Padam to Darcha Trek
Padam to Darcha is an easy trek and a very convenient one for the first time trekker. There are many villages and campsites and only one pass to cross which is a rarity in Ladakh Area. You will be crossing Shingo La (5050 meters), closed in by gigantic and jagged mountain ranges, with aqua blue rivers running through deep valleys narrow trails and with sheer slopes on either side to the bottom of the valley and to the top of the mountain, snow capped peaks, rocks of all sizes and shapes and tiny villages nestled high above the river beds, surrounded by fields of barley and other hardy roots - and rickety (nervous) bridges connecting the trails and river banks. It's easier to start from Padam as starting from reverse order will be a tough and dangerous job as their is a swift height gain which can lead to altitude sickness and therefore unpleasant. The trek leads us to Lugnak, the valley on the south-east of Zanskar used by locals historically for trade between Lahaul and Himachal and Zanskar. Phutkal Monastery is in the mid-way of our trek. We will also get to enjoy the beauty of Gombu Ragjom rock surrounded by yaks in vast pastures filled with flowers. This trek can also be connected with Lamayuru-Padam Trek and extended by another 10 days. It's a classic trek and takes you to remote areas and valleys of Himalayas. It should be done soon before this area gets connected by road and loose its charm and significance.
Day 1 and 2- Leh-Padam
After Acclimatization and sight seeing at Leh, we will start our drive towards Padam via Kargil through desert, We will visit at the Confluence of the River Indus with River Zanskar at Nimoo on a terrain that resembles more like a surface of the moon. We will also visit the Monastery at Lamayuru built in the 11th century and one of the oldest in Ladakh. We will come across Fotu La (4100 mts) shortly after leaving Lamayuru and enjoy the Ladakhi Landscape and dry riverbeds as well as Mt. Nun and Kun, the highest peaks of the region at an altitude of 7135 mt and 7070 mt respectively. Views of River Indus while crossing Suru Valley. The road from Kargil to Padum is more like a dirt road, but this road offers some spectacular views and is at an average altitude of 3750 meters. Most people may experience some sort of motion and altitude sickness on this route.
Day 3 - Day tour to Monasteries near Padam-
Before starting our trek we will spend some time in Zanskar Valley, and visiting some impressive monasteries of Tongde, Zangla, Karsha and Sani. There are many restaurants and hotels in Padam. But you need to watch out for your belongings as there are cases of theft in this region.
Day 4- Padum-Shila
As we go through the upper part of the town along the road following the Tsarap River and follow it upstream for about one and a half hour, we will see a mani wall (carved and in-scripted stone wall) and a grassland alongside flowing water. There is also a beautiful waterfall on the other side of the river. We camp here tonight.
After Acclimatization and sight seeing at Leh, we will start our drive towards Padam via Kargil through desert, We will visit at the Confluence of the River Indus with River Zanskar at Nimoo on a terrain that resembles more like a surface of the moon. We will also visit the Monastery at Lamayuru built in the 11th century and one of the oldest in Ladakh. We will come across Fotu La (4100 mts) shortly after leaving Lamayuru and enjoy the Ladakhi Landscape and dry riverbeds as well as Mt. Nun and Kun, the highest peaks of the region at an altitude of 7135 mt and 7070 mt respectively. Views of River Indus while crossing Suru Valley. The road from Kargil to Padum is more like a dirt road, but this road offers some spectacular views and is at an average altitude of 3750 meters. Most people may experience some sort of motion and altitude sickness on this route.
Day 3 - Day tour to Monasteries near Padam-
Before starting our trek we will spend some time in Zanskar Valley, and visiting some impressive monasteries of Tongde, Zangla, Karsha and Sani. There are many restaurants and hotels in Padam. But you need to watch out for your belongings as there are cases of theft in this region.
Day 4- Padum-Shila
As we go through the upper part of the town along the road following the Tsarap River and follow it upstream for about one and a half hour, we will see a mani wall (carved and in-scripted stone wall) and a grassland alongside flowing water. There is also a beautiful waterfall on the other side of the river. We camp here tonight.
Day 5 - Shilla Camp-Reru
Walking a little over an hour over the jeepable road we will come across Bardan Gompa, a monastery linked to Hemis. This monastery is worth a visit. It has a giant praying wheel. As we continue on the road we come across an unstable rope bridge which needs to be ignored and there is a stony landscape around with pre-historic carvings on stones. We can click pictures and walk ahead for 2 hours alongthe Tsarap River leading over to a plateaue and Mune Monastery. There is a short cut from Mune Gompa towards Reru Campsite so will avoid the road altogether and climb over the plateau till Reru located near a small water reservoir. We camp here tonight.
Day 6- Reru-Changpa Tsetan
Finally we will come on a wilderess trek and leave roads and traffic behind. Since Reru is connected by a jeepable road, we could also reach till here by a jeep if time is on a premium. We keep following the Tsarap River on an up and down trail on a rocky landscape devoid of sun light. We will be crossing some rivers and streams. On the other side of the river is Ichar Village with its fortress. There is a wooden and rope bridge below it. We keep walking as we come reach a large area of grey sand. Further along on a hour's walk we will reach Changpa Tsetan. We will either camp here or make a stay in the guest house tonight.
Day 7 - Changpa Tsetan-Purne
Cross the small stream and walk along the Tsarap River as we cross several villages and a confluence of rivers, we cross a bridge and climb up till we reach Purne Village. There are a few houses and a nice campsite which can be busy in tourist season so in case of unavailability of guest house and campsite we can camp near the waterfall towards the fields.
Walking a little over an hour over the jeepable road we will come across Bardan Gompa, a monastery linked to Hemis. This monastery is worth a visit. It has a giant praying wheel. As we continue on the road we come across an unstable rope bridge which needs to be ignored and there is a stony landscape around with pre-historic carvings on stones. We can click pictures and walk ahead for 2 hours alongthe Tsarap River leading over to a plateaue and Mune Monastery. There is a short cut from Mune Gompa towards Reru Campsite so will avoid the road altogether and climb over the plateau till Reru located near a small water reservoir. We camp here tonight.
Day 6- Reru-Changpa Tsetan
Finally we will come on a wilderess trek and leave roads and traffic behind. Since Reru is connected by a jeepable road, we could also reach till here by a jeep if time is on a premium. We keep following the Tsarap River on an up and down trail on a rocky landscape devoid of sun light. We will be crossing some rivers and streams. On the other side of the river is Ichar Village with its fortress. There is a wooden and rope bridge below it. We keep walking as we come reach a large area of grey sand. Further along on a hour's walk we will reach Changpa Tsetan. We will either camp here or make a stay in the guest house tonight.
Day 7 - Changpa Tsetan-Purne
Cross the small stream and walk along the Tsarap River as we cross several villages and a confluence of rivers, we cross a bridge and climb up till we reach Purne Village. There are a few houses and a nice campsite which can be busy in tourist season so in case of unavailability of guest house and campsite we can camp near the waterfall towards the fields.
Day 8 - Purne-Phuktal-Purne
Today we will head out for a short excursion for sight seeing across ancient monasteries. As we walk up north from our camp in Purne, we come across a small settlement from there we will have to walk through the Tsarap Gorge. We cross a bridge on our left and come across Gelugpa Monsatery. This monastery was originally build in a cave on a cliff but now it has spread and extended beyond the cave thus giving it a bee hive look. It's worth a visit. We proceed to reach Phugtal, where we will meet the friendly monks here and explore the amazing monastery. The Phuktal Monastery is built around a natural cave, which is believed to have been visited by numerous sages, scholars, translators, and monks around 2,550 years ago. The remote location of the monastery was ideal for monks looking for peace and solitude to meditate. In the 12th century, the Tibetan translator Zanskar Lotsawa Phagpa Sherab also lived and worked from Phuktal. The eminent scholars and brothers Dangsong, Pun, and Sum, who were believed to have the supernatural power of flight gave teachings on Dharma at Phuktal. After clicking pictures and some rest we will return back to Purne, which is a couple of hours of trekking from here.
Day 9 - Purne to Kargyak
It's a long day today but on a moderate trail. We return back t0 the bridge on the confluence on Tsarap and Kargyak Rivers and head south. We cross some villages on our way and have to cross the river at one point and continue our journey south-east. We have crossed Yal, Testha and Kuru Villages and number of summer camps till we reach Kargyak our camping site. We camp here tonight.
Day 10- Kargyak-Shingo La Base
We walk towards a greener valley now as this area reflects a stark contrast compared to the barren-ness and shade of the previous days of trekking. We keep walking on the left side of the river bank and walk south east until we come across a monolothic rock structure. After the river crossing there is a campsite but we keep moving ahead for another hour till we reach Shingo La Base Camp. We camp here tonight.
Today we will head out for a short excursion for sight seeing across ancient monasteries. As we walk up north from our camp in Purne, we come across a small settlement from there we will have to walk through the Tsarap Gorge. We cross a bridge on our left and come across Gelugpa Monsatery. This monastery was originally build in a cave on a cliff but now it has spread and extended beyond the cave thus giving it a bee hive look. It's worth a visit. We proceed to reach Phugtal, where we will meet the friendly monks here and explore the amazing monastery. The Phuktal Monastery is built around a natural cave, which is believed to have been visited by numerous sages, scholars, translators, and monks around 2,550 years ago. The remote location of the monastery was ideal for monks looking for peace and solitude to meditate. In the 12th century, the Tibetan translator Zanskar Lotsawa Phagpa Sherab also lived and worked from Phuktal. The eminent scholars and brothers Dangsong, Pun, and Sum, who were believed to have the supernatural power of flight gave teachings on Dharma at Phuktal. After clicking pictures and some rest we will return back to Purne, which is a couple of hours of trekking from here.
Day 9 - Purne to Kargyak
It's a long day today but on a moderate trail. We return back t0 the bridge on the confluence on Tsarap and Kargyak Rivers and head south. We cross some villages on our way and have to cross the river at one point and continue our journey south-east. We have crossed Yal, Testha and Kuru Villages and number of summer camps till we reach Kargyak our camping site. We camp here tonight.
Day 10- Kargyak-Shingo La Base
We walk towards a greener valley now as this area reflects a stark contrast compared to the barren-ness and shade of the previous days of trekking. We keep walking on the left side of the river bank and walk south east until we come across a monolothic rock structure. After the river crossing there is a campsite but we keep moving ahead for another hour till we reach Shingo La Base Camp. We camp here tonight.
Day 11- Shingo La Base to Ramjak over Shingo La (5050 meters)
Today will be a long and tough day as we have to cross the highest pass of this region. We stay on the left and ascent towards smooth and easy landscape but filled with snow and a little bad weather. Stay close to your guide and follow his instructions. There will be snowfields before the pass which would take considerable time to ascend. We reach Shingo La which is marked by prayer flags. There are fantastic views from the top of the pass however its cold and windy. Indian Govt. is considering building a road over this pass. After a level walk for about half an hour on same altitude we descent on loose scree and rocks to Chummik Nagpo (4600 meters), we can camp here or trek for 3 more house to reach the campsite at Ramjak (4350 meters), which is located at a lesser altitude. We camp here tonight.
Day 12 - Ramjak-Chika
Today we leave the rocky landscapes of Ladakh and enter Lahaul Valley, which is much greener than barren landscapes of Ladakh. We cross a bridge and few water streams to reach Pal Lamho. We rest and have lunch or snacks at a nearby tea shop / eatery. From here we cross another river stream towards its left bank on a bridge and proceed our trail for a few hours towards Chika. Our Jeeps would be waiting here to transport you to your hotel in Manali
End of Trek
Today will be a long and tough day as we have to cross the highest pass of this region. We stay on the left and ascent towards smooth and easy landscape but filled with snow and a little bad weather. Stay close to your guide and follow his instructions. There will be snowfields before the pass which would take considerable time to ascend. We reach Shingo La which is marked by prayer flags. There are fantastic views from the top of the pass however its cold and windy. Indian Govt. is considering building a road over this pass. After a level walk for about half an hour on same altitude we descent on loose scree and rocks to Chummik Nagpo (4600 meters), we can camp here or trek for 3 more house to reach the campsite at Ramjak (4350 meters), which is located at a lesser altitude. We camp here tonight.
Day 12 - Ramjak-Chika
Today we leave the rocky landscapes of Ladakh and enter Lahaul Valley, which is much greener than barren landscapes of Ladakh. We cross a bridge and few water streams to reach Pal Lamho. We rest and have lunch or snacks at a nearby tea shop / eatery. From here we cross another river stream towards its left bank on a bridge and proceed our trail for a few hours towards Chika. Our Jeeps would be waiting here to transport you to your hotel in Manali
End of Trek
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We will provide trained Hindi and English speaking guide and proper backup and safety along with great food and camping. Please inquire and fill the form below to book.
Per day cost will be upwards of 2000/-per person on per day basis and can be negotiated based on group size and facilities.
click here to know more...
We will provide trained Hindi and English speaking guide and proper backup and safety along with great food and camping. Please inquire and fill the form below to book.
Per day cost will be upwards of 2000/-per person on per day basis and can be negotiated based on group size and facilities.
- All necessary paper works and permits.
- Healthy and Tasty Meals including Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Soups and Snacks
- Bonfire
- Porters and Mules
- Travel & Rescue arrangements
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- All government and local taxes if necessary.
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- Best Quality Tents, Sleeping Bags, Camping Equipment, Ropes, Ice Axe (Where required).
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