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Title : Darcha -Padum (Shingo La) Trek
Category : Trek
Duration : 18 Days
Location : Ladakh
Season : Monsoon (july - sep)
Grade : Demanding
One of the popular treks leading to the Zanskar valley. The trek
takes one through the many Zanskar villages and various
monasteries therein. A slow ascent up to the pass and then a
steep descent to the Tsarap river brings one right into the
heart of the Zanskar. The trail follows the river most of the
way.
Day 01: Drive Delhi to Nalagarh (270m) 5-6hrs
Overnight in Nalagarh Fort, a heritage property.
Day 02: Drive Nalagarh to Manali (2050m) 6-7 hrs
Nalagarh is the gateway to all the destinations in Himachal.
Drive on the busy highway to reach Manali in the Kullu valley.
Spend the evening visiting the old temples and the busy market.
Overnight Hotel.
Day 03: Manali to Darcha(3300m) 6-7 hrs
The drive from Manali to Darcha goes over the Rohtang Pass and
into the Trans-Himalayan terrain of the Lahaul valley.
Day 04: Darcha to Palamo (3350m). 5-6 hrs
Follow a small trail till Rarik and then a trail to camp at
Palamo. Camp.
Day 05: Palamo to Zanskar Sumdo (3600m). 5-6 hrs
Cross a glacial stream and continue along a fairly level trail
to Zanskar Sumdo where we cross the river by pulley. Camp across
the river.
Day 06: Zanskar Sumdo to Chuminakpo (4050m).6-7 hrs
Climb steeply for about 45 mins. And then follow a fairly level
trail to Ramjiak (4290m). Continue traversing the scree slopes
to camp at Chuminakpo (base of Shingo La).Camp.
Day 07: Chuminakpo to Lakong(4470m) via the Shingo La
(5100m) 6-7 hrs
Start early in the morning for the climb to the Shingo La
following a path up a scree slope with some snow (if early in
the season). Descend to camp by the river at Lakong Camp.
Day 08: Lakong to Kargyak(4050m) 6-7 hrs
Follow a path to the base of Gumburonjon (5900m), a huge rock
face revered by the locals. Continue to camp near Kargiakh
village the first Zanskari settlement. Camp.
Day 09: Kargyak to Testa (3950m) 4-5 hrs
Easy level trail passing mani walls and chortens past the
village of Kuru and down to camp below Testa village. Camp.
Day 10: Testa to Purne.(3700m) 4-5 hrs
Continue down towards the river. Climb gently to Jal and descend
steeply to a bridge which you cross to get to Purne. A short
day. Camp.
Day 11: Purne to Phuktal Gompa to Purne 6-7 hrs
Excursion to Phuktal Gompa (3850m), one of the most spectacu¬lar
sights in Zanskar. This monastery dates back to the early 12th
century and is built in a cave. Return to camp at Purne.
Day 12: Purne to Ichar (3650m) 2-3 hrs
Cross the river again for a 2 hr walk to Kaydang, a small
village. Go past the village of Surle to camp at Ichar, an
inter¬esting fortified village. Camp.
Day 13: Ichar to Mune (3750m) 5-6 hrs
Climb gradually before descending to the village of Raru and
follow a lovely path to Mune. Camp.
Day 14: Mune to Padum (3500m) 5-6 hrs
From Mune monastery, we descend to the main trail. Arrive at
Bardan monastery 2 hrs later. This monastery is famous for its
180cm prayer wheel. Follow a dusty path till Padum. Camp/Rest
House.
Day 15: Drive Padum to Kargil (2180m) 9-10 hrs
Overnight Hotel.
Day 16: Drive Kargil to Leh (3500m) 7-8 hrs
Overnight Hotel.
Day 17: Free day in case of bad weather/flight cancellations.
Day 18: Fly Leh – Delhi
NOTE: For ardent adventure-seekers, the trip from Padum to Leh
can be made in rafts (4 days till Nimo) and a short drive to Leh
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