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The Classic Padum - Lamayuru Trek
- Grande Traverse through Zanskar and Ladakh |
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This 21 days classic trek is a traverse through the extensive mountain desert region of Zanskar and Ladakh. Zanskar is unlike anywhere else - Mysterious whistle of the wind, fluttering prayer flags on the gompa roofs, buzzing sound of the prayers from monasteries. The frighteningly beautiful landscape dominated by numerous shades of brown and red of the majestic high Mountain desert, mesmerizes all travelers by its unique Himalayan aura. Dotting the entire expansive landscape are, the tiny villages surrounded by the paddy fields, inhabited by courteous and friendly people. |
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Each day, Nature offers us a different companion as this amazing journey proceeds. From Darcha over the high pass of Shingo La into Zanskar, as we enter into Zanskar, the first sight of Gunboronjon makes us spellbound with its beauty. As this sheer rock stands majestically in the middle of the Valley. It has a unique place in the legends of Zanskar. Next part of the journey is through the Zanskar Valley along the Kargiak Chhu (River). We pass through many beautiful villages.The imposing and honeycomb monastery of Phuktal is a rare sight and is unmatched in its sublime grandeur. The monastery has been etched out of a composite mountain. Further the journey is through the Massive Zanskar Gorge as the Zanskar River flows quietly along. 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). |
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Sani and Zonkhal are another interesting monasteries around Padum. From Padum the valley now expands to both sides of the River. We trek through the last few Villages of Zanskar such as Rinam, Pishu, Pidmo, and Zangla. Zangla - in the olden days served as a Capital of Zanskar. After reaching the last Hamlet of Hanumura we bid farewell to the Zanskar River, our companion all along the Trek. The Journey now is over the extensive Himalayan Ranges and almost each day we cross a Pass. Decent to the base of Purfi La takes us to Uma Chhu (stream), which locally is considered the boundary between Zanskar and Ladakh. Next Pass, Hanumi La offers a magnificent 360 view of the Himalayas. As we stand between the Great Himalayas and the Zanskar and Ladakh Ranges and beneath lies The Lingshed Village, beautifully settled in the isolated settings. The last phase of this Classic trek over the high mountain Passes of Shingi La (5000 Mts.), Sirsir La (4,900 Mts.) on the way we pass through the Villages of Phutoksar, Hanupatta. From Hanupatta the trail is through the massive gorge to Wanla and we eventually reach Lamayuru over Prinkti La (3,726 Mts.). |
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DAY – 01: MANALI – DARCHA (3,300 Mts.) (DRIVE) (7-8 Hrs.) |
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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 match so dramatic a change in landscape as the Rohthang Pass. To one side, the lush green head of Kullu Valley; to the other, an awesome vista of bare, chocolate – colored mountains, hanging glaciers and snowfields that shine in the dazzlingly crisp fight. On the Valley floor, we drive through fields of potato and peas, dotted by Lahauli Villages, as we encounter local inhabitants working in the fields. after crossing the 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. ), the road crosses the River 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. There is a Hospital, College, Court and other Government offices. As we move further towards Darcha, we see along the River many villages with Buddhist prayer flags and Stupa’s .The landscape also embodies a more desert like look. In a way this is the beginning of, what we are going to experience and see for the next 21 days. |
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DAY – 02: DARCHA – PA LAHMO (3,450 Mts.) (4 Hrs.) |
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An early start after breakfast to Palahmo. Slowly 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, hence the name --Palahmo; 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 – 03: PA LAHMO – ZANSKAR SUMDO (3,600 Mts.) (5 Hrs) |
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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 – 04: ZANSKAR SUMDO – RAMJAK (4150 Mts.) (4 Hrs.) |
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Crossing the river on a suspension bridge we enter into another valley towards right side and now the trail gets steeper, and walk gets bit strenuous as altitude gains. Today we camp after around 4 Hrs. Of walk at Ramjak for acclimatization after pitching the camp we trek bit higher and then cpme back to camp at Ramjak. |
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DAY – 05: RAMJAK - CHUMIKNAKPO (4,500 Mts.) (3 Hrs.) |
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Today, the walk further gains around 400 Mts. of elevation. Around are the Tremendous landscape, with summits of 6000 Mts. and higher. This is a pure alpine region. Finally we reach the campsite, Chumiknakpo, which in local language means the black spring. After pitching the camp we go ahead for an acclimatization walk a bit higher and return back to the camp. |
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DAY – 06: CHUMIKNAKPO – LAKHANG (4,060 Mts.) - OVER SHINGO LA (5,100 Mts.) (7 -8 Hrs.) |
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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 – 07: LAKHANG – KARGIAK (4030 Mts.) (5 – 6 Hrs) |
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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. Camp at Kargiak. |
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| DAY – 08: KARGIAK – PURNE (3700 Mts.) (6 Hrs.) |
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We track all along the Kargiak Chu stream. 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 – 09: PURNE – PHUKTAL MONASTERY – PURNI (6 Hrs.) |
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Around two hours walk on a rocky track takes us to the famous Phuktal Monastery. Phuktal Monastery – The imposing and honeycomb 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. We return to Purni by afternoon. |
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DAY – 10: – PURNI – PIPULA (5 Hrs.) |
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We track 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 track. We camp at Pipula along the River Zanskar. |
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DAY – 11: PIPULA – RARU (3,600 Mts.) VIA ICHAR VILLAGE (6 Hrs.) |
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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. The camping is on a beautiful grassy patch along a Small lakes made by collecting the water from the glacier streams flowing down the mountains by the villagers for irrigating their fields.
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DAY - 12: RARU - PADUM (3500 Mts.) (06-07 Hrs.) |
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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 – 13: PADUM – KARSHA – RINAM (3,500 Mts.) (05 Hrs.) |
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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 Lin 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 – 14: RINAM – PISHU (3,400 Mts.) (3 Hrs.) |
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Easy stretch on the bank of the Zanskar river till we get to camp at Pishu Village. Attractive campsite, below the village of Pishu. (RELAX AT THE CAMP OR EXPLORE THE VILLAGE)
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| DAY – 15: AT PISHU AND SIDE TREK TO ZANGLA (2 Hrs.) |
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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 cattle’s), 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 – 16: PISHU – HANUMIL (3,550) (05 Hrs.) |
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Continue through left bank of the River. Easy going sometimes along the river and sometimes cross 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 – 17: HANUMIL – PARFI-LA (3,900 Mts.) – SNERTSE (4,200) |
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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 (tented tea shop). |
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DAY – 18: SNERTSE – HANUMA-LA (4,700 Mts.) – LINGSHED (3,800 Mts.) (8 Hrs.) |
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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 ranges of the mountains such as Markha, Stok, Zanskar, Nun & Kun, this is 360° View. A 100 Mts. 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 (Gelugpa). |
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DAY – 19: LINGSHED – YALCHUN GYARA (BASE OF SHINGI LA (4,500 Mts.) (5 Hrs.) |
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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 – 20: YALCHUN GYARA – PHOTOKSAR (3,750 Mts.) OVER SHINGI LA (5000 Mts.) (7 Hrs.) |
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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 Bumitse-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 – 21 : REST AND EXPLORE THE VILLAGE OF PHOTOKSAR. |
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DAY – 22: PHOTOKSAR – HANUPATTA (3,500 Mts.) OVER SIRSIR LA (4,900 Mts.) (6 Hrs.) |
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From the village gentle climb up to a large Chhorten, then long ascent of the top of the Sirsir-La, the climbs get 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 long graduals walk into a stony valley. Good campsite a short distance before the village of Hanupatta |
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| DAY – 23: HANUPATTA – WANLA (3,300 Mts.) (5 Hrs.) |
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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 banner on a flat Part of the ridge, from here another valley to the right goes to Markha Valley. From 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: WANLA – LAMAYURU (3,600 Mts.) OVER PRINKTI LA (3,800 Mts.) |
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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. Camp at lamayuru. |
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DAY– 25: DRIVE TO LEH LEH (3170 Mts.) |
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From here we drive to Leh, this drive takes around 5 Hrs. During this we pass through many villages of Leh and one the way visit the famous monastery of Alchi. From the road at Nimu Village we can see the confluence of River Indus and River Zanskar. |
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| Trek Sketch |
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