Manali – Lamayuru Big Zanskar Trek :

Arrival at Delhi , transfer to Hotel. Rest day at your leisure. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Transfer to railway station for Chandigarh and proceed for Manali by car/bus. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Hadimba Temple
Resting on the stone platform amongst the dense wood of Old Deodar, Hadimba Temple is Manali’s oldest shrine. It is an excellent example of Pagoda architecture.

Old Manali
Old Manali, the village from which the modern Town takes its name, lies 3 Km. from the main mall. Unlike its offspring, the settlement retains an unhurried and traditional feel. There is a Temple of Sage Manu, from which the name Manali has originated.

Nagger
Around 40 Minutes drive through beautiful landscape comprising of vast cultivation fields dotted by chalets in the middle takes one to Nagger, the ancient capital of Kullu. There is a Castle, which now has been renovated and converted into a heritage hotel. There is also an art gallery of the famous Russian painter, writer and philosopher, Sir Nicholas Rhoriech. Overnight stay at Hotel.

We start our journey, leaving the beautiful countryside of Manali towards Rohthang Pass (3,978 m). Few places on the Earth can mark so dramatic a change in landscape as the Rohthang Pass. To one side, the lush green head of Kullu Valley; to the other, an awesome vista of bare, chocolate – colored mountains, hanging glaciers and snowfields that shine in the dazzlingly crisp fight.

Drive through the field of potato and peas through the Lahauli Villages and encounter the local inhabitants working in the fields. Cross a bridge at Tandi, the meeting point of Chandra and Bhaga Rivers, which later becomes Chenab. These Rivers originate from Baralacha La, and flows all the way into the plains of Punjab. From Tandi, the road crosses the River on a bridge and veers North along the Bhaga Valley to Keylong – The district head quarters of Lahaul and Spiti.

Move further towards Darcha, enjoying the scenic view along the River. See many villages with Buddhist prayer flags and Stupa’s. The barren landscapes with desert look is a feast for eyes.

An early start after the breakfast to Palahmo. Slowly the landscape changes its appearance, rocks assume human like forms. It is flat easy walk to the last villages of Lahaul, Chhika and Rarik. On the way meet hospitable people of this region. From here another stretch of walk along the River (Barai Nallah) to Palahmo. There is a small temple on the edge of a gorge dedicated to the local Goddess Paldan Lahmo, the village has been named after this goddess. Standing on the top of the gorge, it is wonderful site to see the tremendous energy with which the water flows. After crossing a man made bridge over the Gorge reach the Camping site.

The day's walk is all along the River (Barai Nallah). The trail winds through the boulders and a small stream crossing ARE on the way to get to the campsite. A beautiful campsite on the banks of the River (Barai Nallah).

The day starts with exciting expedition of entering into another valley after crossing a bridge. Today’s walk is bit hard, as you will have to climb up more then 800 m. in high altitude conditions. The enchanting landscape around compensates the fatigue. There are summits of 6000 Mts. and more all around you. This is a pure alpine region. Finally reach the campsite at Chumiknakpo.

Get prepared for the steep as well gradual ascent to the top of the Shingo La. When you reach on the top, you will be exactly in the heart of the Great Himalayas, at the foot of high summits. To the other side lies completely different World; this is the beginning of mountain desert.

Entering into the Zanakar and catch the beautiful sight of mammoth granite rock, magnificently standing in the middle of the Valley. According to a legend, these are not sheer assembly of rocks, instead a monastery, where monks live and pray. During the Tibetan New Year the lucky few can hear, low drumbeats and also see tiny lamps, glimpsing on the rock.

Walk through the plains of Zanskar, admiring its lunar landscape, the rocks assume different colors, which mixes with the infinite blue sky giving the atmosphere - a divine touch. The walk is all the way along the Kargyak Chu (stream). As you reach Kargyak, the first village of Zanskar, we meet the warm and hospitable people of the region. From here walk for almost one and a half hour along the mane walls (prayer walls) and then along the Kargyak Chu stream to camp at Thangse/ Thable.

After crossing the Thangse Bridge, we keep walking on the left bank of the Stream till we reach Testa Village, quite a big village as compared to other villages in Zanskar. From here we pass through quite a few more hamlets to get to Purne, a small hamlet on top of a hill. With three to four houses, belonging to the same family. This is a resting point for trekkers from both sides, this makes it a very commercial center in the middle of this isolated land. You can get beverages from Coke to a bottle of Beer here. Below there is a confluence point of Kargiak Chu and Sarap Chu (Chu in local language means river or water), which now has become Sarap Chu or Zanskar River. The rivers will accompany us throughout our Journey in Zanskar. The path along the River is infact used by the local people of Zanskar to travel to Leh and other far Villages. In Winters Zanskar river freezes and the thick layer of ice is formed on the top, forming a layer popularly called as Chader (Blanket) Route.

Two hours walk on a rocky track reach the famous Phuktal Monastery. Phuktal Monastery -The imposing and honeycomb monastery of Phuktal is a rare sight and is unmatched in its sublime grandeur. The monastery has been etched out of a composite mountain and has a massive cave. Yellow capped monks, who are hospitable, dominate the monastery. Inside the cave there is water small well, where the water remains at the same level. One should not forget to take torch to view magnificent old paintings and thankas in the dark rooms of the Monastery.

After visiting and exploring the Monastery, we retreat back to Purne and further through the Gorge, along the Zanskar River. we get to a small Hemlet of Gyalbok. Located in the middle of the Gorge on a hill.

Another stretch of trek through the middle of the Gorge and our sincere companion, the Zanskar River flows along. After crossing the Bridge on Zanskar River, we reach to another very beautiful village of Zanskar ‘Ichar’. Village is located on the Right Bank of Zanskar River. This village houses a small but beautiful Monastery and has a school as well, one of the schools in Zanskar. Spend bit of time, meeting the local people from this beautiful village and visiting the Monastery. Continue to head towards Raru.

You may also spot some of the wild inhabitants of the area like herds of Ibex, if you are lucky enough. Cross another Bridge to reach Raru, a moderatly populated Village in Zanskar, now well connected with road to Padum. The lush green fields cultivated by water from the glacier streams flowing down the mountains along a small lake makes a perfect camping.

Walking further, we pass through the Mune and Bardan Gompa. Mune monastery is the finest example of the traditional Tibetan architecture, whereas the Bardan monastery is built on the huge rock on the banks of the river Zanskar, the location of the monastery is incredible, it rises right from the edge of cliff. All the way walking on the dusty road, soon the wide plains of Zanskar are visible and finally we reach Padum.

One and a half hours trek through the flat plain, takes us to Karsha Monastery - The largest and most important monastery in the Zanskar region, it lies North to Padum towards Yalang and can be reached after crossing the Doda river (Stode river). The monastery is picturesquely built on a rock high above the Doda River. It can be seen from a distance. This monastery houses more than 150 yellow capped monks, who are headed by younger brother of Dalai Lama. The monastery was built in 15th century and contains beautiful statues of Buddha, Shakiyamuni, Tsongkhapa and Avolokeshwara. The wall paintings are very attractive and depicts several events from the life of Buddha, his disciples and number of Buddhisatavas. It also contains a big library. There is also a nunnery in the Monastery.

On the way to monastery one passes the Chamba Lin temple. Which dates back to 11th century. During the prayer ceremony, the senior monks perform the prayer and the atmosphers loud with chanting of mantras from holy texts. Of all the monasteries in Zanskar, this monastery is more organized and disciplined. From Karsha, we continue through the vast plain towards Rinam. Though windy but beautiful campsite along a stream. This is like an oasis in the desert.

Easy stretch on the bank of the Zanskar river till we get to the camp at Pishu Village. After arranging the camp on the village side one can visit Zangla. Crossing the Bridge to the right, Zangla, ancient capital of Zanskar. One can see the ruins of the Castle, on top of the Zangla Village. Village has a monastery and Drogsa (place to keep the cattle’s). The hospital nuns at Monastery welcome the tourists with a cup of tea, butter tea or curd and yogurt. We retreat back to the camp for evening tea.

PISHU – HANUMIL (3,550) (05 Hrs.): Continue through left bank of the River. Easy going sometimes along the river and sometimes experience the adventure of crossing the moraine plateau. Cross a bridge before Pidmo (another beautiful village), then proceed further for another two hours to reach Hanumil, a hamlet of two houses from the same family. This is our last night in Zanskar. The camp is splendid.

An easy going path 3-4 hours beyond Hanumil small stream on the left. This path leads away from the edge of the Zanskar, up to the plateau. Here we bid good buy to our companion, Zanskar River for long seven days. Then proceed further for foot of the pass. Steep and difficult climb for the animals at an altitude of 3,900 m. at Parfi-la. The pass gets steep and decent until reaching Oma-Chhu River, local boundary between Zanskar and Ladakh. Cross bridge and then climb up at a level of around 500 Mts. On the sandy slope. You discover a picturesque location and possibility of finding Ibex herds grazing or resting on the rocks. Then move along the slope to reach the sheepfolds of Snertse (tent- restaurant).

Long gradual ascent towards the Hanuman-La. through Gorge. After two hours of trek, we pass through a sheepfold (sometimes milk for sale). Proceed further for two-three hours to reach the summit of Hanuma -La (4700 m). Pass offers a magnificent view of the various ranges such as Markha, Stok, Zanskar, Nun & Kun, It provides a 360¡ view. Descent 100 m. towards Lingshed. This is an interesting walk, the Village seems to be close but it takes really long, each time, we think we are there, it moves away, almost like a mirage. After the reaching the village move to the campsite is near the monastery (Gelugpa).

Easy climb of about one hour to the Margum-La (4100 m). Climb continuous for an escapement and then go along the slope. Get the magnificent view of valley of Nierag, on the other bank of Zanskar. Gentle descent towards the villages of Gongma (3840 m) and Kiupa-la. Then procedd with a very steep climb as far as the Kiupa-la. Climb gradually along the mountainside up to the foot of Shingi-La. Overnight stay at Camp.

A steep climb to the Shingi –La takes around two hours. Then follow a short slope leads into a broad valley as walk ahead, the Valley stretches wider. Easy going and gentle climb towards the Bumitse-La for a beautiful view. Decent towards Photoksar, splendid village at the base of huge mountain walls. Abandoned Gompa 20 minutes away above the village. Overnight camp at an amazing site.

A gentle climb up from village to a large Chhorten, then long ascent of the top of the Sirsir-La, the climbs get steeper in the end of the ascent. Pass is situated at 4900 m. easy descent to the river. Cross onto the left bank by bridge. Then long graduals walk into a stony valley. Good campsite a short distance before the village of Hanupatta.

From Hanupatta, continue across the slope until entering the tremendous Gorge, following a path into the rocks to avoid difficult fords, a beautiful stream flows along. As the gorge comes to an end there is a junction of streams. Chhorten and religious banner on a flat Part of the ridge, and then go down until reaching a good bridge across the Yalopa. Then experience some easy and some difficult stretch (fallen rocks) until Phenjilla. A little beyond the village, cross again onto the left bank by bridge. Then on a flat way to Wanla. A beautiful Gompa welcomes you here. Walk through the gorge is unforgettable. Walking through it, as we look towards sky, all we see is massive rocks and then clear blue background of the sky.

Go up the Shill-Kong along the Right Bank, cross it then arrive in Shilla village. After passing this village you go to a broad Chhorten and then follow a narrow and dry gorge as far as the Prinkti-La (3726 m). Easy decent followed and then pass an escarpment. Cross the river and go towards the village of Lamayuru. Short climb towards the monastery, which is the most photographed in Ladakh. From here we drive to Leh, this drive takes around four and half hours. During this we pass through many villages of Leh and from the road at Nimu Village. Tourists can see the confluence of River Indus and River Zanskar. Overnight stay at Hotel.