Zanskar Lamayuru Trek

Day 1

Leh 3524 M

After you arrive in Leh, check into your hotel and relax a bit to allow your body to adjust to the high altitude. In the evening, explore local markets by strolling around.

Day 2

Leh – Lamayuru (3420M) 3-4 Hours’ Drive

At 6 AM, we depart Leh for Lamayuru, arriving just in time for lunch. During the afternoon, there will be time to explore this historic monastery as well as make any necessary preparations for our next adventure day.

Day 3

Lamayuru – Wanla (3250 M) 3-4 Hours

At this point, we’re ready to embark on our first leg. A moderate path leads uphill towards Prinkti La pass at 3750 meters before winding its way back down toward Shilla village and finally Wanla (3250 meters). Here, we set up our campsite and use the rest of the day relaxing under warm sunlight or exploring local monasteries before meeting up again later for an excellent dinner meal.

Day 4

Wanla -Hanupatta (3760 M) 5-6 Hours

Enjoy a stroll to Phansila (3410m). We will set up camp near Hanupatta village shortly afterwards, offering stunning views of the valley below.

Day 5

Hanupatta – Sirsir La (4850 M) – Photoskar (4200M) 6 -7 Hours

At one point in our journey, we switch direction by crossing a river to begin an extended and gradual ascent towards Sir La. At its summit, we are treated to stunning vistas of the central Zanskar range while staying nearby village allows for peaceful rest after an exciting and rewarding day.

Day 6

Photoskar – Singge La (5090 M) – Foot of Singge La 7-8 Hours

Today we traveled through Bumiktse La (4200), into the fertile Photang valley, gradually climbing Singe La, popularly known as Lion Pass. While its final stretch may be steep, reaching its summit will bring incredible panoramic views, and once below it will lead us directly back down towards our campsite.

Day 7

Foot of Singge La – Lingshed (4400 M) 4-5 Hours

Tracking along the Zanskar River from an elevated vantage point, we follow its path as we make our way towards Kiupa La at 4400 meters, where mountains appear more lush and less rugged. Once at Kiupa La, we descend through steep, zigzag treks down into Gongma at 3840 meters and Skiumpata villages; continuing upwards via gradual paths until reaching Margum La at the same altitude (4400 meters); a camping spot located close by Gelugpa monastery is our camping site in Lingshed.

Day 8

Lingshed – Snertse via Hanuma La (4950 M) 7-8 Hours

At dawn on a tiring day, we begin our trek through Lingshed’s lush meadows at Snertse campsite. The journey includes both ascents and descents until reaching Hanuma La’s foot, where we begin the challenging ascent into the valley. From there, we set up camp for the night at Snertse campsite.

Day 9

Snertse – Hanumil (3380M) via Purfi La (3950 M) 4-5 Hours

Today, we head towards another mountain pass: Parfi La. After taking a leisurely walk from Snertse, we will reach an unforgettable viewpoint overlooking Parfi La and Oma Chu River in the valley below. After traversing it, we descend onto the Zanskar River shores until reaching the village of Hanumil (3380 m). Here we set up camp for the night.

Day 10

Hanumil – Pishu (3470 M) 4-5 Hours

Our journey will begin with a stroll across flat, desolate terrain alongside the Zanskar River, heading in the direction of Pishu at an elevation of 3470 meters. Along the way, we will stop at Pidmo at 3420 meters for lunch – an idyllic village inhabited by only a handful of families living modest yet traditional lifestyles – before finishing our day in a verdant camping site featuring a nearby spring for water replenishment.

Day 11

Pishu – Karsha (3600 M) 4-5 Hours

From Pishu, we will climb steadily uphill towards Rinam at an altitude of 3550 meters along the Great Zanskar River, taking in breathtaking sights such as Tongde monastery along the way. At Karsha, we can relax by its peaceful waters before returning home through Karsha along a different path.

Day 12

Karsha – Padum (3531 M) 2-3 Hours

Beginning our journey by walking across a bridge and breathing in fresh mountain air, we set off for Zanskar valley’s main town and its main square – a perfect opportunity for restful reflection before returning home by car.

Day 13

Padum – Kargil (234 kms) 8-10 Hours’ Drive

On our way to Kargil, we will pass by the Sani monastery located 6 kilometres away and turn west, before crossing over the Doda River at Dh. From here we’ll continue along its right bank to Kargil, where we will check into our hotel and relax for the evening.

Day 14

Kargil – Leh (230 kms) 8-10 Hours’ Drive

Start the day right by leaving Kargil early for Leh, where we will stop for breakfast en route and arrive by afternoon. Check-in will follow shortly afterwards at our accommodations.

Day 15

Depart from Leh.