Padam, the capital of Zanskar is
approchable by a 3 days drive from Leh or Srinagar. Padam is also the
finishing point for many popular treks through Zanskar and Lahoul. This trek
can easily be combined with other polpular treks. This extention to Leh via
the Markha Valley passes through very remote mountains that are famed for
their wildlife and numerous river crossings. This is a fantastic trek for
Wild Life and Photography enthusiasts/amateurs.
Click
Here for Detailed TourDURATION
15 days Leh to Leh. Actual Trekking - 12 days - Zangla to Leh
GRADE
Strenuous
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE 5020 mts, Rubrang La on
Day 06.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT Camera with zoom lens. Fast
Film ASA 200 and above. Sleeping bag, water bottle, personal trekking
equipment.
SEASON End June to October.
Detailed
Trek:Day 01: Padam - Zangla (5-6 hrs)
Visit Karsha Monaestery on the way to Zangla(3370 mts) Karsha
Monastery is the largest in Zanskar and dates back to the 10th Century A.D.
Day 02: Zangla - Base Camp (3-4 hrs) Hard
but short walk up from Zangla gets you to the Base Camp for crossing the
Charcha La Pass. One may explore the side valley after lunch.
Day
03: Base Camp - Charcha La (6-7 Hrs)Click
Here for Detailed Tour There is some hard
climbing in the dry valley below before getting to the glacier and the top
of the Charcha La (4950 mts). The hard climb is rewarded by great views of
Zanskar and the Great Himalayan Range.
Day 04: Charcha La
- Tilat Sumdo (6-7 hrs) From the camp at the base of the
pass, trek till the Cave at Tilat Sumdo(3750 mts) and camp there. There are
many river crossings to be made on this day also.
Day 05:
Tilat Sumdo - Base Camp (5-6 hrs) Trek to the Base (4350
mts) of the next pass called Rubrang La (5020 mts). The hard trails in this
area are frquented by sheperds from the villages of the Rupshu region.
Day
06: Base Camp - Rubrang La (6-7 hrs) Hard walking to the
top of the pass is rewarded again by great panoramic views. The descent from
the pass is through a beautiful gorge famous for wild life called Chaglang
Nala. Camp at Markha (3850 mts).
Day 07: Markha -
Thinlespa (6-7 hr) Easy walking for 6-7 hours gets one to
Thinlespa(3700 mts) which a very small and traditional Ladakhi Village. Next
day rest/explore around Thinlespa.
Day 08: Rest / Explore
Thinlespa A beautiful spring can be reached by a 1 hour
walk from Thinlespa. The waters of this spring have medicinal and spiritual
powers. The side valleys/gorges around are home to abundant numbers of Blue
Sheep, Ibex , Himalayan Wolves and Snow Leopard. There are also many other
interesting sites around which can be easily visited.
Day
09: Thinlespa - Hinlespa - Shigo (7 hrs) Trek along the
Markha River till the village of Skiu and onwards to Shingo (4150 mts). From
Skiu the trail slowly ascends through a wooded gorge till Shingo, where you
Camp for the night. Shingo is complete with a traditional Ladakhi house and
beautiful flower speckled fields.
Day 10: Shingo - Ganda
La - Yurutse (6-7 hrs) Leave early morning and trek up
the next Pass named the Ganda La (4920 mts). The Ladakh, Zanskar and Stok
Ranges are part of the splendid views from the top of the Pass. A short 1
hour descend from the pass gets you to the camp site a few kilometers before
Yurutse Village (4150mts). The mountains around are full of wild Sheep and
Marmots.
Day 11: Yurutse - Base of Namlung La (3-4 hrs)
Trek down the valley till rumbak and then ascend till the base
camp of the next pass(4100 mts), Namlung La. From here there is a side trip
of 4 days to the peak of Mt Stok Kangri (6130 mts). This is an easy trekking
peak though the altitude is above 6000 Mts.
Day 12: Base
of Namlung La - Stok - Leh (5-6 hrs)+(2 hrs drive) This
is the last trekking day. After crossing the Namlung La (4750mts) trek down
till Stok Village where you are picked up by Jeeps and transported to your
Hotel in Leh. The Namlung La towers over the Indus/Leh Valley and is a great
place for photographs.
Click
Here for Detailed TourDay 13:
Fly from Leh to New Delhi. 
