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Remote Zanskar Trek – The Hidden Kingdom
Duration
Overview
A tough trek for experienced mountain lovers with elevations ranging from 2800 to 5100 m
Check out the frugal lifestyle of local villagers and monks
Magnificent views of remote Zanskar peaks, glaciers and monasteries
Option to enter the region via Leh in Ladakh or Srinagar in Kashmir
Detailed Itinerary
Morning flight to Leh and spend two days for body acclimatization to an altitude of 3,500 m / 11,500 ft. Start the trip with a visit to the Shanti Stupa overlooking Indus Valley and enjoy a stunning sunset.
Make a day trip to Indus Valley and appreciate the Palace in Shey, ancient capital of the Ladakhi Kingdom. Spend some time at some of the influential monasteries (gompas) of Matho, Thiksey and Hemis. Spend the night in Leh.
Start out for Kargil via Alchi and Lamayuru Monasteries, stopping to see this magnificent work of art. Cross Fotu La pass at an elevation of 4,100 m / 13,450 ft and visit Mulbekh Monastery. Take a halt in Kargil.
Drive towards Suru and Zanskar valleys via Panikar and Parkachan villages, Admire the stunning view of Nun Kun peaks (up to 7140 m / 23,425 ft). Spend the night in tents in Rangdum (3,660 m / 12,000 ft) and visit a Monastery (Gompa) to experience Buddhism in its totality.
Go onto Padum across Pensi La pass at 4,400 m / 14,435 ft, towards the heart of Zanskar Valley. Begin a trip to Sani Gompa and camp near Padum, the only town in and the administrative center of the Zanskar sub-district.
Spend a day relaxing and acclimatizing to the altitude. Walk towards Shilla (1 hour) or explore Zanskar Valley by jeep and visit Karsha Monastery dating back to 11th Century, once the capital of theZanskar Buddhist Kingdom. Spend the night camping in Shilla.
Start your trek from Shilla to Reru along Tsarap river and on the way visit Bardan and Mune Monasteries. Tonight camp near Reru (3,850 m / 12,630 ft).
Now the valley will turn into narrow gorges as you trek so be careful. Walk past Ichar village to reach Pipula camp.
Trek across Surla and Tsetang hamlets along the river to reach Purne village (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). Camp near the confluence point of Tsarap and Kargyak rivers and experience Ladhak in all its beauty.
You can make a trip to spectacular Phuktal (4,000 m / 13,125 ft) and see the Phuktal Gompa, built between 10th and 12th centuries. Head back to Purne and spend the night there.
Enjoy a long trek today through fields and villages of Yal, Kuru and Testa. In the evening reach Kargyak, one of the most remote village of Zanskar.
Leave Zanskar and enter Lahaul. Walk through yak pastures and enjoy fascinating view of the Gumburanjon Peak (5,320 m / 17,455 ft) and other glaciers. You will see the fascinating Shingo La pass. Tonight spend time at the Lakhan camp (4,500 m / 14,765 ft).
Today you will undertake a steep climb up to Shingo La pass,which will be the culmination of your trek. From the top you can admire the view of Zanskar and Ramjak snow capped peaks. Now start a long descent to Zanskar Chumdo (4,200 m / 13780 ft).
Head towards Jankar Nalla valley and arrive in Palamo village.
Today experience a short trek from Palamo to Darcha. From here you will betransferred by road to Manali. End of trek!
Drive down the winding roads of Manali to Shimla, admiring the enchanting views of the tall hills of Himachal. Spend the night at Shimla, former summer capital of British India.
The valley turns into narrow gorges as you trek. Walk past Ichar village then reach Pipula camp across the river.
Reach Delhi and relish some sightseeing and shopping. Then transfer to international airport for onward destination.