Hemis to Zangla by Junglam Trekking

Detailed Itinerary

Zanskar lies between the principal chain of the Himalayas to the south and the Zanskar Range to the north. The most isolated of all the trans-Himalayan valleys, made inaccessible for nearly eight months a year due to heavy snowfall resulting in closure of all the access passes, Zanskar has the distinction of being the least interfered with microcosms of Ladakh, and thus one of the last surviving cultural satellites of Tibet.

This geographical isolation together with the esoteric nature of Buddhism practiced here has enabled its some ten thousand inhabitants to preserve and perpetuate their cultural identity. Hemis to Zangla route leads through some of the most isolated mountain regions with no villages for six days. There are many rivers to cross which can only be forded in the periods of relatively low water runoff, namely from the last part of August until late November. There are three passes to cross, two over 5000m, one just short of 5000m. The tour includes the visit of Likir and Alchi monasteries before the start of the trek. Reaching the mountain ramparts of Zanskar, you will have an opportunity to examine the best of the ancient monastic establishments of this lost Shangri-La, most notably the monasteries of Karsha, Stongde and Zangla.

Our jeeps will bring you back to Leh from Zanskar via the magnificent Suru Valley under the shadows of the Nun - Kun massif, Kargil, Lamayuru and Sham.

Day 01 : Arrival Leh.
Arrival Leh, Wisdom representative will meet, greet, assist and transfer you to Hotel in Leh. Rest of the day free to acclimatize to the high altitude of Ladakh. Overnight at Hotel in Leh.

Day 02 : Leh Sight seeing.
Morning after breakfast visit Shey Monastery, proceed to visit Thiksey Monastery. Overnight at hotel in Leh.

Shey Palace And Gompa: Situated on a hillock 15 Kms upstream from Leh, it was once the residence of the royal family. According to tradition, it was the seat of power of the pre-Tibetan kinds. A 7.5 mts high copper statue of Buddha, plated with gold and the largest of its kind, is installed here.

Thiksey Gompa: 19 Kms from Leh, spectacularly sited, Thiksey is one of the largest and architecturally most impressive Gompas. There are several temples in this Gompas, containing images, stupas and wall paintings of Buddha, which are exquisite.

Day 03 : In Leh - Sight seeing and trek preparation
Morning after breakfast drive to Takthok monastery and walk to the Chemrey monastery through beautiful villages. Comeback to Leh. In the evening trek preparation and meeting with trek team. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Takthok Gompa: The Takthok (the monastery with rock ceiling); 50km. east of Leh, this is the only monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa school of order. The monastery came into existence when Guru Padma Sambhava visited this place and blessed it in the 8th century. The Gonpa was merely a meditation cave of Padma Sambhava, with footprints and many other signs, until the reign of King Tsewang Namgail. When Mahasiddha Kunga Phunstog introduced monastic community. It was given the name of Takthok Padmalinggon. The Takthok Festival is held in the month of July or August.

Chemrey Gompa: 45 Kms from Leh, situated in the picturesque valley leading to Changla, the Gompa was constructed as a funeral act of merit on Singge Namgyal's death in 1645. A large collection of scriptures with title pages in sterling silver and the text in gold letters is kept here. Close by a cave monastery reputed to have been the abode of Padma Sambhava during one of his periods of meditation.

Day 04 : Leh to Hemis Drive and Trek to Shang Sumdo)
Early morning Leh to Hemis by jeep, visit the Hemis Gompa and start trekking to Shang Sumdo: cross Martselang bridge, then ascent up valley along the river, crossing it several times before reaching Sang Sumdo.

Day 05 : Trek Shang Sumdo to Lartsa Kongmarula, 4800m.
The route follows through a stunning landscape of red rocks along the slope, then along river till Chuskyurmo (sour water), on through gorges of small rivers many of which need to be crossed before camp is made for the night at Lartsa below Kongmarula Pass.

Day 06 : Trek Larsa Kongmarula to Langthang Chu river
Before descending to a high mountain pasture at Nimaling (4700m), we must ascent steeply up to Kongmarula Pass (5150m), offering a beautiful view of the northern face of Kang Yatse Peak (6400m). From Nimaling up, cross a ridge, then descent to a beautiful valley, cross river, on up again, following a rocky slope up to Konga Ngonpo (5090m), then descend along a very steep route before reaching a campsite near Male.

Day 07 : Trek Langthang Chu - Zalung Karpo La (5200m)
After crossing a large stream and a moraine, valley divides an hour later. Continuing to our right, the route goes up and down before reaching Zalung Karpo La. Camp on the other side of the pass.

Day 08 : Trek Zalungkarpola to Tilat Sumdo
Start descending from the camp towards the main stream. After an hour arrive at Khamak Sumdo, a valley coming from the north (route directly north leads to Rabrang La, 5000m.) Follow the gorge, crossing a stream several times before reaching Tilat Sumdo along a rocky route.

Day 09 : Trek Tilat Sumdo to a north camp (4450m) of Chhar Chhar La 4950m)
Just after Tilat Sumdo camp, cross Khurna river, continue on its right bank, past couple side valleys. Four hours later as the valley narrows, break camp.

Day 10 : Trek from the north camp Chhar Chhar La to Zangla Sumdo
Follow the narrow gorge, past several narrow side gorges, eventually leaving behind the stream. The route follows gently up to the top of Chharchhar La, 4950m. From top follow stream down to Zangla Sumdo.

Day 11 : Trek Zanglasumdo to Zangla
Continuing down from Zangla Sumdo along the stream, the trail reaches the wide expanse of the Zanskar Valley, with great views of the Zanskar River and the villages of Pishu and Pidmo on the other side of the river.

Day 12 : Visits to monasteries
Sightseeing around Zanskar, visiting Zangla, Stongde and Karsha monasteries. Overnight in camps in Mulbekh.

Day 13 : Mulbekh Leh
Drive back to Leh in the jeeps. Arrive Leh. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Day 14 : Airport Departure
Leave on time for Leh airport to board your flight to Delhi.