Tsomoriri - Pangbo La - Sarchu - Kargyak - exploration
Using knowledge built up over seasons of exploring, this is our unique take on the Tsomoriri to Zanskar trek via the remote and rarely crossed Pangbo La, our warm up on the Tso Zanskar 25 day trek. This is a sublime panoramic traverse of a huge wilderness area and only reliably possible when the rivers are low in the September season. From Kargyak, we continue on the Khi (key; get it?) section for some useful mountaineering exploration.
And the Khi mystery ... Our exploratory trek begins from Kargyak after a resupply. We begin by carefully discussing the history of the historic trading pass with locals. Then we explore the valley system, perhaps finding some mountaineering opportunities, and then scout this old route across the Great Himalayan Range. Can we safely backpack across and descend to the Miyar Valley? I have a plan for this option and also for if we are unable to cross, and the team can split if necessary.
If indeed the route is viable, it has real trekking potential as what was the most straightforward route across the Great Himalaya Range, the Shingo La, now has a road over it. So, as a trekker, the Kang La is a wild route but with the real danger of hidden crevasses while the Poat La & Agsho La drop to a long, difficult trek out. Are there real crevasses on our route, can we avoid them - lets see!
Insurance, India visa, international flights, equipment rental, alcohol and soft drinks, laundry,
tipping and other items of a personal nature
Tips & extra cash
allow approx $200 for Leh meals
we suggest 5% of the trip cost for the crew tips pool
Itinerary
The Tso Zanskar and Zanskar Khi treks follow the same itinerary, ie we trek together, then from Kargyak the Tso Zanskar people drive back to Leh while the Zanskar Khi explorers continue. There is quite a bit of flexibility built in either for weather or additional exploration and even a satisfying peak or two.
Day 0 - arrive Delhi
Do plan your Delhi arrival time well, considering your morning flight to Leh. We are happy to assist planning and, if you arrive in Leh early, we provide transfer and hotel booking.
Day 1 - Tuesday 22 August - arrive Leh 3480m
Look for a Project Himalaya sign with our driver then Jamie will meet you at the hotel. Take it easy today.
2-3 - Leh 3480m
The impressive gompas and monasteries must be experienced.
4 to 22 - trek Kargyak 4100m
See the 2023 Tso Zanskar trek itinerary for details.
Day 23 - rest Kargyak / trek Tangso
After a resupply, do we relax here or head a short distance around the corner?
24-25-26 - trek Sulgo, explore
At Tangso, we discuss the old trading pass then perhaps head up a side valley for some exploration.
27 - climb? / trek exploration BC
Are there any appealing peaks? Or do we move to a new base camp?
28-29 - explore possible pass
The crux - is the pass still safe and straightforward enough to cross? We find out!
30 - cross pass / rest
To cross the pass, we will need crampons and ice axe, at minimum. The crew and anyone who wants to will wait to see the outcome.
31 - trek Miyar Valley / trek Kargyak
We trek down to the main Miyar Valley / while the crew trek back to Kargyak.
32 - trek Shikto/Gomba roadhead / drive Keylong
Perhaps we reach the roadhead up the Miyar Valley / while the crew drive Manali?.
33 - drive Manali/Keylong
Lets see where we get to.
34 - drive Delhi / stay Manali
The 35 day trip people hop on a night bus to Delhi, arriving tomorrow morning while people on the 42 day trip have a rest and clean up in Manali.
Day 35 - Monday 25 September - depart
Miyar/Hampta Pass addition
We add on another 7 days for either exploring the Miyar Valley or for the Hampta Pass, a trek that has been on my list for a long time.
Day 42 - Monday 2 October - depart
We arrive in Delhi during the morning of 2 Oct and so you could fly out later today or tonight.
Farewell and julley!
Part of the satisfying 6230m summit panorama - Jamie
2014: looking to the huge Takling area, lets explore! - Jamie
