Trek in Zanskar Over Kanji la

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

Arrive Delhi by evening / night. Welcome by our representative at airport, transfer to the hotel. Night in hotel.

Day 2: Flight Delhi - Leh (3500 m).1h10.

Transfer to the domestic airport for flight to Leh. On arrival in Leh airport our colleague will transfer you to hotel, to be better acclimatize you will relax till midday, after lunch in hotel acclimatization walk to visit Shanti Stupa dominates entire Leh town, Royal Palace built by 5th Dalailama in 17th century is look like little Potala of Lahasa, stroll in the Bazar and night in hotel.

Day 3: Visit Monasteries of Hemis- Thiksey and Shey. (Day excursion)

Leave early to visit the Hemis monastery, A mass of splendid architecture built by the inveterate royal architect Singe Namgyal in1630. The monastery belongs to Drukpa sect of Buddhism. Thiksey, A majestic monastery perched on a rocky outcrop built in the15th century during the first wave of expansion of Gelugpa sect in Ladakh. In the entry there are painting of protective deities and the great masters of the sect. Drive to Shey, once the capital of Upper Ladakh before being supplanted by Leh, monastery housed rich murals painting, well restored and represent the 18 arhats (disciples of Buddha who attained enlightenment). Back to Leh evening at leisure, night in hotel.

Day 4: Leh – Alchi – Lamayuru (3580m) 125 kms/ 4-5h)-Kanji (3850m)

Now from Leh the next site to visit is Alchi monastery. It is the oldest monastery of Ladakh. Alchi, visit Monastery. Among the many temples, caves and Stupas built in Ladakh Alchi, Choskor is the largest and the most famous of all of them, built by Rinchen Zangpo ablout 990 years ago. Monastery houses valuable mural painting and Thankas. Leave towards Lamayuru, one of the ancient monasteries magnificently perched on the hill. Before Buddhism penetrated in the region this site was known as a Centre for bon religion. Stroll around the monastery campus and admire the stunning beauty of landscape, further drive to Kanji village, the starting point of the trek. Night in camp.

Day 5: Kanji to Kanjila Base. (4300 m) 5 hrs. Trek 1.

The first day of the trek is easy going and is short, trail goes through large open valley, will encounter some stream crossing in summer, Take right of the valley and enter in to the large gorge which will bring us to the base of the pass, On the way there is opportunity to visit the nomad camp subject to the season they can move here and there to find the suitable pasture to their livestock. Night in camp.

Day 6: Kanjila Base to Kanjila base 4300 m (via Kanjila 5150) 7/8 hrs, Trek 2

Start earlier as you will climb the pass which will take around 3/4h to reach on the top. Trail is tricky due to loose rocks and moraine of small glacier. On clear day one can view the Nanga parbat to the west and K2 in the north. From the pass descend is spectacular amidst the canyons till the junction. You will enjoy stunning view of the mountains rising including Nun-kun peaks which are the highest of the Zanskar range and Hagshu, Doda, and Brahma peaks are famous and are seen during the trek. After long descend reach to the small but Spectacular camp site. Night in camp.

Day 7: Kanji la base to Dhoksa (3900 m) via Pidzongla pass (5020) m 6/7 hrs. Trek 3

We start earlier as day is going to be long. Cross the river just close to the campsite, walk right of the valley for around 3 hours, climb to the Pidzongla pass, enjoy magnificent view of the Himalayan peaks from the pass. Now take long descend from pass to the Dhoksa following the zig-zag rocky track to reach the wider valley. The camp site is set amidst small trees and bushes with fabulous views. One need to be lucky to get chance to spot the wolf or wolf track. Night in camp.

Day 8: Dhoksa to Lingshed Sumdoo (3800 m) 5 hrs. Trek 4

Trail goes down by left side of the valley across some of abandoned houses and farms at Debring. After a while you will wade through the stream (need to carry the sneakers) or one can try on horse or mule back if available at the time. another hour of walk will bring you to the beautiful village of Dipling housing 14 family houses and a Gompa on top of the village, it is worth climbing up to visit and to enjoy the view .Gompa is yellow hat and main figure of the gompa is Sakayamuni Buddha. Leave the village, we follow the Oma Chu River (Oma – Milk, Chu – water) which has to cross numbers of time including side stream. At some place path is well defined and at some point it’s exposed, Keep walking on valley floor till reaching to the Lingshed Sumdo. In Ladakhi language the confluence of the two rivers or streams is called “sumdo”, therefore Lingshed Sumdo where two rivers or stream joins. Is base camp of Barmila Pass. Night in camp.

Day 9: Lingshed Sumdoo to Lingshed (4000 m) via Barmila (4660m) 5.5 hrs. Trek 5

It’s around three hours of climb to the pass whereas last 300 mtrs stretch is bit challenging when it get steeper. One or two patches are bit slippery and bit narrower. Once at the pass prayer flags on Chhorten flatters and is believed that wind horses bring the message of peace imprinted in flags and spread in the atmosphere. Awe-inspiring view of snowcapped peaks. When descending Lingshed village and its monastery is seen from far distance. After while again trail goes up passing by some houses and farm land to join the village and monastery to visit and the camp site. Its long tiring day but is worth to be here to explore the village life. Night in camp.

Day 10: Lingshed to Snertse (3753 m) via Hanumala (4716 m) 6 hrs. Trek 6.

After breakfast, follow uphill zig-zag route, which at the place is strenuous and some places it is gradual till reaching at the top of Hanamu-la. In spite of difficulties you will be rewarded by view of enchanting landscape and Lingshed village. From the pass trail descend following the small stream, in summer temporary wooden bridge is placed to cross the stream Or can be easily crossable as its small. Continue descending for few hundred mtrs till reaching to the camp site. Night in camp.

Day 11: Snertse to Hanamul (3414 m) via Parfila (3911 m). 6 hrs. Trek 7.

Trail goes down to the Oma tokpo river, cross the river by bridge, than uphill zig-zag trail goes to the top of the Parfila, the last pass of the trek which provide magnificent view of Zanskar mountains, Zanskar river flowing at the beneath of the pass. Descend to the valley is spectacular high over the valley floor. After two hours of the trek you will be reached at the Hanamul village. Night in camp.

Day 12: Hanamul – Padum (3670m) via Zangala (3407 m) - Tongdey- Karsha (3655m) (Day excursion)

Short walk to road head to meet the driver to follow the visit to Zangala, the ancient capital of Zanskar kingdom, Fort in ruin is still visited is the architectural example of the valley, located strategically on the rocky outcrop high above to have the village in clear view. Stroll in the village to admire the local rustic houses and to encounter the villages. Next stop is at Stongdey monastery. Located high above the village on the cliff. Provide the stunning beauty of its surrounding mountains and the valley where Zanskar river born after confluence of Doada and Tserap rivers which flows in middle throughout. Eleventh century monastery belongs to Gelukpa order is the second largest of monastic institution. Around 60 Lamas reside here. After lunch drive to Karsha monastery, stunningly located above Karsha village is very much picturesque. It belongs to gelugpa order (yellow hate) of Tibetan Buddhism, it was founded by the translator, Phagspa Shesra. Monastery house wall paintings, Statue of Avaloketeshwara and many more statues, where resides around 40 monks who perform the prayers and other activities. At the end of the day drive to Padum, a tiny hamlet is administrative headquarter of Zanskar and is the center where people buy and sell their products. Night in hotel / home stay/ guest house.

Day 13: Padum-Purni (3900m). 2h drive, Trek to Phuktal (4100m) back to Purni, 4h. Trek 9

Leave early, on the way Stop at Bardan, monastery belongs to Drukpa sect of Budhism. Follow the opposite flow of TSerap River passing by the village of Reru and Cha. Once at Purani you can take advantage to drive on a very rough trail for few kms to cut short the distance. Here onward follow the opposite flow of Lungnak River by a scenic narrow valley till Phuktal Gompa. Phuktal Gompa, the site which is a unique attraction due to the way it is built in the cliffy lime stone cave high above the Lungnak river flowing at its beneath. It belongs to the tradition of the Gelugpas (Yellow hats). The spring that gurgles deep in the cave is still out of bound to the women. The Hungarian historian Cosma de Koros stayed there over the winter of 1825-26. It houses the mural paintings, statues, library where stored the sacred books and around 70 monks live here. One can meet the monks who may be busy in their daily routine schedule. Back to purne by same way. Night in fix camp or in home stay.

Day 14: Purne to Manali (2000m) over Shinkula (5090m) 8h-160 kms

Last day of breath-taking drive across last villages Tanje and Kargyak of Zanskar valley, following the Kargyak Chhu where stand the Gombo Rangjum peak “ The symbole of Zanskar” dominant the valley, You may be will encounter the herds of Yaks or other livestoks. Gradual drive to the top of Shingola (5090m), the gate way between Lahoul valley (Himachal) and Zanskar (Ladkah). Enjoy the stunning beauty of snow-capped mountains and glacier below lies which reminds the old trekking route of grand traverse of Zanskar .Take long descend till the bank of Zanskar Chhu (river) and reach the first villages of Lahoul. Passport check required at Darcha. Drive through valley by accompany of hanging glaciers, Pristine Mountain ranges, through several villages of Lahoul. You will take newly built Atal Tunnel. You have left behind the high altitude desert land of Ladakh and Zanskar, semi desert of Lahoul region, now you will be entering to the lush green valley of Kullu. If time allows, evening one can walk to explore the old Manali village with its typical mountain houses, the temple of saint Manu who is believed to be the first man on earth, night in hotel.

Day 15: Exploration around Manali

Leave to visit pagoda shape wooden temple of Goddess Hadimba that is famous for its association with Mahabharata, located in middle of giant cedar forest. Further to Nagar castle is a mountain architecture example of the valley. Over view on another wooden temple of Pagoda shape dedicated to Goddess Tripura sundry, the well-known art Gallery of Russian painter Nicolas Roerich, Stroll in typical Himalayan village. Evening back to Manali. Night in the hotel.

Day 16: Manali – Chandigarh - Delhi -300kms. 7h, 4h train to Delhi

Drive through several villages of Himachal, Afternoon reach Chandigarh: a city designed by the famous Swiss architect Le Corbusier. Visit the Rock Garden which is an epitome of creativity & innovation. (Summer opening hour is -9 Am to 19 pm. autumn- Winter is 9 am to 17 pm. Schedule is sub. to change without prior information.) A unique garden consists of various art objects. But the best part about the rock garden is that each of its artwork has been made by using industrial & urban waste & is one of the most visited sites. Evening train to Delhi. India meal for dinner will be served on board, its bit spicy but is an opportunity to savor the different delicious delicacy. On arrival in Delhi you will be welcomed and transferred by our representative. Night in a Hotel.

Day 17: Visit Delhi

Evening fly back Morning visit grand mosque of old Delhi (closed on prayer hours), built in 1656 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Visit spice market and colourful streets of Chandani chowk by Tricycle rickshaw to mingle with real Indian folk. Over view on majestic Red Fort. Visit Sikh temple (Gurudwara Bangala Sahib) is the biggest temple of Sikh in Delhi. Take over view of India gate which is memorial to 74,187 soldiers of the Indian Army who died between 1914 and 1921 in the First World War, Pass by president house and house of Parliament of the largest democracy of the world. Few hours to buy the souvenir before entering to the hotel for wash and change to be fresh (if clients wish to do so?) otherwise transfer to international airport to board your flight to your onward destination.

The Cost mentioned is Based on Minimum 4 Person

And if you wish to make it a private trek, can refer to the cost chart below as per the number of person.