Padum Lamayuru trek is set between the Indus Valley and the part of the Indian Himalaya. It connects Padum in Zanskar with Lamayuru in Ladakh. Sani gompa, Karsha gompa, Lingshed gompa and Lamayuru gompa are the main attractions of this region. The remote and inaccessible setting is well guarded by snowy mountain passes.

Reach as high as 5100 m, the path crosses several passes Perfi la, Hunuma la 4700 m, Sengge la 5060 m, Sirsir la and Prinkiti la. Start trekking towards Piptong, pass through dusty plain. After crossing Doda river climb and arrive at Karsha Monastery. An uncomplicated track crosses via Rinam, there is a rock shelter and a small stream. Reach the longest hanging bridge which joins Zangla Gompa.

Zangla gompa can be visited before arriving at Pishu. Continue walking to the left bank of Zanskar River. After crossing a bridge, reach Pidmu. A walk of two hours will bring you at Hanumil. Another trail leads to Purfi La through a steep and tough gradient from Zanskar edge. Steep downhill trek will reach Oma-chu River.

After crossing some steep descent climb, you will move towards Lingshed. Climb up to Margumla (4100 m) and cherish lovely views of Nierang valley. Walk around the village of Gongma (3840 m) and Skiumpata and take a steep ascent to Kubala (3800 m).

An easy pace will bring you to Boumitse La (4200 m), descent to Photoksar (3750 m). After an hours uphill climb you will reach a large chorten. Thereafter a long ascent is you reach Sirsirla. Now trek down the river, cross bridge and after passing rocky valley reach your destination which is the campsite just before Hanupatta (3450 m).

Trek down and pass through some rocks and arrive at Franjila. Wanla is situated on a flat land reached after crossing bridge on the left bank of the river. Cross another bridge and arrive at Shilla. Then follow a narrow and dry gorge after which you arrive at Prinkiti La. After crossing the river, you will be reached to Lamayuru village and visit the monastery.

Major Attractions

Lamayuru gompa: Located on a hilly rock, 127 km from Leh, Lamayuru Monastery is belonged to sect of Buddhism. This monastery domiciles 150 monks. It has a rich and remarkable collection of Thankas and wall paintings.

Karsha Monastery: Karsha monastery is a pretty temple. The walls of this monastery are decorated with brilliant murals that represent the intricacies of Buddhist Art. Three chapels are there in this monastery. Many pilgrims visit this monastery as it is considered to be holy.

Wanla village: Set at the meeting point of two rivers, Wanla is a pretty village. The valley comes out and is fairly flat and lush. The most visited temple of Wanla is 3 storied.

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

  • Special permits are required for trekking in some areas of Indian Himalayas.
  • Avoid exertion, do not walk too fast.
  • This strenuous trek needs better health to reach its height of 5060 meters.
  • Carry boosters like juices and snacks while trekking, also carry water bottle.
  • Make sure that you do not dirty the surrounding places, all the waste should be disposed off away from the camping site.

Things to Carry

  • Walking stick
  • Binoculars and camera
  • Sleeping bag
  • Hiking shoes
  • Woolen clothes
  • Electric torch
  • Medical kit
  • A good compass
  • An extra pair of clothes

Other Information

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 renowned monasteries such as Bardan and Muney. It has murals and ceiling decorations revealing well-built Indian artistic and iconographic essence. This unique settlement is populated by 40 monks.

Rangdum: The most isolated and remotest area of Suru valley, Rangdum is an egg-shaped flourished highland bounded by vibrant mounts. Located around 130 km from Kargil, the beauty of this area is haunting which will leave you spellbound. The monastery of Rangdum is the chief attraction, commanding a mystic mountain gorge. This monastery is the residence of around 4 monks.

Sankoo: Set around 42 km from south of Kargil, Sankoo is bounded by vibrant rocky mountains. Sankoo has small market and many villages around. There are thick plantations of willows, poplars and wild roses. The ambience of a man made woods is perched inside mountain bulwarks.