Darcha Lamayuru Trek

Day 1: Lamayuru – Prinkti La – Wanla

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.

Day 2: Wanla – Hanupatta

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.

Day 3: Hanupatta – Sir Sir La – Photoksar

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.

Day 4: Photoksar – Singge La Base Camp

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.

Day 5: Singge La Base Camp – Singge La – Lingshed

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.

Day 6: Lingshed – Hanuma La – Snertse

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.

Day 7: Snertse – Purfi La – Hanamur

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!

Day 8: Hanamur – Pishu

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.

Day 9: Pishu – Karsha

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!

Day 10: Karsha – Padum

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!

Day 11: Padum – Raru

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.

Day 12: Raru – Changpa Tsetan

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.

Day 13: Changpa Tsetan – Purne

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.

Day 14: Purne – Phuktal – Purne

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.

Day 15: Purne – Tabley

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.

Day 16: Tabley – Lakung

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.

Day 17: Lakung – Shingo La – Ramjak

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.

Day 18: Ramjak – Pallamo

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.

Day 19: Pallamo – Darcha

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.