and meandering through the greenest of fields, the majestic Zanskar River assume a fascinating form and life of its own. With color and shadows changing with the sun, one never gets bored!
Slowly we ascent towards Singe La, or the “Lion Pass”. The last few meters are steep, but will give u an incredibly rewarding view on the top. From the pass it is an easy walk down to our camp site.
Day 08: Foot Of Singge La - Lingsed (5 hours)
We follow the trail high above the Zanskar River; the mountains take a greener and gentler formation, before we descend from Kiupa La (4400 m) down the steep zigzag trail to the village of Gongma (3840m) and Skiumpata. From here we climb up a gentle trail to the Margum La (4400m), from where we can see Lingshed an hour or so away. The campsite in Lingshed is just by the monastery belonging to the Gelugpa order and housing around 60 monk .The village itself is spread out over a big area, enclosed in green fields of barley.
Day 09: Lingsed - Snertse Via Hanumala (4950 m (8 hours)
A long day, we walk through the green fields of Lingshed early in the morning. It takes some ups and downs before we reach the base of the Hanuma La, from where we start climbing the many steep zigzags that lead to the top of the pass. The walk down is gentle before we enter a rocky, spectacular gorge and soon the valley flattens out, the trail following a lush riverbed with rosebushes. Just above the campsite of Snertse, there is a herder ’camp, and sometime fresh cheese, milk and curd is |
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available here. Down in the riverbed it is possible to go hunting for fossils. The locals sometimes show nice collections of their findings. When the Indian plate slammed into the stationary mass of Asia some 50 millions year ago, the Great Himalayas were formed from the base material of the Indian plate. The Zanskar range consists of layer of sediments from the ocean floor and the Ladakh range is granite born out of the immense heat generated by the friction between the two plates.
Day 10: Snertse – Hanumil Via Purfi La (3950 m (5 hours)
Today we head for another pass: Parfi La .A short walk after Snertse, there is a wonderful lookout from where we can see the pass and down the valley, the Oma Chu River .We follow the trail 500m down the valley, cross the bridge and tart on the juniper covered zigzag trail up to Parfi La. Red alert! If fortune strikes, we may come across a rare species of the Himalayan region: the majestic brown bear. We may also see herds of attractive Himalayan blue sheep. Here we walk down to the bank of the Zanskar River and follow it all the way to the village of Hanumil (3380 m), where we will camp for the night.
Day 11: Hanumil - Pishu (4-5 hours)
We will start with an easy walk on plain and barren land along the Zanskar River and follow it all the way to Pishu (3470 m), passing Pidmo (3420m), an exotic landlocked hamlet of 8-9 families leading a simple traditional life. Pishu is located on the west side of the Zanskar River and opposite of Zangla (formerly a tiny kingdom).Here we will come across a 55m hanging bridge, the longest on Zanskar River. Our day will end at a lush green camp site with a spring situated nearby where we can quench our thirst.
Day 12: Pishu - Karsha (4-5 hours)
After a hearty breakfast we will begin our day with another effortless stride towards our next destination. From Pishu the trail ascends gradually to Rinam (3550 m.) along the bank of the Great Zanskar River. We will have a view of the stunning monastery of Tongde. Once reaching Karsha (3600 m), we can reinvigorate ourselves at the bank of Zanskar River.
Karsha monastery: Karsha monastery is one of largest monasteries of Gelukpa sect, located on a hillside with an imposing view of the entire valley. Believed to have been founded around 10th century A.D, a visit to the monastery to get its blessing is recommended.
Day 13: Karsha – Padum (3531m /2hrs)
Our trail begins with the crossing of the bridge, where we inhale fresh air to gear up for a trip to the capital of the Zanskar valley .We will follow the route to Pipiting village on the unmetalled, dusty road from Karsha. Padum is the major hub of activities of the entire valley, whose population gathers here on every auspicious occasion. It is a high time to have a good rest on this short day before we begin a drive back to Leh.
Day 14: Padum - Kargil (234 kms)
We drive towards Kargil, passing Sani monastery (6 km ) after turning west and cross the Doda River at Dhungri .We will be driving along the right bank of the River. Further on, we will cross a beautiful valley covered with comprehensive green patches. Between Padum and Aksho, we will come across a few small villages : Dhungri, Phay and Hamuling. As we pass, we will be slowly leaving Zanskar valley and Drang Drung Glacier beside the Penzila. In the middle of the next valley |
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next sswe can see Rangdum monastery situated on a rock hill.After that we will pas through the village of Shakar, Parkachik and Panikhar. At Thangbu village, about 12 km before reaching the Panikhar, we can have an incredible photographic view of Nun (7135 m) and Kun (7080) mountains before reaching Kargil.
Day 15: Kargil - Leh Via Sham Valley (230 kms)
Today will be our last traveling day before coming back to Leh, and we will pass some of the most beautiful monasteries and villages of Sham.
Day 16: Leh (Local Sight seeing)
Today we proceed for Indus Valley monastery tour. We start with a visit to Shey, the ancient capital of Ladakh. The monastery here has a huge gold-gilded statue of Buddha Sakyamuni with a large silver lamp burning in front of the statue. Then we visit Thiksey Gompa, an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. The monastery has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future. Drive further to visit the famous Hemi Gompa, founded in 1630's by Stag-t sang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of Sengge Namgyal. Hemis is one of the largest and richest Gompas of Ladakh. The two-day festival of monastic dance in June-July has raised the reputation of Hemi particularly high. The festival is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as second Buddha and responsible for spreading Buddhism in the Tibetan world. Later we visit the Stok Palace t he Royal residence of the King of Stok &the Museum that has a rich collection of Ancient Ladakhi artefact including old Thangkas, precious stones, arm and armory, the Queen ’ necklace and the crown of the King of Ladakh among others. Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.
