Lamayuru to Rupsho Trek

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Lamayuru to Rupsho is a very interesting trek, begins at the famous Lamayuru monastery. Trek on the less traveled road; enter into Ripchar Valley, where you will find some small settlements, nomadic villages and pastures. There is a wide variety of flowers and many species of birds. An easy trail passes through some high passes with tremendous views of the Karakorams and the Zanskar region. First part of the trek ends at Chilling. Chilling is a small village and from Chilling, there is a river by cable pulley. Continue trekking to Markha Valley, the most gorgeous valley in Ladakh. Pass through numerous Ladakhi villages and observe their lifestyle. You will be stopped by the monastery built on a hill between Stok and Stakna. It is the only religious residence which belongs to the Sakyapa. Cross a number of more passes, through gorges and extensive open pastures, reach Matho village where the trek ends.

Major attractions:

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.

Chilling village: The only village in Ladakh, Chilling offers metal works like: copper, bronze, tin, silver and iron. You may get a chance to visit the local artisans of the village.

Stok Palace museum: Stok Palace museum was built in 18th century. It comprises of unusual collection of ornaments of the royal family. The exquisite Tangkhas are the major attractions of this palace.

Prerequisites/Facts/Suggestion:

• Get familiar with the climate.

• Rupsho is perched at a height range between 4500 & 5500m.

• You need to be very healthy for this strenuous hike.

• Keep silence to enjoy the close proximity of nature.

• Do not camp under trees.

• Do not touch holy artifacts.

• Special permits are required for trekking in the Indian Himalayas.

• Leave the area neat and clean, while trekking.

Best time to visit: July to October

Things to carry:

• Walking stick
• Binoculars and camera
• Sleeping bag
• Hiking shoes
• Woolen clothes, gloves, socks
• Water-proof jacket
• Water, juices, snacks
• Electric torch
• Medical kit
• A good compass
• An extra pair of clothes

Places to visit nearby:

Korzok village: Korzok is the only village on Tsomoriri Lake. A beautiful lake has picturesque monastery. People of Korzok celebrate Korzok festival around end of July, and at the opening of August.

Rangdum: Settled between Kargil & Padum, this place imparts great opening to trek into the elevated Himalayas. It is famous for its Rangdum Gompa. This monastery is located on a hill. The small monastery called Zongkul Gompa is also worth visiting.

Phugthal: Stunningly placed in monastic establishment of Ladakh, Phugthal is the most alienated cloistral of Zanskar. Phugthal is reachable from the Padum-Manali. It comprises of two prominent monasteries such as Bardan and Muney. It has murals and ceiling decorations enlightening well-built Indian artistic and iconographic essence. This unique settlement is populated by 40 monks.

Prerequisites/Facts/Suggestion:

• Get familiar with the climate.

• Rupsho is perched at a height range between 4500 & 5500m.

• You need to be very healthy for this strenuous hike.

• Keep silence to enjoy the close proximity of nature.

• Do not camp under trees.

• Do not touch holy artifacts.

• Special permits are required for trekking in the Indian Himalayas.

• Leave the area neat and clean, while trekking.

Best time to visit: July to October

Things to carry:

• Walking stick
• Binoculars and camera
• Sleeping bag
• Hiking shoes
• Woolen clothes, gloves, socks
• Water-proof jacket
• Water, juices, snacks
• Electric torch
• Medical kit
• A good compass
• An extra pair of clothes