HIGHLIGHTS
Region: Ladakh & Zanskar.
Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days.
Season: Mid July to Mid September.
Grade: Moderately Challenging.
Maximum Altitude: 5130M.
Passes: Nyalo Kontse La (4820M) & Gotunda La (5130M).
Accommodations: 11 Nights In Camp.
Activities: 10 Days Hiking / 2 Days Drive.
Meals: 11 Breakfasts / 12 Pack-Lunch / 11 Dinners.
Trip Begin: Manali.
Trip End: Leh
INTRODUCTION
An exceptionally remote trek takes us completely off the beaten track. We trek through a very remote country in the mystical kingdom of Zanskar. For centuries, the nomads transported salt to Zanskar on adventurous paths and exchanged it for barley there. The salt was loaded in sacks onto sheep or yaks and the caravans traveled the spectacular gorge of the Tsarap River for many days. These salt caravans gave the river its name, "Tsa" means salt and "rap" is a shallow place to cross.
This is one of the least traveled routes in all of Ladakh and Zanskar. After the mystical cave monastery Phukthar we are on a very lonely route for many days. We hike to the small, mysterious mountain lake Sochou Tso, from which rock walls rise hundreds of meters high. Over the more than 5000 meter high passes Gotunda La we finally get to Sarchu.
HOW TO REACH MANALI
The nearest airport serving this beautiful hill station is situated at Bhuntar. Known as Kullu Manali Airport, it is at a distance of approximately 60 from Manali.
The road instead since there are some spellbinding picturesque views en route to be enjoyed. The destination has a good connectivity by road with cities like Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh and Shimla serving as pivotal points. A number of bus services including private services like the very comfortable Volvo ply frequently from Delhi to Manali.
The closest railway station is Chandigarh (315 km) or Pathankot (290 km). You can make your travel bookings till either of these two cities and then take a prepaid bus or a cab till Manali.
Remote Villages
Stunning Gorges, Canyons.
Mysterious Mountain Lake.
Abandoned Old settlement Houses.
DAY 01 - DRIVE MANALI TO PURNEY (3800M) 181KM, 7 TO 8 HOURS BY ROAD SHINKUN LA (5090 M).
Starting the trip from Manali, which is located at the head of the lush green Kullu valley. Leaving Manali first to Solang and then to the Atal Tunnel Rohtang, which is now the new gateway to Lahoul, Spiti, Pangi and Zanskar valley. The landscape changes dramatically, the greenery being replaced by barren hillsides, surrounded by high peaks, hanging glaciers, and the village with their bountiful fields of barley, peas, and potatoes, stand out in stark contrast. Leaving Zanskar Sumdo the road passes through the second bridge then up the right-hand valley following the stream, which comes from Shinkun La (Shingo la). The highest point of our trip at 5,090 meters. Along the right bank of Kurgiakh chu and below the mass fallen rocks of Gumborungjum peak. We finally arrive at Kurgiakh, the first village of Zanskar. We pass the Karu, Tangze village to a series of stupas before reaching Purney. Purney is situated at the confluence between Tsarap and Kurgiak chu and forms the Lungnak River valley.
: Pack Lunch & Dinner.
: Camp In Purney.
DAY 02 - PURNEY (3800M) TO PHUKTHAR MONASTERY (3900M), TREKKING 3 – 4 HOURS, ASCENT 250 M, DESCENT 150 M, WALKING DISTANCE 6.5 KM.
Together with our local escort team and the pack animals we start our trekking. After 3 to 4 hours we reach Phukthar, the most fascinating cave monastery in the western Himalayas. The monastery and the monks' houses cling adventurously to the steep rock face. The actual rooms of the monastery are in natural caves, so only the facades are visible. We have enough time to explore the unique facility. Maybe it's school. The little monks often practice debating there.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner.
: Camp in Phukthar.
DAY 03 - PHUKTHAR (3900M) TO TANTAK (4000M), TREKKING 8 – 9 HOURS, WALKING DISTANCE 19 KM.
Maybe we are lucky and can attend a prayer ceremony in the monastery in the morning. Then we start our onward journey. The path meanders spectacularly along the steep slopes of the Tsarap Gorge. The path has recently been repaired and is now a comfortable width again. We spend the night camp is near river side.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner.
: Camp in Tantak
DAY 04 - TODAY HIKE & ACCIMITIZATION TO REMOTE SHADE VILLAGE (4250M), TREKKING 6 – 7 HOURS BOTH SIDE, WALKING DISTANCE 19 KM.
Shade Village in Zanskar, which is one of the most isolated villages in Ladakh. The village has preserved its tradition and culture due to the fact that it has been completely cut off from the rest of the world with its remote location. This exceptionally remote trek takes you to the heart of Zanskar Valley and entirely off the beaten trail.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner
: Camp in Tantak
DAY 05 - TODAY HIKE & ACCIMITIZATION TO MAGIC MOUNTAIN LAKE SOCHOU TSO (4100M), TREKKING 6 – 7 HOURS BOTH SIDE, WALKING DISTANCE 10 KM BOTH SIDE.
Hike to unknown Lake Sochou Tso. It lies quiet and turquoise blue between the almost vertical rock walls. Locals used to frequent this lake because of the numerous juniper trees. Today he lies there forgotten and lonely. For us it is one of the most beautiful places in Zanskar.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner
: Camp in Tantak
DAY 06 - TANTAK (4000M) TO NYALO KONTSE LA BASE (4400M), TREKKING 3 – 4, WALKING DISTANCE 3.5 KM.
Shortly before our campsite today we have the opportunity to climb to the hidden camp near very small spring water.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner
: Camp in Nyalo Kontse La Base
DAY 07 - NYALO KONTSE LA BASE (4400M) TO HORMOCHE (4000M), OVER NYALO KONTSE LA (4820M) & GOTUNDA LA (5130M), TREKKING 10 – 11 HOURS, WALKING DISTANCE 15 KM.
Today the biggest day of trek we cross two pass crossings of our trekking are on the program. We first climb to Nyalo Kontse La at 4820 meters. Without losing much altitude, we follow a beautiful mountain trail to the next pass. From a small high plateau we enjoy a unique view down to Lake Sochou Tso, which we visited yesterday. The air is now getting thinner and our steps slower, but from afar we can see the colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, which mark the pass of the 5130 meter high Gotunda La. The distant view from the top is stunning. Finally, we descend through a bizarre lunar landscape to "our" river Tsarap Chu, which we left two days ago.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner
: Camp in Hormoche
DAY 08 - HORMOCHE (4000M) TO MONE LEH (3900M), TREKKING 4 – 5 HOURS, WALKING DISTANCE 10.7 KM.
After the strenuous pass, easier stages follow. Our small caravan continues along the Tsarap River like the salt caravans used to do. We cross the Tichip Chu River, which has its source in the Kharnak area. We set up our tents in the small abandoned settlement of Mone Leh.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner
: Camp in Mone Leh
DAY 09 - MONE LEH (3900M) TO SATAK (4030M), TREKKING 3 – 4 HOURS, WALKING DISTANCE 6 KM.
Before 5 small passes pass we hike today easy, our small caravan continues along the Tsarap River like the salt caravans used to do. We cross waterfall trail is easy and beautiful landscape. We set up our tents in the small abandoned settlement of Satak.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner
: Camp in Satak.
DAY 10 - SATAK (4030M) TO TSOKMITSIK (4100M) VIA 5 SMALL PASES, TREKKING 8 – 9 HOURS, WALKING DISTANCE 19 KM.
The landscape becomes more and more lovely and we cross some beautiful hills. Again and again there are beautiful views over the lonely landscape. Our pass to be overcome several passes today is around approx. 4400m called Punshum La, Chhohama La , Umlung La 1, Umlung La 2 and Laol La .You can often walk here for days without meeting anyone. After a long, exhausting day of trekking, we enjoy our dinner and sink into our sleeping bags, tired but satisfied.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner
: Camp in Tsokmitsik
DAY 11 - TSOKMITSIK (4100M) TO GATA LOOPS (4180M), TREKKING 5 – 6 HOURS, WALKING DISTANCE 10.5 KM.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner
: Camp in Brandi Nalla
DAY 12 - DRIVE FROM GATA LOOPS (4180M) TO LEH (3500M) VIA TANGLANG LA (5340M) DRIVING DISTANCE 240KM.
Early morning after breakfast leave for Leh through Nakeela and Lachangla Pass 16,617 ft. Enjoy your pack lunch at Pang. After the Lunch drive to Leh passing through Skyangchu Thang (Biggest and Highest Plateau on Stretch of 42 Kms), Tanglang La Pass 17,585ft, 3nd highest motorable road in the world, reach upshi where your drive along with Indus river. Arrive at Leh by evening.
: Breakfast & Pack Lunch.
: No.
What is included in the tour
- The services of an educated Himalayan Yeti Adventure representative or escort / guide, well versed with native flora/fauna, topography & culture during the entire trek program.
- During the trek, all camping logistics and mules / porters/ to carry luggage. Participants will be required to carry only their day sacks with their daily essentials etc.
- Camping on twin sharing basis in 2-man tents, with foam mattresses, sleeping bags and kitchen tent, toilet tent etc.
- One Cook and camp helper/s with all necessary kitchen items, utensils etc.
- All transportation as per the itinerary, inclusive of transfers to the roadhead before the trek and transfer from the roadhead to your destination, after the conclusion of the trek.
- Boiled drinking water during the trek and warm water for personal ablutions in the morning.
- All meals during the trek program.
- Wildlife / environmental Permits and Levies, wherever required.
- All camping charges.
- Trek Briefing / debriefing & guides charges.
- Charges for following the global ‘Leave No Trace’ protocol.
- Insurance of the trekking staff
- Good medical / first aid kit with Oxygen Cylinders.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Any accidental, travel or medical insurance. It is advisable for the participants to get themselves comprehensively insured before the tour.
- Any expenses of a personal nature.
- Any and all evacuation charges (medical or otherwise), or hospitalization or physicians consultation charges. Your own insurance policy should also, ideally, cover this.
Insulated, waterproof boots are best. They have thick soles, rubber/leather uppers and insulation. Flip Flops/ Crocs.
Wool or synthetic socks with wicking liners promote warm, dry feet. (this item is to be bought by the clients themselves)
Layer your clothing so it can be adjusted to your activity level and the weather. Avoid cotton.
Base layer: Synthetics and wool retain warmth even when wet. Wear long underwears (top and bottem) that wicks away moisture, insulates well and dries quickly. Choose from microlight, lightweight or midweight versions based on the temperature and your activity level. A zippered top lets you adjust body heat as you stop and go. (this item is to be bought by the clients themselves, easily available in Decathlon Stores)
Upper Insulating layer: Polyester fleece makes a good insulating mid-layer since it retains heat when wet and breathes as you exercise.
Outer layer: A waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants keep you dry and fend off wind.
Down feather jacket: - Can be used while relaxing or walking outside in the camp area.
Hat, Gloves and Accessories.
Keep your head and hands covered to prevent loss of body heat and to protect from sunburn.
A wool or synthetic hat, headband or balaclava retains heat; a wide-brimmed hat or a ball cap can shade your eyes on sunny days.
Sunglasses and sunscreen will protect you from burning UV rays which are especially intense when reflected off of snow.
COTTON SCARF good for dust and to protect neck from sunburn ,WATER BOTTLE, HYDRATION BAG.
Head Lamp & spare batteries.
CAMERA dustproof cover and spare batteries and memory card, GOPRO IS JUST GREAT.
MONEY BELT or secure portion of bag.
PERSONAL TOILETRIES including lip cream, hand wash (alcohol-based), sunscreen and TOWEL.
PENKNIFE , JOURNAL, SKETCH PAD, PLAYING CARDS, BOOK, READING LIGHT, SEWING KIT, etc.
Small PADLOCK for stored bag.
Trekking Day Bag upto 65 to 85 Ltr.
If you cancel 15 days before the trip begins Himalayan Yeti Adventure will retain 20% of the trip cost.
If you cancel 7 days before the trip begins, Himalayan Yeti Adventure will retain 30% of the trip cost.
If you cancel less than 7 days before the trip begins, or, are not present when the trip begins, there will be no-refund
No refund will be payable to any client who voluntarily leaves a trip en-route.
