Jhunglam Hemis to Padum Trek

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It is one of the most adventurous treks on an isolated route which takes far into the mountains. It is a real wilderness experience for the adventure seekers, and the best period for exploration is from August to October when most of the snow has melted and the roaring rivers are passable.

The trek starts from Hemis monastery (one of the richest monastery in Ladakh. It enters in famous Markha Valley and Zanskar via Junglam, which is open only for a month. In summer this route is closed due to water crossing and in winter heavy snowfall.

This itinerary is very less frequented and we have to cross rivers many times. The trek will be an ideal one in September only when flow of water is low. Until Zangla during first seven days we will not see even a single village.

It is an extremely demanding trek as one constantly has to acclimatize with the high altitudes and be constantly on the move. One does get a one of a kind experience traversing through the adventurous trek routes. Hemis-Padum is an unusual journey which will leads to discovery of a world of untouched beauty.

Day 01: Leh to Martselang to Shang Sumo (2½ hrs drive)

Leave Leh by jeep to the starting point of the trek at Martselang 3600 m. En route we will visit the first Palace of Ladakh at Shey followed by a visit to the famous Yellow Sect monastery of Thikse, which houses one of the biggest Buddha sculpture known as the future Buddha. We visit Hemis, the biggest and the most famous Drukpa monastery of Ladakh, built in the early 17th century. After the visits we will drive to Martselang and start our trek to Shang Sumdo, a small village at 3700 m. Martselang is the entry point into the Hemis National Park in which we may see endangered high altitude animals like Snow leopard, Tibetan Wolves, the great Tibetan Sheep and the Golden Eagle.

Day 02: Shang Sumdo - Lartsa (6 hrs)

On this day, we trek through the gorge of Shang, ascending gradually and enjoying the magnificent colors, shapes and rock formations of the gorge. We will pass along the small village of Chogdo before arriving at camp at Lartsa (4600m).

Day 03: Lartsa - Thachungtse via Kongmaru La 5200 m (6 hrs)

A steep ascent leads us up to Kongmaru La 5200 m. From the pass we will see a breath taking view of Kangyatse(6400 m), Zanskar and the Karakoram ranges. Then we descend gradually to the summer pasture of Nimaling, where the villagers of Marka valley stay during the summer season with their sheep, goats and yaks. The campsite of Thachungtse (4000 m) is further down the valley on the banks of the Marka River.

Day 04: Thachungtse – Yakrupal (5-6 hrs)

After the previous day’s strenuous walk, this day’s walk is easier as we walk through the remote Langthang valley, where few other tourists go. Only the villagers from Markha, who use this valley as a pasture ground for their sheep, donkeys, yaks and horses. From Thachungtse, we follow the valley down until it divides, cross the river and follow the valley to the left along the Langthang Chu River. The Langthang River has the tendency of rising during the day due to snow melting in the mountains and by noon it becomes a dangerous river to cross. An early start in the morning is therefore essential, as one has to cross the river several times. Yakrupal (4200 m) is a nice, green campsite where we will have a good meal with the horses grazing close-by.

Day 05: Yakrupal – Zalung Karpola 5150 m – Tilat Sumdo (5-6 hrs)

We will continue up the valley towards the pass of Zalung Karpo(5200m). From the top of the pass there is a spectacular view of the Zanskar range on the one side, while on the other, the highest plateau in the world appears, the Changthang plateau stretching far into Tibet. The only inhabitants of the Changtang are nomadic and semi-nomadic people, living in tiny settlements with their animals and a small harvest of barley on which they survive. Descending down from the pass, several river crossings will follow and lead us to the right bank of the Changchu River and the camping site of Tilat Sumdo (3750m). At the crossroads of Tilad Sumdo, it’s worth exploring some of the secluded gorges nearby. If fortune strikes there are chances of seeing wildlife around, including blue sheeps and the rare snow leopard.

Day 06: Tilad Sumdo – Base of Charcharla (8 hrs)

On this day we’ll have more river crossings than any other day. The day starts with crossing the icy cold river of Changchu and entering into a beautiful narrow valley until a canyon. After several river crossings, the valleys narrows and crossing the river becomes much easier. Walking further leads us to a plate with stones opposite a cluster of spectacular rocky needles where two cold streams intersect. Camp at Charcharla base (4400 m)

Day 07: Base of Charchar La – Zangla Sumdo via Charcharla 4950 m (4-5 hrs)

Following the stream will reveal several impressive gorges. After the third narrowing gorge, leaving the stream towards the left we finally ascend gradually to the top of Charchar la (4950m). From the pass we will have a fine view of the main Himalaya beyond Padum. We descend steeply along glacial steps to the base of the pass. After crossing a magnificent canyon towards the left as far as the intersection along the stream to the large river at the campsite of Zangla Sumdo, we’ll have a very beautiful campsite to relax for the night.

Day 08: Zangla Sumdo – Zangla (4 hrs)

With many river crossings downstream into the Zulung valley, we sight the first Zanskari village amidst the greenery of barley fields. The trail goes gradually up as far as Zangla castle and then down for half an hour beyond the chortens (stupas), bringing us to the village of Zangla (3370 m). Until 1989, Zangla had its own ruler with control over the nearby villages of Honia, Chazar, Hanumil, Pidmo and Pishu on the far side of the valley. Zangla monastery has its legacy with the Spituk monastery of the Gelugpa sect.

Day 09: Zangla – Karsha (5-6 hrs)

Our day begins with crossing the longest hanging bridge over the Zanskar River. From Pishu the trail ascends gradually to the village of Rinam (3550 m), following the banks of the Great Zanskar River. Along the way, we’ll see the stunning monastery of Tongde. Thereafter we will arrive at Karsha (3600 m) and reinvigorate ourselves at the banks of the Zanskar River listening to the musical tune of the flowing water.

Karsha monastery: Karsha monastery is one of largest monasteries of Gelug pa sect. It is on the hillside with imposing view of the entire valley. Most of the monks are from the surrounding villages. It is believed that the monastic site was founded probably around 10th century A.D. It is recommended to visit the monastery to get a blessing.

Day 10: Karsha – Padum (2hrs)

We will follow the route to Pipiting village on the dusty road from Karsha to Padum (3531 m). Padum is the major hub for all the activities of the entire valley and the capital of Zanskar. Here all villagers gather on auspicious days.

After arriving at Padum, we once again intermingle with civilization for a day, and it is the time to a have a complete rest before preparing for the long drive back to Leh.

Day 11: Padum – Kargil (234 kms)

We drive towards Kargil, passing Sani monastery (6 kms) after turning west and cross the Doda River at Dhungri. We will be driving along the right bank of the River. Further on, we will cross a beautiful valley covered with comprehensive green patch. Between Padum and Aksho, we will come across a few small villages: Dhungri, Phay and Hamuling. As we pass, we will be slowly leaving Zanskar valley and Drang Drung Glacier beside the Penzila. In the middle of the next valley, we can see Rangdum monastery situated on a rock hill. After that we will pass through the villages of Shakar, Parkachik and Panikhar. At Thangbu village, around 12 kms before reaching the Panikhar, we can have an incredible photographic view of Nun (7135 m) and Kun (7080) mountains before reaching Kargil.

Day 12: Kargil – Leh Via Sham valley (230 kms)

This day will be our last travelling day before coming back to Leh, and we will pass some of the most beautiful monasteries and villages of Sham.

Travel Facts:

Price: INR 40600 per person

Size Of group: Min 3

Highest Point: Gongmarula 5150mts

Grade: Hard