Summary
The hike commences at Darcha, climbs to 5000 m Shingo La Pass. It goes on for 4-5 days down the gorgeousZanskar valley to the capital of Zanskar, Padum. Temples give an exclusive timelessness to the charming town of Manali. From Darcha trek until the last hamlet and then take a good footpath. You will be passing through a stunning canyon. On the left bank, continue trekking up till you get to a valley on right side. There is a good path on the sides of the stream. Thereafter, you need to ascend on moderate slopes to the foot of Pass Shingoo-La. Cross some tiny streams and the earth flattens out and the path zigzags through a Moraine. Across the Shingoo-La, take an uncomplicated descent towards Kargyak. Reach beyond Tanze, a bridge links to the left bank. Trek to Kuru, major settlement of livestock breeders. The trail that overhauls the Tsarap is difficult. Put up with a good campsite, an interesting fortified village. Take a gradual climb before coming to a major tributary. Trek down towards Reru. Visit the Barden Monastery, a Kagyupa monastery famous for its prayer wheels that are 180 cm high. A trek provides one of the great challenges of the Trekking in Himalaya. The track follows through Chalang Tokpa, Ramjak, Chumikanakpo, Lakong, Kurgiak, Purne and ends at Padum. It is renowned for its resilient populace and simply beautiful landscape. En route, there are remote villages and quite a few wonderful Buddhist monasteries, particularly at Phuktal, Lingshet and Lamayuru.
Major attractions:
Visit the Barden Monastery and a Kagyupa monastery, well known for its 180 cm high prayer wheels.
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
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.
Lingshet:
A small and pretty village is set in the Zanskar region of Kargil. Lingshet Gompa is its main attraction.
Location
How to get there:
By Air:
The Leh airport connects directly to important cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Srinagar. Major airlines like Indian Airlines, Jet Airways run regularly from this airport.
By Road:
Leh-Ladakh has extremely well-networked roads to Srinagar and Manali. From June to October, the 434-km Leh-Srinagar road is operative, while the 473-km Leh-Manali road remains functional from July to September.
By Rail:
The prime rail head is Jammu Tawi in Jammu, about 690 km away and linked with several major cities across India.
Other Info
Places to visit around:
Zanskar:
Placed to the south west of Leh, Zanskar is nestled with ranges of Zanskar and Himalayan. It has two main valleys of Stod and Lunak. Trek through the high passes. Walk along the frozen river, reach to Nimo village. Explore the most picturesque valley called Zanskar.
Nubra Valley:
Placed on Pakistan border beyond Khardungla pass, Nubra valley is also known as Valley of flowers.
Drass:
Drass is the second coolest region of Ladakh. Set on Leh Srinagar highway, Drass offers glorious view of Tiger Hill. Museum of 10th century, Kargil Heros is the main attraction of Drass.
Facts
Prerequisites/Facts/Suggestion:
Special permits are required for trekking in the Indian Himalayas.
Better to hire donkeys and walk with a horseman.
Located at an altitude of 5100 m in the foothills of Himalayas.
You need to be physically fit for this strenuous trek.
A guide is recommended for this trek.
Tea houses are along the way, in which you can buy hot tea and instant nodules.
Best time to visit:
July - October
Things to carry:
Walking stick
Binoculars and camera
Sleeping bag
Hiking shoes
Woolen clothes
Water, juices, snacks
Electric torch
Medical kit
A good compass
An extra pair of clothes