The Padum to Lamayuru Trail

Numerous High mountain passes; excellent views of the Ladakh ranges; vast plains; deep gorges; ancient monasteries.
 

Itinerary:
Day 01: Leh: 
On arrival at the Leh airport: You will be met by our representative and escorted to your hotel. This will be a complete day for acclimatization. In the evening, you will take a short walk around the Leh Main Bazaar. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02: Leh - Kargil (235 Kms drive): This morning after breakfast, we travel to Kargil by Jeep/Coach, visiting the Alchi monastery on the way. Today we have to cross the highest pass (FotuLa 13749 ft) on Srinagar-Leh route. Finally, we stop at the Mulbek monastery, which is worth the visit. Another 40 Kms drive will take us to Kargil. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03: Kargil - Rangdom (135 Kms drive): After leaving Kargil, we drive towards the Zanskar valley. On the way, we see Panikar and Parkachan villages as well as views of Nun & Kun peaks. Arrive Rangdom in the evening. Overnight in tents.

Day 04: Rangdom - Padam (150 Kms drive): After short drive, we stop at Rangdom Gompa which we visit before continuing to drive to Padam. Padam is the Capital of Zanskar valley, which we will reach after crossing PenisLa pass (4401m), and seeing some ancient Buddhist villages. After crossing Tungri bridge, we visit Sunni Gompa before finally reaching Padam in the late afternoon. Overnight in tents.

Day 05: Padam - Karsha (04 hrs. trek): Today we start trekking towards Piptong, and then pass through the dusty plain, cross the Doda river climb and arrive at Karsha's 15th century Monastery. Overnight in tents.

Day 06: Karsha - Pishu (05-06 hrs Trek): An easy and dusty walk today. After crossing Rinam, there is a rock shelter and a small stream (Zanskar river). The longest hanging-bridge (55m) joining the Zangla gompa can be visited before arriving at Pishu. From Zangla a side trail goes to Padam via Zozar andThongde. Overnight in Tents.

Day 07: Pishu - Hanumil: The trail rapidly gains height through the narrow gorge with thorny bushes and willow trees for first hour & another steep climb of 02 hrs. our camp which is walled by the mountains from all sides. Overnight in camp.

Day 08: Hanumil - ParfiLa - Snertse (06 hrs trek): After one hour of easy path beyond Hanumil, the trail leads up to a plateau along Zanskar River's edge, and then to the foot of the pass. After a steep and difficult climb to ParfiLa (3900m), a steep descent will take us to the Oma Chu river. Cross the bridge and continue on a steep and difficult climb of about one Km. Overnight in Tents.

Day 09: Snertse - HanumaLa - Lingshad (09 hrs Trek): Ascend through gorges, and then pass a sheep fold. A further 3-hour walk will take us to HanumaLa (4700m). After a km of steep descent, climb for half a km along the mountain-side, and then descend towards Lingshad (3800m). Overnight in tents.

Day 10: Lingshad - Foot of SingeLa (06-07 hrs Trek): Climb for around one hour easily up to MargumLa (4100m). Descend along the slope, with beautiful landscape and a view of Nierang valley. After passing the village of Gongma (3840m) and Skiumpata, climb a steep ascent to KubeLa (3800m). Continue climbing up to the foot of SingeLa. Overnight in Tents.

Day 11: Foot of SingeLa - SingeLa - Photoksar (07 hrs Trek): Start by finishing the climb to SingeLa. It takes about 7 to 8 hours to reach Photoksar from the pass. A short descent opens out in a broad valley, which we follow. First we have an easy walk before the climb to BoumitseLa (4200m) which is not arduous. Now descend to Photoksar (3750m). Overnight in tents.

Day 12: Photoksar - SirsirLa - Hanupatta (06 hrs Trek): From Photoksar, a gentle climb of one hour takes us to a large chorten. There is a long ascent of SirsirLa, the last part that is steep. Now we descend to the river, cross a bridge and pass a stony valley before arriving at the campsite a little before Hanupatta (3450m). Overnight in Tents.

Day 13: Hanupatta - Wanla / Shilla (06-07 hrs Trek): Continue the descent across the slope, where the path cut into the rock, up to a junction of the rivers with a chorten and flittering flag. After crossing a ridge, go down passing through some fallen rocks, arrive at Franjila (3 Hrs). Wanla is located on flat land, and is reached after crossing a bridge on the left bank of the river. Cross another bridge, and arrive at Shilla. Overnight in Tents.

Day 14: Wanla / Shilla - Lamayuru (04-05 hrs Trek): After passing the village of Shilla, go to broad chorten and then follow a narrow and dry gorge to reach PrinkitiLa (3725m). Now, it is a one-hour easy descent. After crossing the river, Lamayuru village is reached. Use the remaining day to visit the monastery. Overnight in Tents.

Day 15: Lamayuru - Leh (120 kms. drive): Today it is time to drive back to Leh via some interesting villages. On the way, visit Alchi and Likir monasteries, which are two of the famous monasteries of Ladakh region.

Day 16: Leh - Onward Destination: Today in time transfer to the airport to fly back to Delhi.