Padum To Lamayuru Trek

Altitude: 3500 m / 11,482 ft.

Transferral to a domestic airport where you will fly to Leh. Once reached in Leh, you will then be transferred to your hotel. Afternoon visit to a monastery within the town and sightsee of the Shanti Stupa and Old Fort of Leh.

Full day of sightseeing with a visit to the Shey, Thiskey and Hemis Monasteries. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Travelling Distance: 230 km
Travelling Time: 7-8 hours

We will begin the day with an early morning departure from Leh. We will then reach into Kargil; a district which its inhabitants are predominantly Muslim (both Shea and Soony). It is situated in the valley of Suru on the left bank of the Suru River. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Altitude: 3700 m / 12,139 ft.

Suru is one of the most beautiful valleys that are dominated by vast stretches of uninhabited land and close to the Nun-Kun glacier. The broad edelweiss carpets the meadow of Rangdum (Juldu) where camp can be made best here.

Altitude: 3600 m / 11,811 ft.

After crossing a seemingly endless plane, we will then visit the monastery of Rangdum, before continuing over the Pensi La (4400 m /14,435 ft.) which provides the main gateway to Zanskar. This route provides spectacular views of the Darung-Dring Glacier and the Chaine of Zanskar. The trail leads through several villages aside of the Doda River where en route we shall visit the Sainy Gompa. Padum (administrative headquarters of the Zanskar subdivision of the Kargil district) inhabits 40% Muslims and the rest are Buddhist. Overnight camp in Padum.

Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 3500 m / 11,482 ft.

After departing Padum we will head towards Pipting, before reaching the dusty plane heading towards the Doda River. En route we will visit the Karsha Monastery; a beautiful Gelugpa monastery dating from the 15th Century (in common with the Likkir Gompa in Leh and the Kamoling Gompa). We will then advance to the campsite in Rinam outside the village.

Trekking Time: 3 hours (Via Zangla – 6 hours)
Altitude: 3400 m / 11,154 ft.

The trek will begin with a flat trail beside the Zanskar River where you will be able to visit Zangla Village – an ancient capital of Zanskar – as well as the ruins of a castle and a Nunnery. A small Gompa within the village had been shifted from the Old Fort houses (some old Thangka and statues) which can be seen. After visiting the village we will then make our way back to the beautiful campsite of Pishu.

Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 3550m / 11,646 ft.

We will be following a track that leads up and down until we come across a bridge that crosses over a stream. A colourful Chorten appears before arriving in the Pidmo Village. Another 2 hours of trekking until we reach the campsite of Hanumil.

Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 4200 m / 13,779 ft. (Over Parfi La 3900m / 12,795 ft.)

The trail leads through a cliffy track until a gradual climb to reach Parfi La. A steep zigzag descent needs to be made to reach the riverside where you can then refresh yourself under a Willow shrub. The dusty and sunny trail will lead to the campsite, where one can occasionally see the Ibex (a mountain goat) grazing on the slope in front of the camp.

Trekking Time: 7 hours
Altitude: 3800m / 12,467 ft. (Over Hanuma La 4700 m / 15,419 ft.)

A gradual ascend through gorges until later the valley will widen. Once reached the top, an extensive view of the rugged Himalayan Mountains layered one after one can be viewed. A long descent to the Lingshed where we will then make camp, before a visit to a Gelugpa sect (Yellow hats) monastery.

Altitude: 4500 m / 14,763 ft. (Trek starts over Murgum La 4100 m / 13,451 ft.)

An easy climb to the Murgum La will take around an hour where you can enjoy the surrounding view before descending along the slope to the Nieraq Valley. After passing Gongma and Skiumpata Villages, there will be a steep ascent to the Kuba La (3800 m / 12,467 ft.) until an easy walk will be made to reach the campsite.

Trekking Time: 7 hours
Altitude: 3750 m / 12,303 ft.

We will have 2 hours to reach at the top of the Singee La (5000m / 16,404 ft.) before making a short descent down into the broad valley where herds of Yak can be seen. We will then cross several rivers until reaching Phutoksar; a beautiful village at the base of a huge mountain wall. Overnight camp outside of the Phutoksar Village.

Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 3500 m / 11,482 ft.

Beginning with an easy walk, we will then eventually make a steep climb that will take us to Sirsir La (4900 m / 16,076 ft.). A descent to the river bank will be made where you can see farmers cultivating their pastures (peas and barley etc.). The campsite is located before the Hanupata Village on the banks of a stream.

Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 3300 m / 10,826 ft.

Across from the Hanupata Village, a steep path cuts down into the rocks before ending up out of the gorge where we will then arrive in Franjila Village. You will enjoy a pleasant walk through the villages before reaching in Wanla. A monastery can also be visited at the top of the hill. An overnight stay in a campsite.

Altitude: 3600 m / 11,811 ft. (Over Pritnik La 3800 m / 12,467 ft.)

Heading up to the Shilacong, cross the bridge and follow the broad Chorten then continue on to follow the narrow and dry gorge up to the Pritnik La. We will then descend and cross a small stream until we begin to climb to the village of Lamayuru. Here we will visit the monastery before heading for camp.

Altitude: 3500 m / 11,482 ft.

You will be joining the morning Puja before continuing towards the beautiful Alchi Village, en route visiting the monastery before driving on to Leh. Overnight stay in a hotel.

We will be visiting the Stok Palace and museum followed by a visit to the Spituk Monastery and a stroll in the village. In the afternoon you will be able to spend the rest of your time at your leisure, with an overnight stay in a hotel.

We will visit to a monastery within the town and view the Shanti Stupa and Old Fort of Leh. Overnight stay in hotel.

You will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Delhi. Once reached in Delhi you will then be transported to your hotel where you will be staying overnight. The afternoon can be spent at your own leisure.

You will be given the opportunity to visit Old or New Delhi as you will have a full day of sightseeing, before being transferred to the Indira Gandhi International Airport where you will depart to your onward destination.