The Southern Zanskar Circuit
Zanskar, inaccessible for centuries, is unlike anywhere else on earth: A high arid land with fortress-like Buddhist monasteries steeped in myth and rich in imagery. It is also a world where the only way to travel is on foot or by pony. This trek takes us from the Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh into the ancient kingdom of Zanskar, where we visit the remarkable cave gompa of Phugtal. The people, the scenery and the challenge make this a truly unique adventure.
Day 1: Lamayuru - Wanla
The trek starts from Lamayuru. The Monastery here is the oldest in Ladakh,has begin library of Buddhist literature from here trek over Phrinkiti-la pass(4090mts)(3245m) easy and descend. Camp over night at Wanla 5hrs.
Day 2: Wanla - Hanupatta
Gradual ascend to the Gaylop-la (3900m).visit the small Gompa,aout 6-7hrs of trek.Camp over night at Hanupatta.
Day 3: Hanupatta - Photaksar over SirSir-La (4900m)
Trek through the paths cut into the rocks to avoids dificult river crossing,gradual climb to the SirSir-La. Camp over night at Photaksar. Time taken( 6-7Hrs).
Day 4: Photaksar - Marling over Boumitse-La (4200m)
Beautifull ways all around during the trek. Yaks can be frequently seen during the trek. Camp at marling.(6-7hrs).
Day 5: Marling - Lingshet over Singi-La (5060Mts)
Wonderful landscape, gradual ascends to the Singi-la, spectaculars views from the top of the pass. Arrive in Lingshet, Optional visit of the monastery that belongs to the Gelupa sect. Camp at Lingshet. (7-8hrs).
Day 6: Lingshet - Zingchen over Haluma-La (4700Mts)
A gradual 300 meters climb and descend over the Haluma -La pass sepectacular view all around . Camp overnight at Zingchen. Taken Time 7hrs.
Day 7: Zingchen - Hanumil over Parfi-La (3900mts)
Trek over the steep pass called Parfi-la,about 7hrs of trek. beautiful view all around. Camp overnight at Hanumil. taken time (6-7hrs).
Day 8: Hanumil - Pishu
Trek to Pishu camp overnight Pishu( 6-7hrs).
Day 9: Pishu - Karsha trek to Thongde Gompa and village
Trek for about 6hrs camp overnight at Karsha. Visit to the Famous karsha Monastery.
Day 10: Karsha - Padum
Good view of valley from karsha,the Monastery is the largest in Zanskar region,having 150 lamas of the yellow sect. Trek to Padum through the flat valley floor. Padum belong to the Drukpa Sect. Camp at Padum.(3531Mts)(6-7hrs).
Day 11: Padum - Mune (3560Mts)
Walk along the river, landscap changes enroute, The trail descend steeply to the main river valley and village of the Ichar through the some impressive gorges. Camp at Mune. Taken time (5-6 hrs).
Day 12: Mune - Ichar: (3750mts)
This day is easy as you have to walk along the river to Pepula. some impressive village of Ichar and Dorzong come on the way. The camp Ichar at without greenery. (5hrs).
Day 13: Ichar - Purni
The walk is along the west side of river and passes through occasional villages. (4-5hrs)(3770mts) camp over night at Purni.
Day 14: Purni - Phuktal - Purni Visit the famous Phuktal Gompa (7Kms)
One of the most impressive in Zanskar Region. The monastery is been carved out of the mountain wall and a huge limestone cave. The site date of the 11th century, the monastery was founded by Changsems Shereb Zangpo. Overnight camp at Purni(8hrs).
Day 15: Purni - Tangtse
Trek to the friendly village of Tangtse, at the base of the gorge leading to Phirtse La. 5-6 hrs.
Day 16: Tangtse - Shingsaw
Trek to Shingsaw, the base camp for pass crossing. 5-6 hrs.
Day 17: Shingsaw - Phirtse La
Trek over Phirtse La (5350 metres) to base camp. 6-7 hrs.
Day 18: Phirtse La-Chumik Marpo
Trek to Chumik Marpo. 5-6 hrs over nights camp.
Day 19: Chumik Marpo-Sarchu Serai
Trek to Sarchu Serai, on the banks of the Yunan River. 5-6 hrs
Day 20: Sarchu Serai-Kilang Sarai
Trek to Kilang Sarai, where one will meet the Manali to Leh road. 5-6 hrs.
Day 21: Kilang Sarai-Keylong-Manali
Travel by jeep to Keylong, the capitol and administrative center of Lahaul. Continue by jeep over Rohtang Pass to Manali. 8-9 hrs drive. Overnight hotel.
Day 22: Departure Transfer (570 km)
Depart - Delhi and transfer to airport by Volvo bus for catching a flight to onward journey. 15 hrs.
