Zanskar Darcha To Lamayuru
A classic trail crossing Zanskar from south to north, taking in some of its finest scenery from the great Himalaya on the border with Lahoul to the jagged Zanskar mountains in the north. The whole trek can be walked in 15-21 days if you keep your heads down. Despite its popularity, its not an easy trek, there are eight passes to cross between Lamayuru and Padum and is a difficult trek. The route can be walked in either direction. The large village of Padum is connected by rough and long road to suru valley and Kargil, it is therefore a convenient place to start or finish your trek, the second half of the trail continues past Karsha, the largest gompa in Zanskar and then follows the Zanskar river downstream, heading gradually north, the first of the eight passes to be crossed between Padum and Lamayuru is the Parfi La beyond lies a corrugated landscape to test your stamina. This is one of the longest treks in the region and an exciting way to travel between Manali and Leh. You pass through a variety of Himalayan cultures and scenery from central Ladakh in the north of Lahoul in the south. Its length plus several difficult and demanding sections, means that you need to be in good physical shape before setting off.
- Drive from Manali to Darcha (3400m/11,150ft) crossing over the Rothang la
- The routs are Manali, Rothang, Darcha, Rarik, Chika.
- Zanskar Sumdo (4000m/13,120ft) this wide flat valley is famous for camping before the long hike to Shingo-la.
- Cross over the Barai Nala
- Climb strenuously to the top of the hill side and then follow the narrow path
- The Routes are Ramjak (4100m/13,450ft) Chumik Nakpo (4400m/14,430ft) shingo (5000m/16,450ft).
- There are great views of several 6000m peaks.
- Step descent to a permanent snow field and the junction with another village.
- The Routes are Lakang (4700m/15,420ft) continue into Zanskar, a nice lower camp awaits. Lakang Sumdo (4500m/14,760ft) Kargyak (4200m/13,780ft).
- The trail drops steeply into Kargyak valley and later part of the trek gets gentle and easy all the way to Kargyak.
- Leaving Kargyak you pass many chortens and mani walls.
- Routes are Kargyak, Kuru, Testa(4100m/13,450ft) Yal (4050m/13,280ft) the valley soon narrows and the trail descends, the trail then rises to the village of Yal.
- Purne (3950m/12,960ft) Purne is a collection of houses owned by two families
- Side trip to Phuktal gompa, the Phuktal gompa is the reason for Purne’s popularity, it is the most spectacularly situated gompa in Ladakh.
- Cross over the Kargyak River, the river later joins the Tsarap at eh confluence.
- After 3km the trail climbs to the hamlet of Kalbok and then passes through the village of Surle.
- Routes are Lungnak gorge, Kalbok, Surle, pepul (3800m/12,460ft). Reru, Mune (3800m/12,460 ft).
- Padum the capital of Zanskar is a rapidly expanding village
- Simple but monotonous walking to Karsha via Pibiting, to the south east of Karsha, the Stod and Lungnak rivers meet to form the Zanskar River.
- Routes are Padum plain, Pibiting, Karsha, Tsazar, Pishu(3450m/11,310ft) pigmo, Hanumil, Zanskar gorge, Parfi la (3900m/12,790ft).
- The pass is easy and is the first pass of the eight passes on your way to Lamayuru.
- Steep and tiring descent from the pass, take the long sandy ascent up the northern side of the valley.
- Routes are Snertse (3770m/12,370ft) Hanuma la camp site (4230m/13,870ft).
- The Hanuma la is easily reached and provides wonderful view of Lingshed, descent the zig zag trails to a stream at the valley floor, continue through fields to Lingshed.
- Great view of Zanskar gorge. Hard climb to Khyupa la.
- Routes are Margun la(4370m/14,330ft) skyumpata (4060m/13,320ft) Gongma village, Khyupa la (4430m/14,530ft). base camp of singey la (4400m/14,430ft).
- The ascent of the highest pass on the route is never very steep and the view from the summit are spectacular. Descend the short steep slope from the pass and on down the broad valley.
- Route are Sir-sir la (4800m/15,740ft).
- Descent to the pretty village of Photoksar.
- The trail gradually climbs to Sir-sir la, a final steep climb to the summit continue to Hanupata and then to Phanjila. The gorge is spectacular and makes interesting walk. Follow the jeep road to Phanjila.
- Head downstream along the Yapola river bank, you pass a jumble of huge boulders in a field.
- Cross over the Prinkiti la (3700m/12,140ft).
- Take a visit to the famous Lamayuru Monastery.
- From Phanjila you can start heading towards Leh if you don’t wish to continue, a taxi will be available if incase.
- From Phanjila to Leh the travel time is 4hrs.
- The trek can be also done starting from Lamayuru to Darcha.