Lamayuru to Alchi trek

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The Lamayuru to Alchi trek starts at Leh and passes through Lamayuru, Wanlah, Hinju Valley, Konze La camp, Stpski La (The highest pass in this trek; 4970 m). Alchi village is located at 4320 m on lowland. Lamayuru to Alchi trek is one of the easier treks, trails on an outstandingly gorgeous road, lays the earliest existing monastery of Ladakh. The Gompa is an extraordinarily creation; built on sand stone. The trek takes you along the moon-valley. On your way visit Prinkti La, a gorge. The Alchi monastery is situated 69 km west of Leh. The most distinguished and largest of all the Gompa is built by Rinchen Zangpo. The monastery possesses some of the best wall paintings and frescoes showing the Kashmiri method of Buddhist iconography. Each monastery in Ladakh varies, have the uniqueness of Ladakhi monasteries. The trek ends in Alchi, which is 64 km west of Leh and one of the jewels of the monasteries in Ladakh. Main attractions consist of the gompas at Lamayuru, Wanla, Sumdochoon and Alchi and ancient wood carvings at Sumdah Chenmo.

Major attractions:

Alchi monastery: Alchi monastery was built by the translator Rinchen Zangpo. Around 67 km from west of Leh, Indian essence can be noticed in its paintings and other works.
The wall paintings are some of the ancient existing paintings on Ladakh Treks.

Lamayuru monastery: Set at a distance around 127 km from west of Leh, this remarkable monastery houses 150 Buddhist monks. It also comprises of an affluent collection of Thankas and wall paintings.

Wanla monastery: Set in a village of Wanla, Wanla Monastery is located to the south-east of Yungdrung Gompa. The walls are embellished with the Buddha paintings. The 11 headed Mahakaruna is its main attraction.

How to get there:

By Air: Indian Airlines and Jet Airways have regular flights to and fro Leh. Leh airport is linked with important cities like Delhi, Srinagar and Chandigarh. Hire taxis to reach Kargil from the airport.

By Road: Regular state transport bus services run between Srinagar and Kargil. If you do not prefer traveling by bus, the alternative available is jeeps.

By Rail: Jammu is the closest railway station and is 734 km from Leh. From here board state transport buses for Kargil

Places to visit nearby:

Stok Palace: The elegant Stok Palace of Ladakh is four storied palace stands above terraces studded with whitewashed farmhouses. Built in early 19th century, this has been an official habitat of Ladakhi royal family. The palace comprises of some remarkable collection of antique objects. The main attraction of this palace is its Thankas.

Likir gompa: Built in 15th century, Likir gompa is located on an isolated edge very near to north of Saspol. The areas around provide pleasant views of the Gompa from various vantage points. Likir Gompa puts up around 120 monks.

Shey Palace: Situated around 15 km from Leh, Shey is a settlement in Ladakh. It has an ancient palace of the Ladakh kings. This old palace comprises of the largest golden Buddha statue.

Prerequisites/Facts/Suggestion:

• Special permits are not required for trekking in the Indian Himalayas, with the exception of certain restricted areas.

• Camping is done on pre-defined campsites near source of water and requires no technical climbing equipments accept ropes.

• There are chances of spotting Snow Leopard and Blue Sheep on the Hinju Valley.

• This moderate trek requires average fitness.

• It is 4960 m. at Stapski La.

• While trekking in this area, keep in mind that make sure that you do not dirty the surrounding places. All the waste should be gathered and disposed off away from the camping site.

Best time to visit: Mid June to mid October

Things to carry:

• Walking stick
• Binoculars
• Sleeping bag
• Hiking shoes
• Woolen clothes
• Water, juices, snacks
• Electric torch
• Medical kit