Trans Zanskar Trek

Destinations Covered: Delhi - Bilaspur - Mandi - Manali - Darcha - Palamo - Zanskar Sumdo - Chuminakpo - Lukung - Kurgiakh - Shi - Purne - Phugtal - Gyalbokh - Raru - Mone - Padam - Karsha - Rinam - Pissu - Hanumil - Purfila - Snertse - Hanumi La - Lengshed - Foot of Shinge La - Photoskar - Sisir La: Hanupatta - Wanla - Shilla - La Mayuru - Leh - Delhi - Agra - Delhi
Duration: 28 Nights/29 Days

Day 01: Delhi
On reaching Delhi, we drive you to an opulent hotel. Apart from being a country's political cynosure, Delhi is loaded with numerous tourist destinations offering amazing sightseeing experience to tourists. Also, the city has both traditional and contemporary touch, which you can notice while touring Old and New Delhi. The excursion begins with visiting Red Fort, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan back in 1648, Jama Masjid, one amongst the largest mosques in India, Raj Ghat and Shantivan, the cremation locations of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Lal Nehru resepectively, Qutab Minar built in 1199, Humayun Tomb, India Gate (War Memorial Arch), Laxmi Narayan Temple and then have a tremendous vista of the President House and the Parliament House as we pass by.

Day 02: Delhi - Bilaspur
Leaving Delhi's extravagant life, we drive you to Bilaspur, situated at a distance of 400 Kms. It takes around 7-8 hours to reach the place. On the way, you get to enjoy delicious food at dhabas and capture natural greens. The New Township Bilaspur is believed to be the first planned hill town of India. After reaching the town, we transfer you to a comfortable hotel. You can either take a walk in a stunning ambience of natural beauty or rest in the hotel. The place is extremely refreshing and peaceful.

Day 03: Bilaspur - Mandi - Manali (2050 M)
We drive you to the alluring hill station of Manali via Mandi covering a distance of 180 kms in 3-4 hrs. Mandi, meaning "market", is a tiny district settled on the lap of nature and serves as the gateway to Kullu valley. Looking back at history, this stunning place was a crucial junction on the salt route to Tibet. Also, on the way, we visit the divine Bajaura Temple, ancient shrine devoted to Lord Shiva. This temple is beautifully embellished with marvelous stone carving and sculptural ornamentation. Sadly some of these adornments have been maimed, possibly in an invasion in 769-70. We stay at a hotel in Manali for the night.

Day 04: Manali - Darcha (3400 M)
In the morning, we drive you to another exotic destination of Himachal Pradesh, Darcha, situated at a distance of 180 kms over to Rotang Pass (3980 m). During this drive, get ready to experience the adventurous curvy route which may leave you breathless. En route have a glimpse at Manali, a famous and exquisite tourist site. Both the places lie on Manali- Leh highway and are extremely angelic, offering tourists an opportunity to revel in eye-catching landscapes. We stay in tents for a night. Spending night in a tent between greens and cold winds is an immensely astonishing experience.

Day 05: Darcha - Palamo
This is the first day of your trekking, so don't forget to put on your most comfortable shoes and clothes. For an appreciating start, we take an easy trekking route of around 3-4 hrs. Follow the track until you reach the last hamlet and subsequently, head towards the dazzling gorge. The beauty of this place is sure to rejuvenate your senses and quench your craving for a blissful experience. Sit, relax and take ample of rest following a night's stay here in the tent.

Day 06: Palamo - Zanskar Sumdo
Day six requires you to wake up early as second day of trekking schedule begins in the wee hours of the morning. During the trekking follow the track present on the left side of the river. This stretch would really require all of your daring spirit as you pass by the rocky path with huge boulders and moraines. You even have to navigate through streams twice or thrice which is ultra thrilling. Don't leave a chance to throw extremely cold water of these streams at your fellows; after all, you don't get such an opportunity always. By the evening you would reach Zanskar Sumdo (4000 M) which is a nice camping site. Relax and sleep overnight in tents here.

Day 07: Zanskar Sumdo - Chuminakpo
The next morning, get ready for some real action. Today we trek high up on mountain side. At the commencement of the trek, you need to reach the other side of the river by the hanging bridge and then head towards a lofty climb up for about one hour. Chase the trek on a narrow valley until you arrive at Ramjak which is a small meadow. Post some rest, head towards Chuminakpo (4800 m). Have a comfortable stay in tent.

Day 08: Chuminakpo - Lukung
Continue climbing up through the daring zigzag route passing through big-small moraines, astonishing ice and snow until you reach Shingo-La. This entire route offers brilliant scenic beauty that is sure to keep you vitalized. Later, move down through the ice and the snow until you arrive at a small meadow. Further, descend towards Lukung which is located near the river. Sleep tight at overnight stay here.

Day 09: Lukung - Kurgiakh - Shi
Next morning, post warm up we start a long but easy trekking up and down. The route is alluring and simply spectacular. What's more, the pleasant weather is sure to make the trip all the more wonderful! Next, cross the bridge and reach the other side of the river and chase the path with bundles of fallen rock. Apart from this, you would also have to cross numerous streams. Passing beneath the face of Gumburanjon peak, you reach Shi the base camp for the night.

Day 10: Shi - Purne
This day comprises of trekking for about 8-9 hours. If you have a fascination for adventure, this would be your turn to make the most of it. Post a healthy sumptuous breakfast; begin your day's schedule following the right side of the river along a simpler route. Apart from stones, snow and greens, this path has something else to offer you - you would pass through some villages like Table, Tanze, Kuru, and Jal. Kuru is an important village of livestock breeders, so have a look at some. Then climb up the gentle slope and reach the village Jal and afterwards move down carefully towards a good bridge for Purne, wherein you would put up for the night.

Day 11: Purne - Phugtal - Gyalbokh
On day eleven, we visit Pughtal Gompa which is among the oldest monasteries in Zanskar and spectacularly situated. Following a narrow valley and the amazing gorge, we cross the bridge and reach a tiny plateau filled with chortens and religious banners. From this place one encounters view of the most fabulous sight of the Pughtal Monastery constructed in a cave. The monastery belongs to the tradition of the Gelugpas (Yellow Hats). Coming back to Purne and continuing our trekking on the left bank of Tsarap River post crossing the bridge, we reach Gyalbokh village and spend a night here in tent.

Day 12: Gyalbokh - Raru
Wake up experiencing the soothing fresh air of mountains. After enjoying just the right breakfast to stay fit and energetic, we take our trekking tour to the next level. We start with a gradual climb and reach to a small plateau. After taking some rest, we continue with a gradual descending towards to Raru village. Experience and explore life of people in this village. Feel the most rejuvenating air here as we suspend for the night in the tent.

Day 13: Raru - Mone- Padam
The peace, revitalizing ambience and pleasant weather of the hills must have recovered you from all the tiredness. Day 13 is easy and fun. We begin a very easy trekking downwards on the motorable road. Completing an hour of trekking we reach to a small village named Mone. Then we visit a popular Gompa here. Later on the route after around two hours is another famous Bardan Gompa, located on mountain plateau and offers a stunning view. After relaxing a bit and admiring the beauty of the place, we continue our tour and reach Padam which is the capital of Zanskar. At this place, two rivers namely Doda and Tsarap merge and form Zanskar River. Without any doubt you will fall in love with this place. Admiring the amazing beauty of the nature here, we again stay in tents for a night.

Day 14: Padam
If you are feeling really exhausted and you desperately want a break, or if you want to enjoy a fancy time among your fellows or if you want to explore something other than trekking schedule; this is the day for you. Day fourteen is completely a free day for you. You can do whatever you feel like doing. The most liked activities are eating at local dhabas, shopping from little and cute shops, being clicked wearing the traditional dresses or just simply sleep on and on.

Day 15: Padam- Karsha - Rinam
Now when you have regained all your energies, it's time to restart trekking. From Padam we move towards an ancient site comprising of temple and chorten. Astounding murals and paintings here are really impressing. Then we head towards the river Doda trekking on a dusty plain and reach to the bridge. Further cross the bridge and reach to another ancient monastery named Karsha Monastery. It was constructed in 16th century and is largest monasteries in Zanskar. This monastery is also considered as the wealthiest here. Then we start trekking down on the plain route and reach Rinam for an overnight stay in tent.

Day 16: Rinam - Pissu
In the morning, get ready and put on your shoes, as post breakfast, we start trekking on easy stretches. These paths are generally hot and dusky through the bank of Zanskar River, so make sure to take along a good amount of water. En route you will also encounter small stream and shelter formed by rocks. It is extremely beautiful. You can sit and relax for a bit here. The night would be spent at a tent in Pissu.

Day 17: Pissu - Hanumil
Mornings in Pissu are beautiful, so consider yourself lucky to experience the same. After having finger-licking breakfast, following left bank of Zanskar River we begin our trekking for the day. Overall, it is also an easy stretch and more of a frolic. You trek along the river and sometimes across the morainic plateau too. You are sure to fall in love with this day as it forwards easy trekking, marvelous views and unlimited fun en route. We reach Hanumil and stay for a night in tent.

Day 18: Hanumil- Purfila- Snertse
It is a new day. By now you must be completely bowled over this tour and wish if it could have been unending. From this day we leave the site of Zanskar River. Also trekking too becomes little daunting. We start climbing up to Parfi-La and afterwards a sheer descend till the time we reach the Oma-Chu River. We cross the river with the help of a bridge and further climb around 500 m up. This slope is sandy, so it offers a great adventure and amusement at the same time. We reach to the sheepfolds of Snertse.

Day 19: Snertse - Hanumi La - Lengshed
Next day begins with a long gradual ascend towards Hanumi-La which brings you more close to the mountains. This trekking also gives a wholesome experience of climbing the mountains. After reaching the top of Hanumi-La, we undergo steep descent about 1000 meters and then again climb about 400 meter up along the mountain side, crossing a small pass and afterwards heading towards an easy descent to reach Lingshed. We stay for the night in tents.

Day 20: Lingshed- Foot Of Shinge La
In the morning in Lingshed, have yummy breakfast and get ready to rock the day. We start with a gradual climb to the Murgum-la which lasts for around an hour, then cross an escarpment and follow the slope. Afterwards we trek towards the gentle descend, leading to the villages of Gongma and Skiumpata. Sit, relax and thereafter, continue your trek. We steep climb to Kiupa-la and afterwards gradually climb along mountainside to reach the foot of Shinga-la. Get inside in your cozy tents here for a night.

Day 21: Foot Of Shinge-La- Photoskat
Begin day twenty one with a steep climb of an hour or two and reach Shinga-la. Then trek downwards to a broad valley and again head towards a gentle climb to reach Bhumiktse-la. On the way, make sure you keep yourself hydrated, as only then you would be able to maintain the energy inside you. Descend further towards Photoskar which is a splendid village. Spend a night here admiring extremely stunning ambience and weather.

Day 22: Photoskar- Sisir La - Hanupatta
Zip off your tent and have a look at the marvelous morning. Post breakfast, we begin our trekking from Photoskar. It is a gentle climb up towards a large chorten. After reaching this point, we start the long ascent of Sisir-la. The soothing environment of mountains recharges your nerves as you don't feel the exhaustion and tiredness. Next, head towards a simple descend to the river and village Hanupatta. We stay here for a night in tent.

Day 23: Hanupatta- Wanla
Start this day trekking down the slope till the time you enter the gorge as well as the bridge at the junction of the two rivers. This day's trekking contains the combination of easy and difficult stretches. Trek through the stretches of fallen rocks until you reach Phenjilla. Be very careful and alert during trekking on these stretches. Then head towards an easy trek on motorable road and reach Wanla. We stay overnight here in tent.

Day 24: Shilla/ LaMayuru/ Leh
This is the morning of your last day of trekking. You surely must have got used to trekking but know that this is your last chance to make most of it. Heads towards a blasting finale of the same and encounter beautiful sight seeing on the route passing through the charming Shilla village to cross Prinkiti-la, finally to reach Lamayuru. Here is a magnificent monastery to explore. You surely would love to dive in the beauty of this architecture. Afterwards we drive you to Leh. Upon reaching Leh, we transfer you to a comfortable hotel.

Day 25: Leh
Leh is one of the most beautiful places in India. The sheer beauty and classy landscapes would leave you fascinated. In Leh, we visit several mind-blowing monasteries like Shey, Tikse and Hemis. Out of these, Hemis is the most important Gompa in Ladakh and extremely popular for Hemis festival. En route enjoy the luscious Leh food and communicate with the localites to become more familiar with the place. We drive back to Leh for the overnight stay.

Day 26: Leh - Delhi
Wake up quite early in the morning of this day. We transfer you to the airport to catch the flight to Delhi. It's a free day and you can spend it the way you desire. The capital of India offers a lot to explore. So you can go to the places other than those you explored on the very first day of your tour. Enjoy yummy food of Delhi and check out trendy markets. We stay in Delhi for a night in hotel.

Day 27: Delhi - Agra
In the morning, we drive 210 Kms to Agra. This city houses of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal. On the route of Agra, we also indulge in sightseeing other great historical architectures like Sikandra Fort housing the tomb of Emperor Akbar. On reaching the city, of course our first stop is at the magnificent Taj Mahal. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaj Mahal, Taj Mahal has baffled tourists for decades now. Next, we visit the Agra Red Fort and Itmad-Ud-Daula. We stay overnight in the hotel.

Day 28: Agra- Delhi
After visiting some of the most wonderful historical monuments of the world, we drive back collecting sweet and everlasting memories. Enroute there are a number of small hotels where you can enjoy great food and click as many pictures as you want. We reach Delhi in around 5 hours. Overnight stay is in Delhi.

Day 29: Delhi - Departure
Reaching back to Delhi, we transfer you to the IGI airport where you can catch your onward flights.

Also Mapped to: • New Delhi Tours • Manali Tours • Agra Tours