The Zanskar River cuts across flatlands and through deep canyons in some of the most spectacular and remote regions of western Ladakh. 10th century monasteries cling to the sides of sheer cliffs; remote villages and a surreal landscape add to the enjoyment of the trip.
FLIGHT DELHI TO LEH. This is one of the most sensational scheduled flights in the world, flying over the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in Ladakh and Kashmir with spectacular views of the distant Karakorams, to land at the small military airport in Leh. You will be met by LungtaTravels staff at the airport and driven to a Ladakhi-style Guesthouse. We recommend that the remainder of the day be spent resting to insure acclimatization.
StartSIGHTSEEING IN LEH: Take the first few days easy; tour Leh city, including the 17th century Palace and the many Buddhist monasteries.
SightseeingSIGHTSEEING IN THE INDUS RIVER VALLY. Tour of Thikse, Shey and Hemis Gonpa, the spiritual heart of Ladakh. Drive to Thikse at 6:30 to observe morning prayers; drive to Hemis Gonpa for a picnic lunch; return to Leh via Shey Palace.
SightseeingSIGHTSEEING IN LEH. Visit Shanti Stupa, Tisuru and Samkar Gonpa; free time after lunch to explore the city and its fascinating bazaar.
SightseeingDRIVE TO LAMAYURU. Visit Basgo and Alchi on the way to Lamayuru, the starting point of the trek. Camp in tents at Lamayuru.
TrekLAMAYURU TO WANLA. A 5 hour walk through a silent, narrow gorge; cross Prinkiti-la (3725 meter). Camp in tents.
TrekWANLA TO HANUPATA. A 7 hour walk on steep rock trails along the river, crossing the river three times in this narrow gorge. It is a difficult route for people and pack animals, but the beauty of the gorge’s rock patterns will give you much pleasure. Camp in tents.
RestHANUPATA TO PHOTOKSAR. A 6 hour trek begining with the steep climb before crossing Sirsir-la, with its breath-taking views of snow-clad peaks and glaciers. Cross the Hanupata and Photoksar streams on wooden bridges; camp in tents.
TrekPHOTOKSAR TO SINGELA. An 8 hour walk, passing herds of yaks, with the occasional sight of a wild marmot. Cross snow-melt streams on rock stepping-stones, and camp at Ga-zho.
TrekSINGELA TO LINGSHED (via Skumpata). A 7 to 8 hour walk, the landscape becoming open and panaromic close to the Zanskar river, with views of Nyaraks and Yulchung villages. There’s the potential for seeing wild animals today. Camp at Lingshed.
TrekREST DAY AT LINGSHED. Visit the Lingshed monastery, foreign-assisted community schools, and traditional (Sowa Rigpa) health center, meet local amchi; camp in tents.
RestLINGSHED TO NYERTSE. A 7 to 8 hour walk, crossing Haluma-la with a view Lingshed village, and continuing through a narrow gorge following a crystal clear stream until camp at Nyertse.
TrekNYERTSE TO HANAMUR. A 5 - 6 hour walk, descending to the Oma-Chu River near Zhing-Chen, the last village in Leh District bordering Zanskar. If you are attentive you could see Ibex today. Camp at Hanamur.
TrekHANAMUR TO PISHU (via Pitmo). A 4 to5 hour walk, with a views of the historic Zankari village of Zangla.
TrekPISHU TO KARSHA. A 5 to 6 hour walk, passing through Rinam to Karsha, the center of the Zanskar region; visit Karsha Gonpa, and overnight in tents.
TrekKARSHA TO PADUM. Trek for 3 to 4 hour to Padum. After lunch drive to Rangdum. Overnight in Rangdum, making the journey to Leh shorter and less tiring.
TrekDRIVE TO LEH. Early morning visit to Rangdum Monastery; drive to Leh, arriving late in the evening.
DriveLEH. Free day, and farewell party in the evening with LungtaTravels staff.
RestFLIGHT TO DELHI.
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