A wonderful journey from Leh to Manali trekking across Ladakh and Zanskar. The complete traverse of Ladakh and Zanskar from the remote city of Leh southwards to Manali in the Kulu valley of Lahaul is surely one of the superb treks in the Ladakh Region called as ‘Little Tibet’ Ladakh offers a microcosm of the ancient culture and traditions of its northern neighbour.
After arriving Delhi into the Capital of India we take the exciting mountain flight from Delhi to Leh the Capital of Ladakah, at 3500metres high .After the two days of acclimatization in the Indus Valley visiting some of the gompas and ancient hill forts which abound in this region. The British East India Company arrived here as early as 1822 but one gets the feeling that life has changed very little since the age when caravans of traders traveled between India and Central Asia heading for the Silk Route.
From Leh we drive along one of the world’s highest mountain roads to Lamayuru where we begin our trek. Beyond lies the remote Kingdom of Zanskar and its ancient capital of Padum. Between them we must trek for 10 days through spectacular narrow gorges, over high passes and negotiate exciting river crossings. The stark scenery of the Ladakhi mountains is complemented by the green irrigated fields of its villages and the colourful Buddhist gompas built into the steep hillsides.
Padum is linked to the outside world by a rough road which is usually passable in the summer months, enabling us to re-supply at this halfway point in the trek. From here we walk for nine more days following the Tsarap River through the rugged Zanskar mountains. Zanskar has been called the ‘Last Place on Earth’ because of its almost total isolation from the outside world, and we will be able to experience its unique solitude. Eventually we reach Manali in the beautiful Kulu valley. This town is one of the last bastions of the Indian hippy trail of the 1960’s and a few curious remnants of that era still remain. We can enjoy some of its exotic charms before the drive back to Delhi and our homeward flight.
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DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI
Morning on arrival in Delhi airport You will be greeted & transfer to the Hotel. After half day sightseeing . Evening free .Over Night in Delhi.
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DAY 02: FLY DELHI-LEH 3500 m
Early Morning You will be transferred to the domestic airport. Scenic flight from Delhi to Leh. On a clear day you have a fantastic view of the K2 (8611 m), Nanga Parbat (8125 m) – also known as DIAMIR “King of the Mountains” – and Gasherbrum (8034 m). On the other side you see so near the Nun-Kun massif. Leh (3500m) is the capital of Ladakh. Ladakh itself is often referred to as “Little Tibet”. The people here have a deep Buddhist faith, which is justified because of the once strong cultural and spiritual connection to central Tibet. Only since 1974 has Ladakh opened for tourists and since then has been the most popular trekking area in northern India. In Leh, you are at the airport and escorted to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Guests can ascend to the royal palace, from where you have a splendid view of Leh and surrounding areas. A little acclimatization is suitable also. Overnight at hotel.
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DAY 03: LEH MONASTERY TOUR LEH
In the early morning today for your tour to Leh monastery. You will visit first in Stok. The Royal Palace and the Royal Museum with all the ornate royal regalia and riches Journey continues to the former royal palace of Shey. Here, the first ruler of Ladakh had his seat of government, before it was moved to Leh. From the top you have a unique view of the Indus plain.Especially in autumn, the landscape is lit in bright red and yellow. Not far from the Gelukpa monastery is of Thiksey. It is certainly the most impressive monastery in the whole Indus valley and is situated on a hill. It looks like a miniature version of the Potala in Lhasa. Before returning to Leh, you still visit the Hemis Gompa. The monastery of Hemis is located 45 km from Leh and is the largest monastery in Ladakh. Drive back to Leh. Overnight at hotel. (Takes about 3 hours, 80 km).
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DAY 04: LIKER-ALCHI 3100 m
Drive to Alchi. On the way you will visit the remarkable monastery in Likir. The sight from the valley to the monastery is very picturesque. The snow-white, nested monk houses with the temple complex on the hilltop. The road to the monastery is lined with dozens Chorten. Who are going through the Alchi 1000 year old temple complex is also a jewel among the monasteries of Ladakh. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village itself is located in one of the most fertile areas of Ladakh. Upon arrival you will be the most interesting town with its mixture of people, the tea rooms, the dealers, the market and explore the colorful, bustling and visit the temple complex. Overnight at hotel. (Takes about 2 hours, 65 km).
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DAY 05: ALCHI (3100m)-LAMAYURU (-HANUPATA (3970 m)
Drive to Hanupatta. In the way you visit Lamayuru important monastery. The Tharpaling Gompa rises already visible from a distance of a fascinating and bizarre scenery and offers an unforgettable sight. The monastery is one of the oldest in Ladakh and houses many treasures. The small village of Lamayuru is lonely below the monastery. Here in Lamayuru is the access to Zanskar and thus entry into the large Zanskar crossing. Continue to Hanupatta. A shrine under an ancient cedar tree heralds the village. Overnight in tents. (Takes about 3 to 4 hours, 105 miles).
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DAY 06: HANUPATTA-PHOTOKSAR-4050 m)
Your first trek! For Sirsir La (4805 m), it is a long climb. The first piece along the river is lined with meter tall pointed stone, rock cylinders, bizarre towers and gigantic “menhirs”. Later, you can traverse a vast desert landscape. The endless mountain landscape is immersed in a variation of colors and it provides you will have a beautiful view of Ladakh. After reaching the summit, you can take the path downhill. Caution! Here the ground is loose and you have to save a little energy for the descent. Photoksar located scenically beautiful. The houses are all built in a traditional style. From the river goes up a steep bank to the place. Above form a beautiful landscape mosaic terrace fields. Overnight in tents. (Walking around 7h, 900 m ↑, ↓ 750 m, 13 km).
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DAY 07: PHOTOKSAR-SENGGEY LA CAMP-4300 m
Photoksar of starting the climb to La senggey (“Lion Pass”). The trail is at times very good, but you have to cross some rivers. After a small pass between the amount you hike on a beautifully curved plateau for the remainder of the day. The camp at the foot of senggey La (4950 m) formally invites you to stay and the sunset will be spectacular. Overnight in tents.(Allow about 6 hours, ↑ 300 m, 10 km).
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DAY 08: SENGGEY LA CAMP-SENGGEY LA(4950 m)LINGSHED-4050 m
Today you cross the senggey-La (4950 m), the second highest pass of this trek. From here you have a fantastic view of the Zanskar Mountains. After the pass, follow the path, which crosses high above the Zanskar River in the mountain. The mountain slopes are green again and the harshness of the mountains decreases. After crossing the pass Kiupa La (4400 m °) climb steeply to zigzag switchbacks until you reach the villages Gongma (3840 ° m) and Skiumpata. After passing through the beautiful villages again a slight increase followed by Margum La Pass (4400 m °). From here you will already see the current day’s destination – Lingshed – still about an hour’s walk away. (Allow about 7 h, 700 m ↑, ↓ 900 m, 11 km)
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DAY 09: LINGSHED-SNERTSE-3800 m
You start early today to escape the intense heat. Along a Mani wall and chortens leave Lingshed and cross a bridge. After some ups and downs, it is about two small rivers and a nameless pass at 4200 m elevation on up to Hanuma-La (4725 m).To the summit takes about three hours. In the seasonal whipped tents you can keep a little rest, drink tea and refill your water bottles. From the pass you walk in the green valley and after crossing another river, the path takes you along the river to camp in Snertse. The campground is just, but it can also be a little dusty. When a storm sweeps through the valley, one is exposed to dust largely defenseless. Overnight in tents. (Allow about 7 h, 700 m ↑, ↓ 900 m, 13 km).
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DAY 10: SNERTSE- PARFI LA (3950 m)-HANUMIL-3400 m
Today you climb another pass, the Parfi La (3950 m). Shortly after Snertse is a perfectly situated vantage point from where you have a good view of the pass and the Oma Chu river have down in the valley. Shortly after you cross a bridge and then begin the ascent to La Parfi through a juniper forest. Warning: You may find that here even fortunate enough to be able to see one of the few remaining giants of the Himalayas, the majestic brown bear. Maybe you can find on the mountain slopes but also flocks of migrating blue sheep. After crossing the pass, you run down the hill to the banks of the Zanskar and follow the river to the village Hanumil where you will set up your camp tonight. Overnight in tents. (Allow about 6 hours, 200 m ↑, ↓ 600 m, 9 km).
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DAY 11: HANUMIL-ZANGLA-3470 m
Today is a light hiking on straight and bare, almost always arid terrain along the Zanskar, the follow up to the village Zangla (3470 m). Pidmo you will pass (3420 m), a small human settlement that inspires beautifully situated between fields with the traditional life of a few families! Finally, cross the river and reach Zangla. Overnight in tents. (Allow about 5 h, 100 m ↑, ↓ 100 m, 8 km).
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DAY 12: ZANGLA-KARCHA(3700 m)-STONGDE-ICHER (3650 m)
In Zangla you collected today from the jeeps. In front of you today is a wonderful day with visits to the most famous monasteries in Zanskar. The day ends in Icher at camp, from where you will depart the next day back to Trek. First, you go and visit the Karcha however great lying on the mountain monastery, which dates back well into the 11th century. There is a monastery of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism, also known as Yellow Hat, whose head is the 14th Dalai Lama is.The large, bright white in the sun monastery monk from lodging, administrative areas, Housekeeping and storage and the religious-ritual structures houses over 100 monks. Under cover of the master monastery has about 500 years ago, even a small order of nuns established. The village lies Stongde oasis just off the river has to offer and just falling to a monastery on a mountain. Also this monastery belongs to the Gelugpa order. The story says that in the 11th Century by Marpa, a disciple Naropa was founded and later passed into the possession of the yellow hat. The monastery is in good condition and has no less than seven temples. It is known for its outstanding beauty and rarely performed in such paintings. Overnight in tents. (Takes about 7 hours, 55 km).
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DAY 13: ICHER –PEPULA (3750 m) PURNI (3800 m)
This day is a long trek. You walk along the river to Purni. The remarkable Dorzong village is on the way, and the gorge of Lungnak, the follow up Tsetang ascending. You roam the villages and Surle Kalbok. The crossing of the impressive canyon takes you to the village eventually Tsetang (3825 m). Along a precipice, it goes downhill to the river bottom. The camp is located on the river near the village Kargyak Purni. Overnight in tents. (Allow about 7h, ↑ 200 m, 17 km).
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DAY 14: PRUNI-PHUKTAL (3900 m)-PURNI
The Phuktal Gompa monastery is considered to be the greatest in Zanskar and belongs to the Yellow Hat Order. The buildings of the monastery are grouped below a cave on a steep rock. Because of this phenomenon, it is also called the “Swallow’s Nest Monastery”. The route runs partly on a steep hill and you have to cross scree passages. After passing the bridge over the river Tsarap, suddenly appeared around a bend abruptly to Phuktal Gompa, the largest rock monastery of Zanskar. The publication will also surprise you! The houses cling formally on a slope, while others were built directly between two rocky spurs. Above the houses, there is a huge cave. She left the convent on the way you came and return to camp. Overnight in tents. (Allow about 7 h, 100 m ↑, ↓ 100 m, 13 km).
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DAY 15: PRUNI-KARGYUAK (3950 m)
Cross the bridge and climb up to the village Yal. They migrate further south and the trail takes you through the beautiful villages and Testa Kuru after Kargyak. Testa and kuru in there due to numerous channels water in abundance and therefore a green landscape. Furthermore, you can walk through an area with little resources, crossing several rivers and continue to run through a wide river bed. The campground is located in front of the village of Kargyuak on a beautiful green area on the river bank. Overnight in tents. (Allow about 7h, ↑ 200 m, 15 km).
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DAY 16: KARGYUAK- SHINGKUN LA (5090 m)-LHAKHANG (4450 m)
Today you will be at a relaxed pace, but climbing in a long and steady climb the pass Shingkun La. They cross the fields of villagers from Kargyak on which they need in the short summer months to grow anything to get through the winter.Sometimes they hit their summer camp also next to the fields. The views are breathtaking. The Kargyak is constantly expanding and tearing. She crossed over a small bridge made of stone and wood. Riverside is also your storage space.Overnight in tents. (Walking time 6h, 1100 m ↑, ↓ 650 m, 14 km).
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DAY 17: LAKANG-SHINGKUN LA (5090 m)-RAMJAK (4300 m)
After crossing a river from a bridge of snow – which usually has all year inventory – in a valley. Through a debris-covered glacier and its moraine climb up on the left side. Here you will again inspire the view to the steep, rocky walls of the bizarre Gumburanjon. Among locals it is considered sacred. The steep descent takes you through Chumik Nakpo (4650 m) to Ramjak. Overnight in tents. (Allow about 7 hours, 13 km, 650 m ↑, ↓ 800 m).
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DAY 018: RAMJAK- PAL LHAMO (3700 m)
This last trekking day is a simple. The path leads you into a gentle descent to the river for about an hour Rari. After crossing the river over a bridge you continue on the same path, and after some slight ups and downs you have to cross the river tributary, which can be a bit difficult, should be too much water in the river. After crossing the road up to Pal Lhamo is very easy to commit, but is waiting again with some up-and downward passages. To Pal Lhamo there are several good places to set up a nice camp. Overnight in tents. (Allow about 6 hours, 50 m ↑, ↓ 650 m, 12 km).
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DAY 19: PAL LHAMO-DARCHA-MANALI (1925 m)
Today you will drive via Darcha and Rarik to Manali. Along the way there are lots of little restaurants and shops where you can buy just about “everything”. The road can be quite busy in the summer very much. About the almost 4000 m high and well known Rohtang Pass will take you to Manali. The village lies in a valley at the foot of Rothang massif and is one of the most beautiful mountain resorts in Himachal Pradesh. Upon arrival check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.Overnight at hotel. (Running time approximately 8 hours, 165 miles).
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DAY 20: MANALI-DELHI
A long route is before you today. You leave early in the morning at Manali and drive to Delhi via Chandigarh. You can reach Delhi late in the evening. Overnight at hotel. (Takes about 12 hours, 570 miles).
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DAY 21: DELHI-SIGHTSEEING -OUT
Before leaving India, you are still learning the metropolis of Delhi during a sightseeing know. In Old Delhi visit the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid Friday Mosque. Then you bring the tour to “New Delhi”. Here you will visit the famous landmark Qutb minaret. Of more than 70 m high tower is decorated with beautiful ornaments and verses from the Koran. Likewise, you see the Humayun’s Tomb. At a dinner to let your impressions reminisce. Later transfer to the airport to board the flight for home city.
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