Shingo La and Phugtal Gompa
Shingo La (5050 meters) is a favored trekking destination for trekkers in Ladakh. One of the most popular treks, it can be completed in a little over a week and climb to Shingo La is a difficult but rewarding experience. Add a combination of Budhist Monasteries, plethora of campsites and settlements as well as views of Zanskar make it a coveted destination. We cross the Himalayan Range of Zanskar and cross over to Lahaul and Kullu Valley. Currently Indian Government is considering to build a road over Shingo La, which is stipulated to complete within a few years. Shingo La is open from June to early October and remains snow laden for most part of the year. The trek can also be done in reverse from Darcha (Manali Side) towards Padam. There is a shallow lake below the pass. The pass is on a long-distance footpath linking Zanskar and Lahaul, used often by locals and trekkers alike. For trekkers it is one of the technically easiest 5000m passes in Indian Himalaya, involving no glacier trekking nor steep climbs. There is snow on the pass all year round, although in the summer only a small stretch of snow has to be passed.
Day 1-2-Leh to 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- Padam to Mune
It's an easy 12 kilometers trek. During our trek we will come across Barden Gompa – the oldest Gompa of the region. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the camp. visit the Mune Gelukpa Gompa, a great site on a craig on a river bend. The mune Gompa was called the Disketling, which was founded by the Boddhisattva Sherab Zangpo. About 25 monks are reside in the monastery. There are many sacred Shrines and relics to see, the Gompa was in Gelukpa sect.
Day 5- Mune to Itchar
We will drive to Reru (3800 meters) and from Reru will begin our trek to Itchar. We will cross a bridge and stay our our right on the bank of Tsarap River and then cross a brige to reach Itchar. We climb on top to the campsite of Itchar at (3900 meters). We will have beautiful views of the valley to explore as well as green pastures for camping.
Day 6- Itchar to Purne
Today will be a long walk of 20 kilometers. We will cross many villages and settlements. There are many bridges to be crossed, there will be campsite of Pupila, Amu, Tsetang, Khalbog and the village of Cha until we finally reach until we finally reach Purne which is a beautiful campsite located above the bridge of Tsarap and Kargyak River.
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- Padam to Mune
It's an easy 12 kilometers trek. During our trek we will come across Barden Gompa – the oldest Gompa of the region. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the camp. visit the Mune Gelukpa Gompa, a great site on a craig on a river bend. The mune Gompa was called the Disketling, which was founded by the Boddhisattva Sherab Zangpo. About 25 monks are reside in the monastery. There are many sacred Shrines and relics to see, the Gompa was in Gelukpa sect.
Day 5- Mune to Itchar
We will drive to Reru (3800 meters) and from Reru will begin our trek to Itchar. We will cross a bridge and stay our our right on the bank of Tsarap River and then cross a brige to reach Itchar. We climb on top to the campsite of Itchar at (3900 meters). We will have beautiful views of the valley to explore as well as green pastures for camping.
Day 6- Itchar to Purne
Today will be a long walk of 20 kilometers. We will cross many villages and settlements. There are many bridges to be crossed, there will be campsite of Pupila, Amu, Tsetang, Khalbog and the village of Cha until we finally reach until we finally reach Purne which is a beautiful campsite located above the bridge of Tsarap and Kargyak River.
Day 7 - Purne to Phugtal Gompa
Today we will explore the beautiful site of Phugtal Gompa. Both Phurne and Phugtal are a view to savor. Situated on a limestone cliff, the view of the monastery doesnt fail to impress. There is a main assembly hall which is carved out of a huge cave. There is an ancient cypress tree on the cliff above the gompa. We will enjoy the butter tea and roaster barley (Tsampa). There is an elementary school where studends of the nearby schools come to study. 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.
Day 8 - Phugtal to Purne
We come back to Purne to have a rest and enjoy at the delightful camping site of Purne to commence our journey ahead towards Shingo La
Day 9 - Purne to Kargyak (4000 meters)
The valley below Purne is Kargyak and houses a number of settlements and villages. We will get a chance to walk over snow laden fields and glaciers. As we head down towards the river and cross the bridge, the trail slowly ascends above the river. We cross a settlement and reach the fertile plateau and village of Tetha. Will stop over for rest and lunch before heading towards a well marked trail among beautiful views and Shanti Stupas welcoming us on the way as we reach Karu. Where stone walls are lined to direct visitors towards the trek which serves as a double purpose to protect against unwanted animals in the fields. A few kilometers ahead we cross over the river over a bridge towards Tanze village. There is a willow plantation done on a large scale in an enclosure sponsored by the J&K Forest Deptt. 4 Kilometers gradual walk and we reach the village of Kargyak, which is the highest permanent settlement of Zanskar Region. We stay in a guest house and enoy lovely home cooked meals as well as enjoy the beautiful pastures and views below the village along Kargyak River.
Today we will explore the beautiful site of Phugtal Gompa. Both Phurne and Phugtal are a view to savor. Situated on a limestone cliff, the view of the monastery doesnt fail to impress. There is a main assembly hall which is carved out of a huge cave. There is an ancient cypress tree on the cliff above the gompa. We will enjoy the butter tea and roaster barley (Tsampa). There is an elementary school where studends of the nearby schools come to study. 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.
Day 8 - Phugtal to Purne
We come back to Purne to have a rest and enjoy at the delightful camping site of Purne to commence our journey ahead towards Shingo La
Day 9 - Purne to Kargyak (4000 meters)
The valley below Purne is Kargyak and houses a number of settlements and villages. We will get a chance to walk over snow laden fields and glaciers. As we head down towards the river and cross the bridge, the trail slowly ascends above the river. We cross a settlement and reach the fertile plateau and village of Tetha. Will stop over for rest and lunch before heading towards a well marked trail among beautiful views and Shanti Stupas welcoming us on the way as we reach Karu. Where stone walls are lined to direct visitors towards the trek which serves as a double purpose to protect against unwanted animals in the fields. A few kilometers ahead we cross over the river over a bridge towards Tanze village. There is a willow plantation done on a large scale in an enclosure sponsored by the J&K Forest Deptt. 4 Kilometers gradual walk and we reach the village of Kargyak, which is the highest permanent settlement of Zanskar Region. We stay in a guest house and enoy lovely home cooked meals as well as enjoy the beautiful pastures and views below the village along Kargyak River.
Day 10- Kargyak to Lakong (4400 meters)
After breakfast we proceed towards our journey to Shingo La. Ten Kilometers ahead from Kargyak we get to enjoy the splendid view of beautiful and majestic huge rock peak of Gumburanjun. A mountain entirely formed by white granite which is speculated to be 22 million years old. It is not recommended to go too close to the peak due to rock falls. From here to the south the valley in enclosed by the snow peaks of the Himalaya Range. The landscape is compared with Morocco or the Andean Altiplano. We get to know we are in Himalayas through the Buddhist Prayer Flags and Chortens. We cross the green pastures covered in wild flowers. Few kilometers ahead we get to cross another river and then Gumburanjun and then we finally reach Lakong. We pitch our tents our crossing a small rock bridge at a beautiful camping site offering unparalleled views of the valley and the Himalayan Range.
Day 11- Lakong to Rumjak over Shingo La (5050 meters)
Today will be a long and challenging stage of the trek as we have to climb the pass. We will be crossing the great himalayan range and as a reward will get to enjoy the magnificent views of peaks above 6000 meters on the backdrop of hanging glaciers and vast snowfields, which offer a contrasting view from the barren landscapes of the Zanskar Valley. As we climb steeply up over a snow laden ridge and a meadow to reach the base. We cross a river crossing over icy cold water in our folded pants. In another 2-3 hours we will be able to reach Shingo La top while cross the snow laden fields, scree slopes and moraine. The view from the top is breath-taking. Rock Cairns and Prayer Flags mark the Pass. There is a small lake immediately below the pass, the pass is snow laden and views are unparalleled. o the north, lie the Zansker mountains while to the south, the Lahaul range appears with sudden impact. There is a steep 400 meter descent along ice and moraine over the glacial floor. Another 5 kilometers on the right along the valley we reach our campsite Rumjak (4400 meters).
Day 12- Rumjak to Jankar Sumdo (4100 meters)
Today will be an easy day as we camp at not so far site of Jankar Sumdo, which is at a 5 kilometer descent from Rumjak. We cross scant vegetation and scree slopes and reach our camp site in 3-4 hours. Enjoy during the day as we camp here.
After breakfast we proceed towards our journey to Shingo La. Ten Kilometers ahead from Kargyak we get to enjoy the splendid view of beautiful and majestic huge rock peak of Gumburanjun. A mountain entirely formed by white granite which is speculated to be 22 million years old. It is not recommended to go too close to the peak due to rock falls. From here to the south the valley in enclosed by the snow peaks of the Himalaya Range. The landscape is compared with Morocco or the Andean Altiplano. We get to know we are in Himalayas through the Buddhist Prayer Flags and Chortens. We cross the green pastures covered in wild flowers. Few kilometers ahead we get to cross another river and then Gumburanjun and then we finally reach Lakong. We pitch our tents our crossing a small rock bridge at a beautiful camping site offering unparalleled views of the valley and the Himalayan Range.
Day 11- Lakong to Rumjak over Shingo La (5050 meters)
Today will be a long and challenging stage of the trek as we have to climb the pass. We will be crossing the great himalayan range and as a reward will get to enjoy the magnificent views of peaks above 6000 meters on the backdrop of hanging glaciers and vast snowfields, which offer a contrasting view from the barren landscapes of the Zanskar Valley. As we climb steeply up over a snow laden ridge and a meadow to reach the base. We cross a river crossing over icy cold water in our folded pants. In another 2-3 hours we will be able to reach Shingo La top while cross the snow laden fields, scree slopes and moraine. The view from the top is breath-taking. Rock Cairns and Prayer Flags mark the Pass. There is a small lake immediately below the pass, the pass is snow laden and views are unparalleled. o the north, lie the Zansker mountains while to the south, the Lahaul range appears with sudden impact. There is a steep 400 meter descent along ice and moraine over the glacial floor. Another 5 kilometers on the right along the valley we reach our campsite Rumjak (4400 meters).
Day 12- Rumjak to Jankar Sumdo (4100 meters)
Today will be an easy day as we camp at not so far site of Jankar Sumdo, which is at a 5 kilometer descent from Rumjak. We cross scant vegetation and scree slopes and reach our camp site in 3-4 hours. Enjoy during the day as we camp here.
Day 13- Jankar Sumdo-Rarig and Darcha
Today will be the last day of our trek. After breakfast we will head down towards the broad glacial valley. We cross the bridge over Darcha River and then continue our trail along boulder fields and crossing river streams as well as green pastures. We cross a stone bridge over a riverand descent down towards Rarig Village. Our jeeps would be waiting for you to transport to Darcha and then further to Leh or Manali.
End of Trek
Today will be the last day of our trek. After breakfast we will head down towards the broad glacial valley. We cross the bridge over Darcha River and then continue our trail along boulder fields and crossing river streams as well as green pastures. We cross a stone bridge over a riverand descent down towards Rarig Village. Our jeeps would be waiting for you to transport to Darcha and then further to Leh or Manali.
End of Trek
Why choose us?
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
- Medical Kits
- All government and local taxes if necessary.
- World Class Equipment
- Best Quality Tents, Sleeping Bags, Camping Equipment, Ropes, Ice Axe (Where required).
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