LAMAYURU ZASNKAR TREKKING

23 Days

Highlights:
“An amazing adventure around breathtaking landscapes of Zaskar range
Explore the hidden corners of wild Ladakh vast plain and rural farm villages
The trek to enchanting country on and off the beaten tracks to lovely Manali
Crossing five high passes above 5,000 m with fabulous mountain panorama
Adventure to wilderness, visiting ancient monasteries of great religious charm” 

Overview

Lamayuru Zasnkar & Phitsela to Manali Trekking leads to classic adventure within a complete wilderness of scenic windswept terrain. Walking towards high snow-mountains of rugged Zanskar range, and crossing high passes from Lamayuru to Padum. As adventurous walks end with an exciting drive to the beautiful town at Manali, after traversing from the valley to another picturesque area.

 

The beauty and charm of this marvelous Lamayuru Zaskar & Phitsela to Manali Trekking, walking into hidden corners. Where few groups of trekkers seldom venture around remote areas of Zasnkar’s scenic terrain, in the shade of snowy peaks. Adventure of more than two weeks from arrival to final departure, where drive and walks take you around a beautiful location.

 

Allows enough time for acclimatization and to experience the local colorful culture, and visit its historical, religious sites. Starts with an exciting tour of its famed monasteries and Ladakh landmarks, and then getting ready for the treks.

 

One of the best classic adventures from Lamayuru to Manali via the Zasnkar range and Phitsela, with exciting drives and treks.

 

At Leh tour of beautiful Peace / Shanti Stupa, along with historical Shey fort palace with most important monasteries. Visit of Thiksey, Hemis, Likir, and Alchi Gompas, including Lamayuru one of the oldest 11th Century monastery.

 

The adventure begins driving beyond Leh to Lamayuru, where the walk starts heading towards the wilderness of Ladakh and Zasnkar valleys. On route enjoy exciting views of Ladakh country’s landscapes, rural farm villages with monasteries tucked on top of a hill.

From windblown areas of moonscape Lamayuru village and its old monastery, our adventure takes you over a small Prinkti-La pass. As trek progress heading towards wide valley and meadows around cattle herder temporary summer camps and past traditional villages. Route follows to the lovely village of Wanla and then into sheer arid areas of Hanupatta to cross Nyigutse-La.

Enjoy the spectacular panorama of the surrounding snow mountain range with great contrast of arid brown, red canyon, and high eroded cliffs.

 

Walk slowly reaches Shilla Kong, a small plateau in between high passes of Yokma and Nyigutse-La’s. Adventurous walks follow on dry terrain to Kanji and at Rangdum after a long traverse over Kanji-La at 5,246 m.

 

From here entering Zanskar’s vast scenic valley, where routes to various destinations separate and then taking a short drive to Padum. The main town of Zanskar valley is an interesting place, close to another lovely village of Stongde, which houses the famous Karsha monastery.

 

The adventure continues with a more exciting visit to Phuktail and Purne monasteries to reach Tangze and Zingchen. From here walk leads at the near end of Zanskar valley rim to Chumik Marpo and Khaberab then at Keylong Sarai.

 

Crossing the highest pass of the adventure over Phirtse-La at 5,490 m high, facing a breathtaking panorama of the Zanskar Himal range. Slowly walk concludes reaching Keylong Sarai, a small town on a roadside, where the drive takes you to lovely Manali town. At Manali with a free day for an enjoyable tour around an interesting hill town with a mild pleasant climate. A great nice place to complete our marvelous adventure Lamayuru Zasnkar & Phitsela to Manali Trekking.

 

Outline Itinerary:


Day 01:          Arrival at Leh / Ladakh 3, 500 m Kushok Bakula Rimpoche
airport and transfer to hotel.

Day 02:          A day in Leh for acclimatization and tour of Leh former
palace, Shanti Stupa overnight in View Point Hotel.
Day 03:          At Leh tour of Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis Monastery.
Day 04:          Drive and tour of Likir, Alchi Gompa to Lamayuru 3,366 m – 05 hrs.
Day 05:          Trek to Wanla 3,146 m via Prinkti-La 3, 735 m – 05 hrs.
Day 06:          Trek to Hanupatta 371 5 m – 06 hrs.
Day 07:          Trek to Shilla Kong 4, 106 m via Nyigutse-La 5, 097 m -07 hrs.
Day 08:          Trek to Kanji 3, 856 m via Yokma-La 4, 709 m-07 hrs.
Day 09:          Trek to River Kong Nullah 4, 280 m -04 hrs.
Day 10:          From Kong River to Junction at 4, 268 m via Kanji-La 5, 246 m-07 hrs.
Day 11:          Trek to Rangdum 4, 030 m – 05 hrs.
Day 12:          Drive to Padum 3, 670 m visit Karsha Monastery- 05 hrs.
Day 13:          An hour drive to Cha and trek to Purne 3, 804 m -03 hrs.
Day 14:          Trek to Phuktail Monastery and visit Purne Gompa 3, 804 m -06 hrs.
Day 15:          From Purne trek to Tangze 3, 995 m -04 hrs.
Day 16:          Trek to Zingchen 3, 897 m -07 hrs.
Day 17:          Trek to Chumik Marpo 4, 696 m via Phirtse-La 5, 490 m-06 hrs.
Day 18:          Trek to Khamberab 4, 698 m-05 hrs.
Day 19:          Trek to Rabo Chorten 4, 494 m- 05 hrs.
Day 20:          Trek to Keylong Sarai 4, 300 m-04 hrs.
Day 21:          Drive to Manali 2, 050 m at Himalchal Pradesh via Atal Tunnel
about 6 hour drive overnight in hotel.
Day 22.          Free day at Manali visit Hadimba Hindu Temple Hot Spring Vashist.
Day 23:          Drive Manali Bhuntar airport 1 ½ hour drive and fly to Delhi.

Best seasons for Lamayuru Zasnkar & Phitsela to Manali Trekking:

The best time for this wonderful adventure is from the late spring, summer, and early autumn seasons, late spring from April and May, and autumn/fall begins from September to October, where November month is fine but chances of much snow and freezing temperatures.

 

April & May to August are fine clear days most of the time, with longer sun-light hours but can get overcast in the late afternoon with chances of snow sometimes. Autumn another best time for the trek, climb, and tour around Ladakh with a fine clear day. But days are shorter due to sunlight hours can be cold, especially in the morning, and night times with clear and bright starry nights. Chances of snowfall during the trek. For interested people can visit Ladakh for a tour and trek during summer times of June to August in the monsoon season also.

As Ladakh falls within rain shadow area, where monsoon dark rain clouds blocked by the great Himalayan Mountain range, and that is why Ladakh is dry, arid with less rainfall and lack of precipitations and moisture.

 

Religion and Culture:

Ladakh and the North West Himalaya are populated by Ladakhi people descendants of a mixed tribal race of Mons of North India, and Dards of Baltistan with Mongols of Central Asia. History shows the Mons were the first immigrants, followed by Dards who founded different settlements in the Indus valley.

80 % of Ladakh natives interwoven to strong Buddhism religion and culture, similar to its Tibetan predecessors enriched with ancient Buddhism heritage, having many monasteries of great historical and religious significance.

 

 

Itinerary

Morning after a short scenic of an hour flight to Leh from Delhi, on arrival at Leh, Ladakh Kushok Bakula Rimpoche. As you head outside the air terminal, our staff and guide receives you for short drive in the heart of Leh town to your Hotels. Afternoon free at leisure, optional walk to the center of Leh and its market.

At Leh, for acclimatization and for exciting tour at places of interest, Leh has a vast range of main bazaar on the street colorful local fruits and vegetables vendors. The streets are busy with roadside restaurant, cafes and craft shops. The old Leh Palace stands on the top of the high hill overlooking the Leh city and its valley. The white Peace (Shanti) Stupa stands nearby high on hill which is worth a visit for the great views of Leh. The world's highest Polo ground located beyond the main bus station, rest of the day free at leisure to browse around Leh, Ladakh capital.

Morning after breakfast, a full day tour taking a drive to Hemis, one of the largest and wealthiest monasteries in Ladakh with more than 150 monks; an annual Hemis festival is held. The monastery, stands in a gorge surrounded by mountain scenery, built in 18th Century. On the way back to Leh visit Thiksey Gompa built in 16th Century, situated on a hill top. The monastery enriched with Tibetan-style books, a huge Buddha statue and excellent works of arts.
Last stop on the way back to Leh, tour of ruined Shey Palace once a summer palace of the pre-Tibetan kings. Shey and its fort also known as Lachen Palkar Palace, an old fort with a monastery. Shey the earlier capital of Ladakh till 19th Centuary the massive nine-story stone structure lies at the base of the Tsemo ridge and towers over the old town. Built by King Senge Namgyal during 15th till 17th Centuary in a Tibetan style.
The palace monastery houses a large, bronze, blue haired Buddha statue and then drive to Leh hotel for overnight.

From today onwards our real adventure begins heading south east on leaving Leh on the main highway of 110 k.m driving distance to Lamayuru.
On the route to Lamayuru tour of Liker Monastery, a 12 storied 800 years old, a replica of Potala Palace which is in Tibet-Lhasa. Situated on top of a red hill,
the monastery was first built in the 11th century and was rebuilt in the 18th century, and currently has a 25-foot-tall (7.6 m) gold-covered Buddha statue.
After an interesting tour of. Visiting famed monasteries, drive continues along the Indus River, then crossing Indus River as journey leads to Alchi for another interesting visit of Alchi monastery, the Chorten around Alchi Gompa contains numerous wall murals of Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo, who has built this monastery. Alchi monastery has vast collections of wall paintings, and wood sculpture, from
here drive to Lamayuru reaching by late afternoon, at Lamayuru for overnight camp, where our staff have pitched the camp. After getting organized in tented camping with time to visit the Lamayuru Gompa, or next early morning.
Lamayuru the oldest monastery in Ladakh, founded by Indian scholar Mahasiddhacharya Naropa in 11th century. Lamayuru host mask dance festival (Yuru Kabgyat) during 17th and 18th day of fifth months of the Tibetan Lunar calendar. It belongs to red hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism; monastery is rich with Thankas and wall paintings.
Lamayuru monastery was constructed by Arahat Nimagung in between 10th and 11th century. In the 11th century the Mahasidha Naropa visited Lamayuru and the cave where he resided and meditated is still to be seen inside the monastery.

From Lamayuru, first day walk starts with a short descent, crisscrossing a streams several times, then climb leads gradually across to a small valley, as walk continues around the valley to the base of Prinkiti-La pass. From the bottom climb takes about an hour or less to Prinkiti-La at 3,7350 m. From the pass enjoy grand vista of snow peaks and the valley below, then long downhill to enter a gorge towards a small cattle herder settlements at Shilla. After crossing a bridge walk continues to the right bank to Wanla for overnight camp. Wanla a lovely village by the bank of Yapola River with a large grassy camping field.

On leaving nice village of Wanla, walk follows a nice trail heading towards a gorge with climb to Phenjala, as adventure continues with short down and ups within great canyon walls and towering eroded cliff of red and brown mud color.
As walk leads on windswept terrain with climb for few hours to Hanupatta a small windblown settlement of cattle herder. Where our overnight camp is set after a good day walks of near six hours.

Today’s a long walk to reach a Shilla Kong a small village, after a hearty breakfast, morning trek follows a well-defined path on the left bank of a river. Enjoy the beautiful landscape. After few hours of walk and steep climb reach on top of Nyigutse-La pass at 5,097 m high. From the top facing stunning vista of dramatic wild landscape with views of high Himalayan range. From the pass descend towards a beautiful hidden valley on an immense plain encountering herds sheep’s, goats and yaks. Overnight camp is set close to the cattle herder temporary shelter on a nice grassy meadow, a small village of about 15 houses of mud and stones.

Another longer day to experience, after breakfast with time to explore the village and observe rural village farm life. From Shilla Kong trek along the right side following the river upstream. After the easy walk for few hours and then a steep climb for few hours to the top of Yokma-La at 4,709 m high. From the top enjoy spectacular view of surrounding beautiful landscapes. After the pass and climb, and then gentle descent to the campsite at a small place called Kanji for overnight camp, close to its small farm village.

From Kanji follow a narrow dirt path on gentle quite level trail for some hours, and then downhill, a gradual ascent for short hour to reach River Kong Nullah.
Where our camp is set on a wide grassy meadow. Here with time for side walk and enjoy the afternoon at leisure for long walk next day.

After a pleasant morning and overnight camp by the River Kong, walk leads to gradual climb, and then with steep up to reach one of the highest pass of the adventure on top Kanji-La at 5,246 m high. The pass offers superb views of beautiful terrain of Zanskar valley with surrounding high snow-capped peaks.
From the pass head downhill to a place known as Junction for overnight camp, after a long exciting day.

From the camp at Junction, an interesting day of average hour to Rangdum, a nice village located within Suru valley on route to Kargil and Padum our next stop. Morning walk follows on winding gradual wide path overlooking beautiful scenery of high hills and snow-capped peaks. After a good pleasant walk reaching at Rangdum a small farm village for overnight camp. Enjoy the view of colorful hills while on the other side with rocky mountains and glaciers.
At Rangdum after setting the camp, enjoy the afternoon with tour of the monastery, perched on a high hill.
Rangdum Monastery looks like a fort than a monastery, due to its position atop a mountain on an outcrop. A picturesque location treasure rich collection of various artefacts, which makes one of the must visit tourist attraction in Ladakh.
One of the main attractions inside Rangdum Monastery is the central prayer hall, which has an amazing collection of Tibetan & other artefacts. Almost 40 monks reside inside the monastery.

At Rangdum an interval from trekking for a day, to make the itinerary shorter to reach our last destination to Manali. From Rangdum entering into a wide Zanskar valley, where motorable road follows on a dirt trail facing sweeping panorama of wonderful country landscapes, then reaching at Padum a major and a small town of Zanskar. At Padum overnight in a lodge or guesthouse with time to browse around this interesting town, as well drive to Karsha Monastery.
The largest monastery in Zanskar area, first founded by Great Lama Phagspa Shesrap (the translator of Zanskar). From the monastery, enjoy spectacular view of Padum and of Zanskar valley and its surrounding mountains.

Today leaving early for Cha for trek to Purne following a dusty track up to Cha village. As walk continues on a well define old trail facing with amazing view of landscape. Trek along the left side of river entering impressive gorges with climb Surle village at the confluence of Tsarap and Kargiak River. Crossing the river by bridge and climb short to Purne village, a beautiful village with few houses.
After an interesting day with drive walk with overnight camp around its lovely field overlooking grand surrounding scenery.

At Purne visit a temple built inside huge cave within the monastery built on rock cliff. The monastery was founded by Changsems Sherab Zangpo.
From Purne walk takes you to Phuktail Monastery a great day to see one of most stunning sight of Zanskar. Walk follows to Phuktal along the left bank of Tsarap River for an hour. Cross the river by bridge as walk follows along the right bank of river with first grand view of Phuktal after climbing a short high ridge.
At Phuktal visit the amazing monastery perched on a mountain side within gorge on the Tsarap Chu, a major tributary of Zanskar River.
The Phugtal Monastery a beautiful architecture old and rustic and grand and beautiful and captivating.

From Purne walk to Tangze a gentle climb to Yal village as our route continues along the right side of a valley, walk follows to Karu small settlement and then cross a river before Tangze village for overnight camp in wide grassy meadow by the river.

Walk today is quite a long day, as walk leads towards near at the end of Zanskar valley, following a stream and crisscrossing then following the main trail all the way to Zingchen for overnight camp.

A great day walk leaving early to avoid the snow as softens on route Phirtse-La the highest point of this adventure. After an hour of gradual walking along the small stream, and then a steep climb all the way to Phirtse-La pass. Enjoy the great views of snow-clad peaks as far to Rupshu. From the pass descend gradually along the slopes with patches of snow to Chumik Marpo camp. A nice camp site at Chumik Marpo, witness Yaks grazing on a grassy wide meadow.

An easy day walk crossing a river of Khamberab, as route lead past the valley floor and then climb towards a high ridge on leaving Chumik Marpo. Where walk leads to complete mountain wilderness with steep climb up on high top and then down following a river to Khamberab, a small settlement in between mountains, overnight camp is placed near a river side.

Another day of exciting walk coming across many summer temporary camps of yak herder, as walk leads to short down and ups and then walk finally ends on reaching an isolated settlement at Rabo Chorten for overnight camp.

Our last day walk takes you to end of our trekking adventure to Keylong Sarai, which is often known for its avalanche, of few years ago. Walk is short for almost four hours reaching at the end of Zanskar range, close to another states of Himalchal Pradesh to Manali. On reaching at Keylong Sarai overnight in local lodges or in tented camp, after completing our adventurous walks.

Morning after a nice breakfast, board in a jeep or four-wheelers or similar types vehicles, an exciting drive of six hours to reach lovely Manali hill town at distance of 183 km from Keylong Sarai. As drive leads you through short cut entering Atal Tunnel named after former and late PM of India Atal Bhihari Vajpayee.
After an exciting drive reaching at lovely hill town of Manali, a popular holiday destination for internal and international visitors. Check into a nice hotel at Manali with time to browse around the town street.

A free day in Manali, a perfect and interesting town to observe local hill people culture and activities. Morning our guide takes you around the market square in the hub of Manali, as well visiting its famous Hindu temple of Hadimba Mahadev.
Tour takes you refreshing hot-spring of Vashist, rest of the day at leisure for short walks on the streets of Manali, a famous holiday town for Indians as well for foreign tourist.

Last day in the hill station town of Manali, after an exciting adventure of a life time experience and adventure on Lamayuru Zasnkar & Phitsela to Manali Trekking, crossing the highest passes of Himalayas. As per flight time for Delhi an hour or more drive to Bhuntar domestic airport for flight to Delhi, to connect your international flight homeward bound.

Cost Includes

  • All arrival and departure ground transport Leh to Leh from airport to hotel and vice-versa.
  • Hotel accommodation on 3 stars or in tourist standard hotels in Leh, or in major towns like at Manali-Himachal Pradesh as per the itinerary and related trip cost. B-L-D.
  • From Leh and throughout the treks on full board from hotel-lodge-guest house accommodation with three time meals B-L-D includes afternoon tea and light snacks.
  • On treks and tours in a private cars, jeep, coach, or buses as per the itinerary to the start of trekking and at the end of trek.
  • On treks or tours all applicable entrance permits, including national park and conservation fees.
  • All guided tours with professional guides, tour escorts, and good drivers.
  • Applicable Trekking Permits and national park or conservation entry fees.
  • Wages, medical insurance, meals, and transportation allowance of guide, trekking staff, and porters. Including horse / yak or mule drivers.
  • Comprehensive Medical / First Aid Kit and Gamow Bag in high altitude trek.Groups briefing on arrival.
  • Full board on tented camping with all meals included, with separate kitchen unit of cook, kitchen staff, guides and porters or horsemen.
  • At Camping with large dining tents as per size of a group, includes toilet tents. Shower tents and generator to charge electronic gadgets on request.
  • Applicable Climbing Permits, with guide special bonus on above 6,000 m peaks.
  • Guides special climbing insurance, climbing equipment allowances.
  • Staying in guest-house or lodges where ever available on trek and climbing trips, includes all meals B-L-D.

Cost Excludes

  • International air-fare, Personal medical / travel insurance and flight from Delhi to Leh and back. As well India Visa entry fee.
  • Expenses of individual nature drinks, laundry, telephone bills, gratitude and meals in Leh or in major villages on route trekking or tour. As per the itinerary chosen. As well laundry, recharge of electronic items and hot-showers.
  • Personal Trekking-Climbing gear and equipment’s including down jackets- sleeping bags if not provided by the company as per the trip cost.
  • Single Supplement on hotel rooms as well on trek in lodge where clients should inform ahead on booking with extra charge on booking single private rooms where available.
  • Emergency evacuation by any means of transportations including immediate Helicopter services if required on accidents, sickness and personal problems.
  • Early return from the tour or treks will not be entertainment with refund, where client should borne all the expenses incurred including accompany guide-porters services.
  • Gratitude / Tipping at the end of treks and climbs.

FAQ’S (Frequently Asked Questions):

01: How to book with a reliable company for trekking Ladakh?

Almost all local companies are reliable depending upon your choice of holidays, duration, and budget-wise. But one can try Brown Bear Treks & Expeditions, one of the renowned adventure companies based in Nepal. Brown Bear runs exciting trips all around India in Ladakh, Sikkim, and Darjeeling, including Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. You can search our home page sites and choose the right holidays, and book accordingly with one and only Brown Bear for Himalayan Adventure Holidays.

02: What will be the weather in Ladakh?

The weather is fine in most parts of Ladakh, however, Himalayan weather sometimes is unpredictable. Depends upon the region of trekking and other holidays in Ladakh North West India as altitude wise, higher than 3,000 meters day times are sunny most of the time with cooler morning and evening time.
Ladakh with four main seasons spring from March to May and summer / Monsoon starts from June to August. Includes autumn/fall from September to November, as well as winter from December to February.
The best favorable seasons for visiting the Himalayas around the spring and autumn seasons.

03: What ages does the company allows for trekking?

Age is no bar in all our trekking adventures, we have space for all ages from children from 5 to 70 years old person, as long one is physically, medically, and mentally fit. In treks that involve high passes of over 5,000 meters then we consider the age groups.

04: How are the foods and accommodation on trekking?

Most places around Ladakh due to its remote and isolated region, trekking with tented camping. Staying in the lodge where available, but using tented camping on most treks and climbing peaks in Ladakh.

Few trekking regions have good lodge facilities with excellent, neat, and cozy lodges. During camping our cook will provide excellent home-cooked food as per the areas of trekking. Trekkers will be delighted to find food from Continental, Chinese, Indian, Italian, Tibetan, and Nepali meals as well fresh bakery products in some time. All meals are cooked in a healthy and hygienic manner using LPG cooking gas or in kerosene stoves. Meals are served in a large dining tent as per the size of the group, we carry gas lamps to light the dining tents.

05: What happens if one is sick on trek?

Our guides are fully prepared for this kind of situation, we carry a medical kit and the guides have gone through yearly medical training, if it’s very serious needs to be evacuated by any means of transport like a helicopter the safe and quickest way(for this reason one should have strong travel/ medical insurance to cover this extra expenses) we will contact our helicopter companies to uplift and evacuate and then bring back to the nearest hospital and medical care or in Leh depending upon distance and circumstances.

06: What to expect on trekking?

Depending upon the area of trekking routes as Ladakh is a wild country of high hills and downhill, so on the normal trek, there are many ups and downs walking with few gradual trails. Trekking routes encounter several mid hills and traditional villages full of culture and religions with shrines, monasteries with prayer symbols like Mani, and stupas along the walks, and villagers are friendly and greet you with smiles.

07: Is there facilities to re-charge our electronic items as well with Wi Fi?

Internet, Wi-Fi, and phone are available around every village and large settlement on route main trekking areas. Sometimes the internet and WI-FI are slow and might be disturbing due to weather-wise.

As well depending on the landscapes around the gorge and deep valleys, the internet and WI-FI will not reach the areas. One must be prepared and wait until one reaches certain high places, where communication works.

Electricity available run by hydro-power, as well solar power nearly in all main villages on route trekking. Only around remote areas where camping is required, will not have electricity facilities or Wi-Fi for some days.

At every lodge charging fees includes per hour and per item, the price differs from one place to another.

08: Can we have hot showers on trekking?

Hot / Cold showers are available in every lodge where you stay overnights mainly around popular trekking routes. All lodges charge some amount for using hot-showers in all standard lodges. But on camping days there will be no hot showers available, but we can provide shower tents on request.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

LAMAYURU ZASNKAR TREKKING
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