse (4030 m)
(6.30 Hrs) - Today we walk through the plains
of Zanskar, admiring its lunar landscape, the rocks assume
different colors and this mixed with the infinite blue
of the sky, makes the atmosphere, a divine one. The walk
is all the way along the Kargyak Chu (stream). As we reach
Kargyak, the first village of Zanskar, we meet the friendly
and warm people of Zanskar. From here 1.30 hrs walk first
along the mane walls (prayer walls) then along the Kargyak
Chu stream to camp at Thangse/ Thable. |
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Day 11 |
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Thamble/Thangse to Purne (3700m)
(6 Hrs.)
After crossing the Thangse Bridge, we keep walking on
the left bank of the Stream till we reach Testa Village,
quite a big village as comparison to other villages in
Zanskar. From here we pass through quite a few more hamlets
to get to Purne, a small hamlet on top of a hill. With
three to four houses, belonging to the same family. This
is a resting point for trekkers from both sides, this
makes it a very commercial center in the middle of this
isolated land. You can get form Coke to a bottle of beer
here, no matter the prices are almost triple. And below
there is a confluence point of Kargiak Chu and Sarap Chu
(Chu in local language means river or water) which now
becomes Sarap Chu or Zanskar River and would accompany
us throughout our Journey in Zanskar. This River is infect
used by the local people of Zanskar to travel to Leh and
other far Villages in the Winters when it freezes and
the thick layer of ice on the top, makes it what is famously
called as Chader (Blanket) Route. In the recent times
this is getting very famous among the travelers around
the World. |
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Day 12 |
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Purne to Phuktal Gompa (7 Hrs.)-Gyalbok
- Around two hours walk on a rocky track takes us to the
famous Phuktal Monastery. Phuktal Monastery - The imposing
and honey comb monastery of Phuktal is a rare sight and
is unmatched in its sublime grandeur. The monastery has
been etched out of a composite mountain and has a massive
cave. Yellow capped monks who are hospitable, dominate
the monastery and visitors are welcome. Inside the cave
there is water whole, whose water remains constantly at
the same level. One should not forget to take torch to
view magnificent old paintings and thankas in the dark
rooms of the Monastery. After visiting and exploring the
Monastery we retreat back to Purne and further through
the Gorge, along the Zanskar River, we get to a small
Hemlet of Gyalbok. Located in the middle of the Gorge
on a hill. This is a very beautiful camp. |
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Day 13 |
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Gyalbok to Raru (3,600 Mts.) via
Ichar Village (6 Hrs.) - Another stretch of trek
through the middle of the Gorge and our sincere companion,
the Zanskar River flows along. After crossing the Bridge
on Zanskar River we get to another very beautiful Village
of Zanskar 'Ichar'. Village is located on a rock to the
right bank of Zanskar River. This village houses a small
but beautiful Monastery and has a school as well, one
of the schools in Zanskar which really works. We spend
bit of time, meeting the inhabitants of this beautiful
village and visiting the Monastery then continue our walk
to wards Raru. During this walk, there is a possibility
of finding some wild life, herds of Ibex, if this is one
of your lucky day. We cross another Bridge to reach Raru.
Another big Village in Zanskar, now connected with road
to Padum. Collecting the water from the glacier streams
flowing down the mountains by the villagers for irrigating
their fields on a beautiful grassy patch along a small
lake makes the camping. |
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Day 14 |
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Raru to Padum (3500 m.) (06-07 Hrs.)
Walking further, we pass through the Mune and Bardan Gompa.
Mune monastery is the finest example of the traditional
Tibetan architecture where as the Bardan monastery is
built on the huge rock on the banks of the river Zanskar,
the location of the monastery is incredible, it rises
right from the edge of cliff. All the way walking on the
dusty road, soon the wide plains of Zanskar are visible
and finally we reach Padum. |
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Day 15 |
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Padum to Karsha to Rinam (3,500m
(05 Hrs.)
One and a half hours trek through the flat plain, takes
us to Karsha Monastery - The largest and most important
monastery in the Zanskar region, it lies North to Padum
towards Yalang and can be reached after crossing the Doda
river (Stode river). The monastery that is picturesquely
built on a rock high Above the Doda River can be seen
from a distance. The monastery houses more than 150 yellow
capped monks who are headed by younger brother of Dalai
Lama. The monastery was built in 15th century and contains
beautiful statues of Buddha, Shakiyamuni, Tsongkhapa and
Avolokeshwara. The wall paintings are very attractive
and depict the life of Buddha and his disciples and number
of Buddhisatavas. It also contains a big library. There
is also a nunnery in the Monastery. On the way to monastery
one passes the Chamba Line temple. Which dates back to
11th century. During the prayer ceremony, the atmosphere
is very mesmerizing, as all the senior monks perform the
prayer, completely involved in the mantras (holy texts).
Of all the monasteries in Zanskar, this monastery is more
organized and disciplined. From Karsha , we continue through
the vast plain towards Rinam. Though windy but beautiful
campsite along a stream. This is like an oasis in the
desert |
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Day 16 |
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Rinam to Pishu (3400 m) (3 Hrs.)
Easy stretch on the bank of the Zanskar river till we
get to Today's camp at Pishu Village. Attractive campsite,
below the village of Pishu. After fixing the camp one
can visit Zangla. Crossing the Bridge to the right, Zangla,
in the olden days served as a Capital of Zanskar. One
can see the ruins of the Castle, on top of the Zangla
Village. Village has a monastery and Drogsa ( place to
keep the catteles), where there are nuns. Friendly nuns
are very hospitable and would always welcome the tourists
for a cup of tea, butter tea or curd and yogurt. We retreat
back to the camp for evening tea. |
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Day 17 |
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Pishu to Hanumil (3,550 m) (05 Hrs.)
Continue through left bank of the River. Easy going sometimes
along the river and sometimes crosses the moraine plateau.
A bridge before Pidmo (another beautiful village), then
another two hours until Hanumil, a hamlet of two houses
from the same family. This is our last night in Zanskar.
The camp is splendid. |
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Day 18 |
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Hanumil to Parfi La (3,900 m) to
Snertse (4,200)
Still on a good and easy path 3-4 hours beyond Hanumil
small stream on the left. Take on supply water. The path
leads away from the edge of the Zanskar, up to the plateau.
Here we bid good buy to our companion, Zanskar River for
long seven days. Then to the foot of the pass. Steep and
difficult climb for the animals as far as the Parfi-la
(3,900 Mts.). Rather steep decent until reaching Oma-Chhu
River, local boundary between Zanskar and Ladakh. Good
bridge and then up a 500 Mts. sandy slope. Wonderful scenario
and possibility of finding Ibex herds grazing or resting
on the rocks. Then along the slope as far as the sheepfolds
of Snertse (tent- restaurant). |
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Day 19 |
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Snertse-Hanuma la ( 4700 m) and
Lingshed ( 3800m) ( 8 Hrs.)
Long gradual ascent towards the Hanuman-La. Through gorge.
After two hours, we pass through a sheepfold (sometimes
milk for sale). A further two-three hours to reach the
summit of Hanuma -La (4700 Mts.). Pass offers a magnificent
view of the various range of the mountains such as Markha,
Stok, Zanskar, Nun & Kun, this is 360° View. A
100 m. steep descent, then towards Lingshed. This is an
interesting walk, the Village seems to be close but to
get there it takes very long, each time, we think we are
there, it moves away, almost like a mirage. Eventually
we get there and the campsite is near the Villages monastery
(Gulepa). |
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Day 20 |
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Lingshed to Yalchuin Gyara ( Base
of Shingi La ( 4500 m)(5 Hrs.) Easy climb of
about one hour up to the Margum-La (4100 Mts.). Climbing
continuous for an escapement and then go along the slope.
Wonderful landscape, view of valley of Nierag, on the
other bank of Zanskar. Gentle descent towards the villages
of Gongma (3840 Mts.) and Kiupa-la. Then very steep climb
as far as the Kiupa-la. Then climb gradually along the
mountainside up to the foot of Shingi-La for overnight
stay. |
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Day 21 |
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Gyara to Photoksar (3,750 m.) over
Shingi La (5000 m) (7 Hrs.)
A steep climb to the Shingi -La, taking 2 Hrs. then a
short slope leads into a broad valley as we walk ahead,
the Valley stretches wider. Easy going and gentle climb
towards the Bumiktse-La for a beautiful view. Decent towards
Photoksar, splendid village at the base of huge mountain
walls. Abandoned Gompa 20 minutes away above the village.
Overnight camp at a very beautiful site. |
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Day 22 |
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Photoksar to Hanupatta (3,500 m) over Sisir
La (4,900 m.) (6 hrs) From the village gentle climb up
to a large Chhorten, then long ascent of the top of the
Sirsir-La, the climb gets steeper in the end of the ascent.
Pass is situated at 4900 Mts. easy descents to the river.
Cross onto the left bank by bridge. Then a long gradual
walks into a stony valley. Good campsite a short distance
before the village of Hanupatta |
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Day 23 |
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Hanupatta-Wanla (3,300 m) (5 hrs.)
From Hanupatta, continue across the slope until entering
the tremendous gorge, following a path into the rocks
to avoid difficult fords, a beautiful stream flows along.
As the gorge comes to an end there is a junction of streams.
Chhorten and religious banners on a flat Part of the ridge,
and then go down until reaching a good bridge across the
Yalopa. Then some easy and some difficult stretch (fallen
rocks) until Phenjilla. A little beyond the village, cross
again onto the left bank by bridge. Then on a flat way
to Wanla. A beautiful Gompa welcomes you here. Walk through
the gorge is unforgettable. Walking through it, as we
look towards sky, all we see is massive rocks and then
complete blue of the sky. |
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Day 24 |
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Wanla to Lamayuru (3,600 m) over
Prinkti La (3,800 m) to Leh (3170m)
Go up the Shill-Kong along the right bank, cross it then
arrive in Shilla village. After passing this village you
go to a broad Chhorten then follow a narrow and dry gorge
as far as the Prinkti-La (3726 Mts.). Easy decent followed
and then pass an escarpment. Cross the river and go towards
the village of Lamayuru. Short climb towards the monastery,
which is the most photographed in Ladakh. From here we
drive to Leh, this drive takes around 4.30 Hrs. During
this we pass through many villages of Leh and from the
road at Nimu Village we can see the confluence of River
Indus and River Zanskar. |
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Day 25-26 |
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Sightseeing around Leh. |
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Day 27 |
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flight back to Delhi. |
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Day 28 |
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Departure |
