Simply heavenly, adventurous trekking. Tucked away in the far northwest of the Indian Himalaya,
Zanskar and Ladakh are ancient Buddhist kingdoms hushed every year by the winter; summer is a
time of warmth and joy as the barley ripens and the
high desert is splashed with the vivid green of their oasis-like villages. Zanskar is a visual feast, the sublime colours and textures must be experienced to be believed.
Beginning in Leh with time to unwind and acclimatize, we then take one of the most scenic road journeys there is, the new Chadar highway to start our Zanskar trek. Meeting our familiar crew and horse team, we leave the honking road behind to follow the powerful Tsarap Chu (river) straight into oldest Zanskar. The reward is Shade, one of the remotest villages in the region where life timelessly passes by.
Leaving villages behind for majestically rugged wilderness our route is a
series of scenic passes, dramatic river valleys and peaceful camps. Watch for wildlife!
We have trekked Zanskar many times and feel privileged to introduce this very special place to trekkers.
Delhi airport transfer and hotel, but we can advise
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 SGD120 for Leh meals
we suggest SDG180 per trekker for the crew tips pool
Day 1 - - meet in Leh 3480m
We meet you at Leh airport (code IXL) and now you can relax. We have a trek briefing and meet for dinner around 6pm.
2 - Leh 3480m
A gentle day wandering around the market, as we acclimatize to the high altitude.
3 - Leh 3480m
Experience the impressive gompas and monasteries of the Indus River valley on our second day of acclimatization. (If the highway is not yet open, we might leave Leh later today.)
4 - drive Padum 3550m
We drive the new Chadar Highway and stay in a simple hotel in the capital of Zanskar. Do wander around this frontier town.
5 - drive Phuktal, trek cave camp
We pass many gompas but explore the most iconic, Phuktal Gompa then trek a couple of hours along the Tsarap Chu.
6 - trek Shade village 4220m
A scenic day's walking including that classic bridge crossing.
7 - rest-explore Shade village 4220m
At this remote village, we watch the locals milking the naks and baby yaks.
8 - trek Kim's High Camp 4420m
Initially returning on a familiar trail, we position ourselves for the tomorrow's crossing.
9 - trek Normoche 4000m via Nialo Kontse 4850m & Gotunda La 5100m
The panoramic traverse between these passes must be experienced to be believed.
10 - trek Satok 4030m via Zara Chu
We traverse slightly above the Tsarap Chu (river) to this abandoned village, crossing the Zara Chu by a bridge.
11 - trek Marang La Base Camp/High Camp 4490m
Leaving the Tsarap Chu valley, we climb to a high camp in preparation for tomorrow.
12 - trek Takstago ~4500m via Marang La 5370m
We cross this remote and rarely crossed pass.
13 - trek Lungo 4280m via Bong La 4620m
Crossing another minor pass, we camp beside the Zara Chu.
14 - trek Yabuk Gongma
With the split arms of the river, we can now cross, and camp at a remote road head.
15 - drive Leh
Driving over the Taglang La 5328m, we will reach Leh in the late afternoon.
Day 16 - - trip ends
We take you to the airport for your journey home.
Julley until next time!
The bridge was once led together with yak hide ropes - Jamie McGuinness
The Zanskar Range is strikingly different from the other ranges in Ladakh - Jamie McGuinness
