Darcha Padum Trek

• DIFFICULTY LEVEL : Moderate
• ALTITUDE : 2050 m (Manali), 5090 m (Shingo La)
• TREKKING ROUTE : Manali- Darcha- Palemo - Zanskar Sumdo - Chumi Napo – Lakham – Kurgiak – Tetha – Purni – Ichar – Mune – Padum – Kargil - Leh

The Darcha- Padum is an exhilarating trek that takes you through some of the most remote and scenic landscapes of the Indian Himalayas. Connecting Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh to Zanskar in Ladakh, this trek offers a thrilling mix of high mountain passes, deep gorges, and ancient monasteries. Trekkers cross the challenging Shingo La Pass (5,091m) and journey through isolated villages, experiencing the raw beauty and unique culture of Zanskar. Replete with dramatic terrains, rugged trails, and breathtaking vistas, this trek is perfect for those craving a true high-altitude Himalayan adventure.

The trek starts from Darcha (3440 m) which lies in Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh. From Darcha, one has to trek to Palemo (3600 m), a beautiful campsite located amidst the barren mountains. The next leg of the trekking trail leads to Zanskar Sumdo (3,860 m), offering an exhilarating experience as trekkers cross the river using a traditional pulley system.

The trail moves up from Zanskar Sumdo to Chumi Napo (4640 m) while offering stunning sights of rolling hills and meandering rivers. The most challenging part of the Darcha Padum Trek is ascent to Shingo La Pass (5090 m), which takes 4-5 hours. The snow makes the trail slippery and the increase in altitude makes it difficult to breathe. From Shingo La Pass, the trail then leads to Lakham campsite (4470 m) which serves as the formal entry to the Zanskar Valley. From here, the landscape changes from Rocky Mountains to expansive meadows.

The path moves onward from Kurgiak (4050 m) to Tetha (3950 m) while taking trekkers through traditional Zanskar’s villages and Buddhist religious sites. Trekkers first-hand experience the distinct way that locals in this harsh Himalayan zone have adapted to their surroundings. Reaching Purni (3700 m), a short detour leads to the famous Phuktal Monastery, an ancient marvel built into a limestone cliff. After crossing Ichar (3650 m) and Mune (3900 m), trekkers halt at Mune Monastery before making their way to Padum (3600 m), the final destination of the trek.

The best time to embark on the Darcha-Padum Trek is from June to September when the mountain passes are free of snow, the skies are clear, and temperatures are pleasantly comfortable. During this season, the valleys come alive with lush greenery, and remote monasteries and villages buzz with activity.