Padum Zanskar Trekking
|
View Larger Map |
Lovely high meadow camp sites and dry desert land, high passes and snow-capped peaks stunning scenery, Buddhist monasteries and picturesque villages with their irrigated fields of barley and potatoes, and fascinating encounters with the Zanskari people turn a trek in this area into an unforgettable experience. North of the Great Himalaya Range, amongst a tangled knot of jagged mountains, lies the once independent kingdom of Zanskar. Sandwiched between the Indus Valley and the main crest of the Indian Himalaya, this is a vast area what at over 3000 square miles, is larger then the Indian state of Sikkim. In its remote and inaccessible setting, well guarded by snowy mountain passes, zanskar has kept alive an archaic form of Tibetan Buddhism which flourishes in a chain of far- flung monasteries, most of which occupy spectacular fortified locations, high on rocky ridges in isolated valleys. These isolated valleys are linked across high passes by a number of long established pathways, which also give access to the many picturesque villages of the hardy and cheerful Zanskari people.
Trans Zanskar Expedition in its scope and overwhelming in its sheer grandeur. Starting at Lamayuru gompa, the most ancient monastic site in all of Ladakh, we cross 4 high passes to reach Zanskar's capitol of Padum. From Padum, we continue ever deeper into the wonders of Zanskar, including a diversion to the famous Phugtal gompa. Our departure from Zanskar is over 17,000 foot Phirtse La to the vast plain of Sarchu.
Towards the western end of the Himalayas a series of continuous mountain ridges, comprising scores of 6000 metre (20000 foot) peaks, forms an effective barrier between the Indian provinces of Lahaul and Ladakh. Linking these contrasting mountainous regions is a trekking route that provides one of the great challenges of the Indian Himalaya. Transferring by train and car from Delhi, we pass through the lush Kulu Valley and cross the Rohtang Pass to reach the start of our trek at Darcha. From here, we head north across the Shingo La (c.5100m./16000ft.) into the ancient kingdom of Zanskar, famous for its hardy inhabitants and starkly beautiful landscape. En route, we encounter a succession of isolated villages and several wonderful Buddhist monasteries, notably at Phuktal, Lingshet and Lamayuru. As a finale to what is unquestionably one of the world's classic trekking experiences, there is also time to explore the fascinating Ladakhi capital of Leh.
Ladakh is both historically and culturally Tibetan. Its ancient monasteries and villages have remained unchanged over the centuries. Even if Zanskar had only got a handful of Gompas and settlements that lie within striking distance of the road or hidden away in the remote valleys, it offers glimpses into Tibetan Buddhism and the colourful lifestyles of this isolated region
Itinerary
Day 01 Arrive Delhi, where you will be met and transfered to your hotel. (Hotel B&B)Day 02 - Delhi - Leh (3500m) by plane.
Day 03 - Visit Leh
A whole day at leisure in Leh. You can visit some of the most famous and oldest monasteries of Ladakh (15th and 17th century), Thikse, Shey and Hemis and take a walk to the colorful bazaar. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04 - Leh - Kargil (3700m) by bus.
Day 05 Kargil - Padum (3600m) by bus.
Day 06 Padum - Karsha (3600m)
A pleasant walk through fields. On the way we will visit Pepiting monastery and the Karsha Gompa--one of the most important in Zanskar and dating back to the 15th century. We have beautiful panoramic vistas of the full Himalayan range.
Day 07 Karsha - Pishu (3470m)
We progress along the Zanskar river.
Day 08 Pishu - Hanumil (3380m)
An easy-going walk along the right bank of the river takes us to Rinam village. We continue to the tiny hamlet of Hanumil.
Day 09 Hanumil - Purfi La (3950m) - Snertse (3850m)
Up and down over a steep path.
Day 10 Snerstse - Hanuma La (4950m) - Lingshet (4000m)
After a steep climb we reach the Purfi La pass, from where the panorama towards the Ladakhi and Zanskari ranges is quite impressive. Visit of Lingshet monastery.
Day 11 Lingshet - Camp before Singue La (4550m)
We start a long and gradual ascent to the Netuke La pass (4280m), where we have a wonderful view towards the Nierag valley. The trail then descends shortly to reach Skimpata and Gongma villages, then climbs steeply to reach the second pass, Khyupa La (4300m).
Day 12 Camp before Singue La - Singue La (5050m) - Photoksar (4200m)
An amazing spectacle of hanging icefalls. We descend towards the Photang river and progress through barley fields.
Day 13 Photoksar - Sirsir La (4850m) - Hanupatta (3760m)
Photang valley turns into a gorge labyrinth, which forces us to make a detour via Sirsir La pass. Three shortens mark Hanupatta and its giant hundred-year-old cedar, flanked by colorful prayer flags.
Day 14 Hanupatta - Wanla (3250m)
We head down towards the Photang valley and climb up to the Panjila pass(3410m). We finally descend to Wanla and visit its tiny monastery.
Day 15 Wanla - Lamayuru (3420m)
Visit of the monastery at Lamayuru, which is the biggest in western Ladakh and was built in the 16th century on the site of a much older temple. The gompa is very well kept and famous for its many colorful wall paintings.
Day 16 Lamayuru - Leh (3500m) by bus.
Day 17 Leh - Delhi by plane. (Hotel B&B)
Day 18 At leisure in Delhi. Safety day for your international flight. (Hotel B&B)
Day 19 Transfer to airport and fly back home.