Article Published On - 28-01-2025
Remarkable for its formidable terrain and unmatched beauty through Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh, this trek is both an extraordinary test of endurance and a deeply rewarding experience. Traveling lofty mountain passes, plummeting down treacherous slopes to lush river valleys, ascending ever higher summits, and thrilling thrill-seekers find this trek irresistibly alluring as it captures the very essence of the Himalayan range – yet experiencing peace and spiritual rejuvenation at every step makes for an unforgettable journey. The trek from Lamayuru to Darcha is a 19-day adventure with a difficulty level of 5. Covering a distance of 291 km, the journey includes reaching a maximum elevation of 5062m and a total elevation gain/loss of +8535m/-8555m. This challenging trek across Zanskar offers the opportunity to explore stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and remote villages. Staying in homestays allows for an immersive cultural experience, where you can engage in activities like cooking with the locals and assisting with farming tasks such as planting and harvesting.
Duration: Three to Four Hours and 9.1 Kilometres in Distance with an elevation gain and loss of 369 Meters. See Lamayuru Monastery located above Shilla Village and traverse Prinkti La Pass before passing through Shilla village and arriving in Wanla where homestay arrangements can be arranged.
This trek covers approximately five kilometres with an elevation gain of 569m. The scenic route follows the river while passing through picturesque barley fields dotted with whitewashed farmhouses, and past picturesque whitewashed farmhouses before ending at Phenay Experience and passing through a narrow gorge.
This trek covers approximately 1117m of elevation gain and 690m loss over its six-day span. Beginning by crossing a river, trekkers then climb Sir La for stunning views of the Zanskar range before descending through Sir La to Photoksar Village, where homestay accommodations can be found.
Duration: 4-5 hours, Distance: 11.5 km, and Ascent/Descent: 332m up and 182m down. From Bumiktse La pass, descend into Photang Valley where local villagers pasture their yaks and horses before arriving at base camp.
This trek lasts 8-9 hours and covers 20.5 km. Along its path is an elevation change of 1073m between gains and losses of 1483m, offering beautiful panoramic views at every step. Key highlights of the journey include crossing Singge La Pass for breathtaking vistas before continuing across Kyukpa La and Margum La passes en route to Lingshed village where they will find beautiful monasteries home to over 60 monks, as well as staying with local families through homestay arrangements.
Duration: 7-8 hours, covering 17.8 kilometres with an elevation gain and loss of 1119 meters over this journey of 17.8 kilometres. Starting in Lingshed village and moving along a path leading up to Hanuma La base, ascend gradually until reaching Hanuma La to take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Zanskar mountains and Lingshed village before descending along a stream leading back down towards Snertse.
This trek will take approximately 4 to 5 hours and cover 12.4 kilometres with an elevation gain and loss of 938 meters, crossing Purfi La pass before following the Zanskar river to Hanamur village – keep an eye out for Himalayan brown bears and blue sheep that may occasionally appear!
This trek takes approximately four to five hours to complete and covers 15.4 kilometres. The trek boasts an easy elevation change with gains and losses totalling 150 meters; following the serene Zanskar river through charming Pidmo village with only a handful of families, before moving onto Pishu, where travellers may stay at an authentic homestay.
Duration: The trek lasts between five and six hours and covers 16.9 km with a gentle ascent of 251 meters. Along the way, you will come to Karsha village, where there is an impressive monastery atop a hill overlooking it all, offering stunning views across its inhabitants and its surroundings. There is accommodation available here too, so that you can experience local culture first-hand!
This trek takes approximately three hours, covering 11.2 kilometres with an elevation change of 77 meters gained and 174 meters lost over its distance. When arriving, Padum – which can also be reached by car from Karsha – offers accommodation through homestay programs or can even host you for the night!
This 22.6km trek typically takes 7-8 hours to complete and offers a mild elevation change of 389m uphill and 164m downhill. The trek leads straight towards Raru with scenic stops at Bardan monastery located on top of a hilltop. Alternately, Padum can be driven directly to Raru or homestay options are also available.
Duration: 5-6 hours. This 16 km route follows Tsarap River through rough terrain with an ascent and descent of 379 and 355 meters respectively, before crossing several streams before arriving at Changpa Tsetan as its destination.
Duration: 3 hours, Length: 9.7 kilometres, and Altitude Ascent/Descent = +225 meters / -207 meters. The journey follows the Tsarap River through Surle, Kalbok, and Zantang communities before reaching its meeting point with Kargyak rivers a short distance downstream and leading directly into Purne village.
Duration: 4 hours, Distance Covered: 11.7 kilometres, and Elevation Change (climbed and descended 233 meters) 233. You should begin your walk from Purne towards Phuktal monastery, which can be found at the entrance to a large cave high on a mountainside. Engage with monks residing there while discovering more of this magnificent site at your own pace.
This trek typically lasts 5-6 hours and covers a distance of 16.9 kilometres with an elevation change of 485 meters uphill and 281 meters downhill. It follows the scenic Kargyak River while passing through picturesque villages such as Testha, Kuru, and Tanse before culminating at its destination of Tabley.
Duration: approximately 7-8 hours, Distance: 22.0 km, and Vertical Gain/Decline Change = ascend 455 meters with no descent; start from Kargyak village by following the broad valley as it opens out toward Lakung grazing grounds.
This section of the trek typically requires between six and seven hours to complete, covering 16.4 km in total and including a significant elevation change with gains and losses totalling 571 meters and 678 meters respectively, leading to Shingo La’s base where you’ll cross its highest point before continuing downward to Chumik Nagpo and then Ramjak village.
This route covers approximately 15.3 kilometres and takes roughly four to five hours to complete, featuring a gentle down sloping terrain with an elevation change of -778 meters, ultimately ending up at Pallamo.
This 11.7km trek to Darcha usually takes 3-4 hours, with an elevation change of only 57m ascending and 342m descending. It offers an enjoyable walk with plenty of stops along the way at Rarik and Chika gompa for refreshment breaks.
Starting Location: Darcha (Himachal Pradesh).
By Road: Darcha can be reached from Manali via the Atal Tunnel (5-6 hours of travel time).
By Air: Nearest airports: Bhuntar (Kullu) or Chandigarh – take a drive towards Manali and Darcha before returning home via Darcha. Destination Point: Lamayuru (Ladakh). Start from Lamayuru by driving approximately 120km (3-4 hours).
Mid-July to Mid-September offered ideal weather, passable roads and safe river crossings. Villages come to life during festivals and farming activities.
Head Of Mountain Experts
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