Zanskar Combined with Rupshu

Introduction: Zanskar is a land hidden between the formidable peaks of the great Himalayan ranges and it was until recently one of the most inaccessible places in the world. It is a large area of about 5000 sq.km. made up of two valleys, the Stod, which connects up with the Suru valley and Kargil regions, and the Tsarap, which follows from the north of Zanskar. Ultimately, it joins the main Zanskar river. Zanskar remains inaccessible for nearly eight months every year due to heavy winter snowfall resulting in closure of all access passes. Because of its remoteness, Zanskar is often described as  the lost valley. The exceptional adventure of Zanskar begins at the trek starting point of Raru.  

In order to begin in Raru, we need to get to Leh or Srinagar first. Then we must drive to Kargil and from there travel another 240 kms to Padum as soon as you reach Zanskar. It is of utmost importance to have a some time to relax and acclimatize.

Day 1 : Travel from Delhi to Leh by air. The early morning flight from Delhi gets to Leh in less than one hour. From the airport guests will be transferred to a A class Hotel where they will be housed on full board. Leh is at an altitude of 3500 mts. All guests are advised to rest for the entire day. A successful trek in Ladakh requires you to acclimatize well.

Day 2 : This day is meant to provide an opportunity to get a feel for the place. Guests will be driven to the Kings Palace , which houses old relics that belong to the sixteenth century ruler of Ladakh. Later in the day, well also make a trip to the monasteries at Shey, Thiksey and Hemis. Over night Hotel. 

Day 3 : Drive from Leh to Mulbak 234 kms. 7/8 hrs Driving along the Srinagar to Leh National Highway the route traces its way past the Indus & Zanskar river junction. The village of Nimmu is the site of Basgo Palace , which was the capital of lower Ladakh before the Ladakh kingdom was united at Leh. Also in the vicinity, Alchi Monastery is one of the great art treasures of the Buddhist world, one of the very few remaining examples in India . Enroute, we pass through Kalse, Lamayuru , Bodhkharbu, and Mulbek until we overnight in a hotel in Kargil, the second largest Urban centre of Ladakh.{2704m}

Day 04 : Drive from Kargil to Rangdum 130 kms. 6 hrs. Rangdum {3657m} is almost midway between Kargil and Padum. It is a picturesque place, surrounded by colorful hills on the one side and glacier encrusted Rocky Mountains on the other. Rangdum also has a 18th century Buddhist monastery of the Deluks-pa order. We shall camp here for the night.

Day 05 : Drive from Rangdum to Padum 110 km. 5 hrs. About 20 kms southeast of Rangdum stands the Penzi-la axis, across which lies Zanskar. The Penzi-la pass {4401m} is a scenic tableland surrounded by snow-covered peaks. As the Zanskar road winds down the steep slopes of Penzi-la to the head of Stod valley, the majestic Drang- Drung glacier looms into full view. Drang- Drung is one of the largest glaciers in a vast region with a tiny population of about 1500. We shall camp here for the night in one of the many camping sites.  

Day 06 : Today is reserved for some local sightseeing. On the way back we drop into Zangkul gompa, and Sani castle. Over night Hotel & guest house. 

Day 07 : Morning drive to Raru village on the banks of the Lungnak river is a site of ancient rock carvings which date back to the 8th century. During the day we shall visit the monastery of Bardan gompa. This monastery is located on the trek route. Our trek begins inÊ Raru village. The day is a relatively easy walk to Lechar, going up down and across a wood bridge following the Tserap river up and down though Ichaer village, set in a rocky landscape. The campsite is at Dorzong village. 

Day 08 : Trek Dorzong to Kalbok 5/6 hrs. Easy walk and trail continues to follow the Tserap river. We trek past the villages of Tsethang, and Surley, overnight campsite KALBOK. 

Day 09 : Trek Kalbok to Phukthal Gompa. 5/6 hrs. The confluence of Tserap and Karyak rivers. While passing through the little village of Purni we will continue our trek a little further to reach Phukthal Gompa. We shall visit the famous Phukthal monastery during the day. Phukthal is by far the most spectacularly located monastic establishment in Ladakh. The Phukthal complex spills out of the mouth of a cave high up on the vertical mountainside of a gorge through which a major tributary of the Lung-nak river flows. The foundation of Phukthal dates back to the early 12th century. Overnight campsite at gompa. 

Day 10 : Trek Phukthal to Tangtak gompa 6/7 hrs, From the Phukthal monastery ascend along the Tserap river. Many downs and ups follow the main valley of gorge and rocky landscape, crossing some streams along the way. And good chance to see wild life, such as Himalayan mountain sheep and snow leopard. This day is very long and steep. The track rises and keeps on ascending till Shade village. We can see the junction of Tserap and the Stongday river on the other side of the river. It is possible to use this trail towards Yarshun, Mashu, Tangthak. After leaving the junction and walking for about 2 hrs, there is river crossing just before the very nice campsite near the river bank. 

Day 11 : Trek day trip to Shade 3/4 hrs. Explore the village, meeting the locals and back to camp.

Day 12 : Trek Tangthak to Hormoche via Naylokungtse la 4900 mtr and Gotungla 5250 mtr 7/8 hrs. In morning easy climb gradually up through the beautiful valley, past a volcanic mountain gradually to the pass. From the top you have a very nice view. After easy walk but long way to get to the next pass, in between that the nice view of lake is spectacular. From the second pass it is steep, giving lovely views of the lake and the majestic volcanic mountains. You might be surprised with a rare glimpse of a snow leopard, or the more common Ibex and yak. Over night campsite. 

Day 13 : Trek Hormoche to Sathak village.{6/7 hrs} from the camp easy walk along field, passing along the Tserap river. Up and down through nice landscape, rocky, gorge, and cross a river coming from Tibet border. Set up camp Sathak village.

Day 14 : Trek Sathak to Tsokmesik {6/7 hrs} From the camp continue on the left side until reaching the first small pass. From the pass very nice view of gorge landscape of rock and river bank, chance to see Ibex. This day many up and downs as trail passes through beautiful way along the river bank. Set up camp.  

Day 15 : Trek Tsokmesik to Morang la base. 4/5 hrs {4200 mtrs} Today is easy walk following the narrow valley passing through stream river and bushes and gradually up to camp. Set up about 4450 mtr.  

Day 16 : Trek to Lungo via Morang la 5300 mtr, 17300 ft, 6/7 hrs. From the camp very steep climb till Marang la pass {5300m} and rest at top. The trek down on other side is initially steep, leading to a broad plateau. From her the trek is a gentle descent through many valleys till Lun {4100mt} set up camp.  

Day 17 : Trek Lungo to Sangtha 6/7 hrs. Morning from the camp start trek along the river following it downstream . En route cross a small village of Nomad from Karnek region and cross Stupa ""chorten"'. you may be meet the peoples from Tibet nomads. Over night camp near river bank. 

Day 18 : Trek Sangtha to Pangche do {Nomad village}Toady is easy walk along the stream river passing small village & Monasteries chance to see ""Kang"" wild horses. After noon meeting with nomads visit House. Evening, interesting to see animals like yak, ship, goat, Coming from mountain. Over night camp.  

Day 19 : Trek Pangchen do to Walthang {Nomad camp} via Pangche la 5350 mtr 6/7 hrs. After breakfast, gradual climb till the pass, on the way passing many yak and blooming flowers. From pass see descent on other side following trail along river. Passing through Rupshu, nomads are living this area. And see big plateau and open valley with snowy peaks from the pass. Over night camp Nomad area.  

Day 20 : Trek Walthang to Nuruchan 4/5 hrs. from the camp easy walk very flat till to camp. Over night camp near river bank. 

Day 21 : Trek Nuruchan to Rachung karu via Horlamkonga 4/5 hrs. From the camp easy ascent to the pass, around one hour 30 minutes. The trail run towards north east just after crossing the pass through the valley. The camp site is across the river at the base of the Kyamayurla pass. Over night camp. 

Day 22 : Trek Rachungkaru to Gyamalhoma via Kyamayurla pass 5300m, 6/7 hrs. Start climbing Kyamayur la pass 5300 m as soon as you leave your camp. This takes around 2hrs at average speed. After the pass the trail leads towards north east and at the end of the valley trail start ascending another small pass called Gyamaila {5150m} from where you can have view of a group of peaks. Walk down towards north east and cross a small river and the Gyamala homes are reached after another river crossing which is also a base for Korzok la.  

Day 23 : Trek Gyamalhoma to Korzok via Korzok la {5400m} 6/7 hrs Start an easy ascent to the Korzok pass along the stream . It takes around 2hrs to reach the top, which gives an exquisite view ofÊ the lovely Tsomo Riri lake. Then steep down to Korzok village. Over night camp.

Day 24 : Korzok to Leh Drive 220 km 6/7 hrs. After breakfast drive along the Indus river. And on the way pass many villages, famous Hot spring water. Over night at Leh.

Day 25 :Early morning fly Leh to Delhi , where we can visit local bazaar. Evening transfer to International Airport . Back to home sweet home