DURATION: - 30 DAYS (DELHI TO DELHI.) SEASON: JULY-AUGUST
Big traversing of Zanskar chain is credentials of the big trekking of Indian Himalayas and it is twenty days of walking including crossing the several 5000 meters of passes and discovering its surrounding areas. Doing this trek is very punctual Season otherwise it may cause you very serious problems with late starting treks. Itinerary, beginning of trek is same way as semi traversing Zanskar trek but from Padum it continues further to Lamayuru via Rinam, Hanupatta and wanla.
DAY 01: Delhi. Reception in the airport, transfer to the hotel, O/N in the hotel.
DAY 02: Delhi to Manali (570 km) 16 hours drives until Manali. Drive bu night bus to Manali is situated on the elevation of 2000 m.
DAY 03: Arrival in Manali, over night in the hotel. BB.
DAY 04: Free day in Manali, for acclimatization, visit old and new Manali, O/N in hotel.
MANALI: -Manali is situated in the north of the Kullu valley (the valley of God) at the elevation of about 2000 meters, surrounded by the mountains and the lush green forest. The Beas River is following through the middle of the valley and draining the fertile land of the Punjab, originate from a spring, and just bellow the Rohtang pass. In summer one can see the mass of Indian tourists and as well the westerns too. It is a center for the trekkers (adventure tourism) who lead their caravans to the various destinations of the western Himalayan (Lahoul Spiti, Kinnaur, Ladakh, Zanskar) as well to the other destinations. Most of the people in the valley are farmers, but recently the people are engaging in tourism. In winter, it’s snowy and very cold, but in summer its hot and various kinds of crops and fruits can be ripening: as the valley is very famous for the apple orchards, as well for the handicrafts. For the customs, the men wear a cap on the head (topi), a vest (coat), and a half jacket too (Kurta Pajama); now these days pantaloon and the grassy shoes can be seen worn in the interior villages. The women wear the long pajama kurta (suite), a «Pattu», or shawl over that, a scarf or « dupatta » on the head or arround the neck, and shoes and Many kinds of Jewelries such as Earrings, Bracelet, Necklace and Bangles, etc. Main food is rice, various kinds of « dhal », vegetables, chapati, and meat not so often. Tea is the main item to welcome the guests, whereas the local alcohol and rice beer is to celebrate the festivals and other occasions. The domestic animals are cows, buffalos, bulls, sheeps, goats, horses, dogs, cocks, and hens. The people are by nature honest, humble, loving, and compassionate. The people are Hindu and some migrated Buddhist too, good relation exist in between of them. The name of Manali derived from Manu, who is to be said the first man on the earth, as Adam and Eve in Christians. The temple has been built in the old Manali at the distance of 2.500 kms from the new Manali; several Hindu deities’ temples are in the valley that is the reason why the valley is called « the valley of God ». In Manali and around Manali, there are several places to visit but the following are the main: in Manali: Hadimba Devi temple the woman of Mahabharta, a Buddhist Monastery in the town, in Vashisht: hot springs, the temple of Rama, and (the woman of Ramayana), the Vashist Rishi (Saint), in Jagatsukh: the temple of Gaytri Devi, which was the capital of Kullu in olden time, in Nagar: the Nagar castle and the temple of Goddess Tripurasundry, Shiva temple, Roriech art gallery (the Russian painter), in Manikaran: it is famous for its hot springs and pilgrimage for both Hindu and Sikh religion, Rohtang pass and Solang valley is famous for day excursion, skiing and paragliding and several other excursions are in the valley.
DAY 05: Manali to Darcha (135 km) (3300m) 6 to 7 hours.)
Drive early morning over Rohtang passes (4050m). Having spectacle view of snow Carpet Mountain of the C.B. RANGE. Descend to the Lahoul valley (semi desertic valley), reach Jispa the camp site just 6 kms before Darcha. Over night in the camp.
DAY 06: Jispa to Palmo (3600 m) 5.30 hours. First day of the trek, after 30 minutes check post is established in Darcha one have to check the passport, visit the tinny hamlet and continue through the last village of the valley (Rarick and Chhika) Finally the camp site is visible on the right side of the Zanskar Chhu (river). O/N in camp.
DAY 07: Palmo to Zanskar Sumdo (3950 m) 6 hours.
Gradual walk through the boulders and meadows; easy stream crossing. Both side of the river camping site is available both side of river.
DAY 08: Zanskar Sumdo to Chhumik Marpo (4500 m) 7.30 hours
It starts with a zigzag climbing of 45 minutes and after gradual until the base of Shingo la.
DAY 09: Chhumik Marpo to Lahkhang (4300 m) over Shingo la (5090 m) 7 to 8hours.
This is a very hard day for the ponies; because of the snow and ice on the pass .So the clients are requested to start as early as they can, especially during the month of July. Gradual ascend until the pass over snow, scree and ice; both side of the pass, one can enjoy the snow carpet mountain. After having a break on the pass, steep and gradual descend, easy stream crossing before reaching the campsite.
DAY 10: Lhakhang to Kargyak (4060 m) 5 hours.
Trek beside the right bank of the Kargyak Chhu and foot of the Gumburanjon; small stream crossing just before arriving to the meadows .One can see the herds of yaks, sheep and goats. Marmots are whistling around the meadow. The children and the women can be seen asking for the « Bong-Bong » and photo. Afternoon reached Kargyak; the first village of the Zanskar houses a small gompa on the top of the village.
DAY 11: Kargyak to Purni (3800 m) 6 hours.
Easy walk through Tanze, Kuru, Testa, and Yal.Purni is situated on the confluence of the Tsarap and Kargyak Chhu. It is one of the most beautiful campsites.
DAY 12: Purni to Phucktal back to Purni. 2 hours one-way.
PHUKTAL MONASTERY :-( Phugtal) Also Phuktal, was founded in ancient time by Phagspa Shesrab.He was the teacher Dorje Rinchen who caused it to flourish and the bodhisattva Shesrab Zangpo who introduced there the order of the Ribo gandpa. It is
About 530 years old. Since the monastery is built inside a huge cave, its name «Phugtal» (through cave) is said to derive from this. There are many sacred shrines to be seen. About 60 monks are in residence; every year all the monks observe the custom of performing sacred dances in conjunction with the Guster festival which takes place on the 18th and 19th day of the Tibetan 12th month
DAY 13: Purni to Pipula (3600 m) 5 hours.
The trail goes through the narrow valley, beside the Tsarap River, easy walk but very hot day. Campsite is beside the river.
DAY 14: Pipula to Raru (3700 m) 5.30 hours.
As you arrive to the camp, one can have bath in the lake at campsite, which is formed by the villagers for storing the water for irrigation. Raru village is quite Interesting to visit, the villagers offers the Tsampa and butter tea.
DAY 15: Raru to Padum (3600 m) 6hours.
On the way visit the monastery of Mune and Barden. Barden Gompa, a Kagyupa monastery, is famous for its prayer wheel. Padum is sub division of the Zanskar, (Distt Kargil) one can visit the tinny hamlet.
DAY 16: Padum to Rinam (3500 m) 6 hours.
From Padum head toward the Pipting, then dusty plain toward the Doda River; visit the Karsha Monastery, a beautiful Gelugpa monastery dating from the XVth century, and continue to the campsite at Rinam.
DAY 17: Rinam to Pishu (3400 m) 3 hours, via Jangla 6 hours.
Jangla is situated on the right side of the Zanskar River. It was a capital of Zanskar olden time. One can see the ruin of castle on the cliff near Jangla village. After visiting this village back to the beautiful campsite of Pishu.
DAY 18: Pishu to Hanumil (3550 m) 5 hours.
Continue left bank of the river, visit the Pidmo village. Afternoon reach Hanumil
DAY 19: Hanumil to Snertse (4200 m) over Parfila (3900 m) 7 hours.
You need 3.30 hours to climb the Parfila and steep descend to the river.then again ascend to the Snertse. One can have opportunity to see the Ibex (Mountain goat).
DAY 20: Snertse to Lingshed (3800 m) over Hanumala (4700 m) 7 hours
Long gradual ascends toward the Hanumala through gorges. Finally reach the top. One can enjoy the extensive view of the Himalaya from the top of the Hanumala. Easy descend toward the Lingshed monastery. Campsite is near the monastery (Gelugpa sect).
DAY 21: Lingshed to Yulchun gyra (4500 m) Trek starts over Murgum la (4100 m). Descend toward the gongma village and Skiumpata; again steep climbing to the Kiupa la (3850 m).
DAY 22: Yulchungyra to Phutoksar (3750 m) 7 hours.
Rather steep climbing to the Singee la (5000 m). Having a wonderful view from the pass; little descend to the broad valley, easy going then gentle climbing to the Bumitkse la (4200 m). Splendid village at the base of a huge mountain wall.
DAY 23: Phutoksar to Hanupata (3500 m).
From the village, gentle climb to the « chhorten » and long ascend to the Sirsila (4900 m) 6 hours. From the pass continue descend to the campsite Hanupata: the village is situated ahead
DAY 24: Hanupata to Wanla (3300 m) 5hours.
Passing through the village and narrow gorge, finally appear just before the Franzila village. Gentle walk through the dusty path (Road) and afternoon reached at the campsite of Wanla.
DAY 25: Wanla to Lamayuru (3600 m) over Pritink la (3800 m).
Go up to the Shilacong and cross the bridge and follow the broad chhorten then follow the narrow and dry gorge up to the Pritinki la, again descend and cross the small stream and go toward the village of Lamayuru. Visit the Monastery and stay over night in the monastery.
LAMAYURU MONASTERY: -Lamayuru monastery is situated 126 kms west of the Leh. In ancient time, there was a lake in this place. The Arhat Nyimagung made a prophecy
Saying: « May a monastery be founded in this place »and then he offered votive water offering (cho-gtor) to all the Naga (snakes spirits) who is the guardian of that place? The grain of corn that formed part of this offering were carried by the waves to the different places along the cliff side by the edge of the lake and when they had become mixed with the earth, they sprouted forth as corn in the shape of a Swastika. In 11th century the mahasiddha Naropa came to this place and the cave there he resided and meditated is still to be seen today.
DAY 26: Lamayuru to Leh via Alchi 126 kms. , O/N in hotel.
Join the morning puja and continue to the Alchi monastery. Reach Leh. O/N in hotel
ALCHI MONASTERY: -Alchi monastery, all thought there are many temples, caves and stupas built in Ladakh by Rinchen Zangpo, translator. Alchi choskor is the largest and most famous of all of them; it is 69 kms far from the Leh on west direction, south of the Village Saspol on the opposite side of the Sengey Tsangpo (Indus). The translator, Rinchen Zangpo, constructed the Monastery (Alchi choskor) approximately 990 years ago. In order to build these temples, Rinchen Zangpo is said in various biographics to have brought with him from Kashmir thirty-two sculptors and woodcarvers.
DAY 27: Visit Shey, Thiksey, Hemis; back to Leh, O/N in hotel.
THIKSEY MONASTERY: -Thiksey (or Khirg-se): this holy monastery is situated on the top of the hill. Jomgon Tsonghkapa once declared on the right bank of the Indus river: « my teaching will come to flourish. » according to this prophesy, the lord’s own disciple, Shesrab Zangpos nephew called Palden Sherab, founded the great monastery of Thiksey together with the residence for lama and it comes to flourish. There are many sacred shrines and precious objects to be seen there. HEMIS MONASTERY: - Hemis is situated 48 kms from the Leh on the opposite side of the Singey Tsangpo River (Indus). It is the largest and most famous monastery in the Ladakh. Stagsang Reschen who was invited in Ladakh by the King Singee Namgyal has founded it about 350 years ago.
DAY 28: Free day in Leh; O/N in hotel.
DAY 29: Transfer to airport for Delhi, transfer to the hotel, afternoon free time in Delhi. O/N in hotel.
DAY 30: Visit old or New Delhi (Full day sight seeing) O/N in hotel.
DAY 31: Free day, evening transfer to international airport for your onward destination.
SEMI TRAVERSING ZANSKAR (***)
DURATION: - 23 DAYS (DELHI TO DELHI.) SEASON: - JULY-AUGUST
This trek is shorter than the big traversing of Zanskar trek; however the program preserves the most attractive part of Zanskar too. The trail fork From Padum and continue further have the big traversing Zanskar trek. Padum is small capital of Zanskar and linked by road with Leh and other places. It is the 11 days walk and gaining a fabulous landscapes views of Lingshed, Hanupatta and Phuktal valley and plus the spectacular views of Zanskar chain. Also this itinerary is discovering, part of Himachal pradesh, Lahaul & Spiti in beginning of the trek; and finally you will reach the area of your final and main objective goal of this trek (Zanskar & Ladakh).
DAY 01: Delhi. Reception in the airport, transfer to the hotel, O/N in the hotel.
DAY 02: Delhi to Manali (570 km) 16 hours drives until Manali. Drive by night bus to Manali is situated on the elevation of 2000 m.
DAY 03: Arrival in Manali, over night in the hotel. BB.
DAY 04: Free day in Manali, for acclimatization, visit old and new Manali, O/N in hotel.
MANALI: -Manali is situated in the north of the Kullu valley (the valley of God) at elevation of about 2000 mtrs, surrounded by the mountains and the lush green forest. The Beas River is following through the middle of the valley and draining the fertile land of the Punjab, originate from a spring, and just bellow the Rohtang pass. In summer one can see the mass of Indian tourists and as well the westerns too. It is a center for the trekkers (Adventure tourism) who lead their caravans to the various destinations of the western Himalaya (Lahoul Spiti, Kinnaur, Ladakh, Zanskar) as well to the other destinations. Most of the people in the valley are farmers, but recently the people are engaging in tourism. In winter, it’s snowy and very cold, but in summer its hot and various kinds of crops and fruits can be ripening: as the valley is very famous for the apple orchards, as well for the handicrafts. For the customs, the men wear a cap on the head (topi), a vest (coat), a half Jacket too (Kurta pajama); now these days pantaloon and the grassy Shoes can be seen worn in the interior villages. The women wear the long pajama kurta (suite), a «pattu», or shawl over that, a scarf or « dupatta » on the head or round the neck, Shoes, and various kinds of jewelries such as earrings, bracelet, Necklace, banggles, and etc. Main food is rice, various kinds of «dhal», vegetables, chapati, and meat not so often. Tea is the main item to welcome the guests, whereas the local alcohols and rice beer are to celebrate the festivals and other occasions. The domestic animals are cows, Buffalos, bulls, sheeps, goats, horses, dog’s cocks, and hens. The people are by nature honest, humble, loving, and compassionate. The people are Hindu and some migrated Buddhist too, good relation exist in between of them. The name of Manali derived from Manu, who is to be said the first man on the earth, as Adam and Eve in Christians. The temple has been built in the old Manali at the distance of 2500 km from the new Manali; several Hindu deities’ temples are in the valley that is the reason why the valley is called “the valley of God”. In Manali and around Manali, there are several places to visit but the following are the main: in Manali: Hadimba devi temple the woman of Mahabharta, a Buddhist monastery in the town, in Vashisht: hot springs, the temple of Rama, (the woman of Ramayana), the Vashist Rishi (Saint), in Jagatsukh: the temple of Gaytri Devi, which was the Capital of Kullu in olden time, in Nagar: the Nagar castle and the temple of Goddess Tripurasundry, Shiva temple, Roriech art gallery (the Russian Painter), in Manikaran: it is famous for its hot springs and pilgrimage for both Hindu and Sikh religion, Rohtang pass and Solang valley is famous for day excursion, skiing and paragliding and several other excursions are in the valley.
DAY 05: Manali to Darcha (135 km) (3300m) 6 to 7 hours.)
Drive early morning over Rohtang passes (4050m). Having spectacle view of snow peak Mountains the C.B. RANGE. Descend to the Lahoul valley (semi desertic valley); reach Jispa the camp site just 6 km before Darcha. Camp
DAY 06: Jispa to Palmo (3600 m) 5.30 hours.
First day of trek, after 30 minutes check post is established in Darcha one have to check the passport, visit the tinny hamlet and continue through the last village of the valley (Rarick and Chhika) Finally the camp site is visible on the right side of the Zanskar Chhu (river). O/N in camp.
DAY 07: Palmo to Zanskar Sumdo (3950 m) 6 hours.
Gradual walk through the boulders and meadows; easy stream crossing. Both side of the river camping site is available both side of river.
DAY 08: Zanskar Sumdo to Chhumik Marpo (4500 m) 7.30 hours
It starts with a zigzag climbing of 45 minutes and after gradual until the base of Shingo la.
DAY 09: Chhumik Marpo to Lahkhang (4300 m) over Shingo la (5090 m) 7 to 8hours.
This is a very hard day for the ponies; because of the snow and ice on the pass .So the clients are requested to start as early as they can, especially during the month of July. Gradual ascend until the pass over snow, scree and ice; both side of the pass, one can enjoy the snow carpet mountain. After having a break on the pass, steep and gradual descend, easy stream crossing before reaching the campsite.
DAY 10: Lhakhang to Kargyak (4060 m) 5 hours.
Trek beside the right bank of the Kargyak Chhu and foot of the Gumburanjon; small stream crossing just before arriving to the meadows .One can see the herds of yaks, sheep and goats. Marmots are whistling around the meadow. The children and the women can be seen asking for the « Bong-Bong » and photo. Afternoon reached Kargyak; the first village of the Zanskar houses a small gompa on the top of the village.
DAY 11: Kargyak to Purni (3800 m) 6 hours.
Easy walk through Tanze, Kuru, Testa, and Yal.Purni is situated on the confluence of the Tsarap and Kargyak Chhu. It is one of the most beautiful campsites.
DAY 12: Purni to Phucktal back to Purni. 2 hours one-way.
PHUKTAL MONASTERY :-( Phugtal) Also Phuktal, was founded in ancient time by Phagspa Shesrab.He was the teacher Dorje Rinchen who caused it to flourish and the bodhisattva Shesrab Zangpo who introduced there the order of the Ribo gandpa. It is about 530 years old. Since the monastery is built inside a huge cave, its name «phugtal» (through cave) is said to derive from this. There are many sacred shrines to be seen. About 60 Monks are in residence; every year all the monks observe the custom of performing sacred dances in conjunction with the Guster festival which lakes place on the 18th and 19th day of the Tibetan 12th month
DAY 13: Purni to Pipula (3600 m) 5 hours.
The trail goes through the narrow valley, beside the Tsarap River, easy walk but very hot day. Campsite is beside the river.
DAY 14: Pipula to Raru (3700 m) 5.30 hours.
As you arrive to the camp, one can have bath in the lake at campsite, which is formed by the villagers for storing the water for irrigation. Raru village is quite Interesting to visit, the villagers offers the Tsampa and butter tea.
DAY 15: Raru to Padum (3600 m) 6 hours.
Start early in the morning, on the way visite the monastery of Mune and barden. Barden Gompa, a Kagyupa monastery, is famous for its prayer wheel. Padum is sub division of the Zanskar, (Distt Kargil).
DAY 16: Visit Karsha Monastery and back to Padum.
DAY 17: Padum to Rangdum (3600 m).
Drive early, over the Pensila (4400 m). Visit the Sainy gompa on the way Spectacle view of the Darung-drung glacier and the whole chaine of Zanskar. Descending to the valley from the pass, visit the monastery of Rangdum. Camp at Rangdum.
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DAY 18: Rangdum to kargil (3700 m).
Full day driving through the Suru valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in the Ladakh. One can have the bewitching view of the magnificent Nun-Kun, Himalayan peaks of the Zanskar range. The trail goes through the foot of the glacier of the Nun and Kun. Passport control at Panikhar, O/N in the hotel
DAY 19: Kargil to Leh. Via Lamayuru / Alchi 7-8 hrs. . O/N in Leh.
. LAMAYURU MONASTERY: -Lamayuru monastery is situated 126 km west of the Leh. In ancient time, there was a lake in this place. The Arhat Nyimagung made a prophecy saying: « May a monastery is founded in this place »and then he offered votive water offering (cho-gtor) to all the Naga (nakes spirits) who are the guardian of that place. The grain of corn that formed part of this offering were carried by the waves to the different places along the cliff side by the edge of the lake and when they had become mixed with the earth, they sprouted forth as corn in the shape of a Swastika. In 11th century the mahasiddha Naropa came to this place and the cave where he resided and meditated is still to be seen today.
DAY 20: Free day in Leh, O/N in hotel.
DAY 21: Visit shey, Thiksey, Hemis.
DAY 22: Flight to Delhi, afternoon at leisure, O/N in hotel.
DAY 23: Sight seen in Delhi, by evening transfer to international airport Flight to onward destination.
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