Padum Darcha Trek from Padum to Darcha via Shingo La follows the trek that goes up to Tsarap Valley. It starts at Padum starting passing through Phugtal monastery and traversing through Shingo La located at a height of 5090m in the foothills of Himalaya.

While trekking, you will chance upon few of the oldest and most impressive monasteries in Zanskar. There are number of villages which are situated higher at Kargyak. From Kargyak, you travel to the foot of Shingo La (5090). Continue trekking to Padum to Darcha through Shingo La. The last leg of trekking will be at Darcha.

Major Attractions

Phyang: Phyang seems to be a huge Palace, and built by Tashi Namgyal. Hundreds of icons of Buddha and different Gods are preserved on wooden shelve.

Samkar Gompa: Samkar Gompa was built in the valley bottom, is a 3 km. Walk through pleasing fields. It domiciles the head lama of Spituk and 20 others. There are many gold statues, abundant wall paintings and sculptures.

Please note: Explore the Barden Monastery and Kagyupa monastery, as they are famous for their prayer wheels of 180 cm high.

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.

By Road: Regular state transport bus services run between Srinagar and Leh and Manali and Leh. 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 Buses take two days to reach Leh.

Best time to visit: July to October

Prerequisites Facts

  • Make sure that you have taken all the trekking permissions for restricted areas.
  • Highest Altitude is 5, 090m. This average trek requires good physical ability.
  • Travel in groups rather than roaming alone.
  • Special permits are not required for trekking in the Indian Himalayas, with the exception of certain restricted areas.
  • Do not spoil the surrounding places and camping sites.

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

Other Information

Hadimba temple: It is one of the most important temples in the district. This is a four storied wooden temple.

The nearest shrine is a set of antique rock sculpture on a huge boulder near the river bank, just beneath the old town.

Pibiting village: This old village is commanded by its pictorial summit monastery and an exceptional reflection of Stupa architecture.