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The Zanskar region is a small and
isolated Buddhist kingdom wedged between the main Himlayas and the
Zanskkar Range. It comprises of two narrow valleys - the Stod Valley in
the northwest and the Tsarap Valley in the southeast, which converge at
Padum, the administrative centre of the region.
Day 1: Padum To Karsha (3, 600m)
(Average walking time 2 hours)
Note: that if you're coming from Kargil, it is possible to drive
straight to Karsha and avoid this first stage
.
This very short stave allows one time to visit the monastery at Karsha,
which is one of the most important in the Zanskar region. The route can be
clearly seen from Padum and can, if one chooses, lead through some
villages away from the road. Follow the trail from Padum towards Pipiting
village. And from there, cut across the fields to the bridge over the Stod
River just above the confluence with the Zanskar River. There is a
campsite just beyond the bridge, or alternatively, walk up to the village
at Karsha, where there are some lodges where one can spend the night.
Day 2: Karsha To Pishu (3, 470m)
(Average walking time 4 to 5 hours)
Day 3: Pishu To Hanumil (3, 380m)
(Average walking time 4 to 5 hours)
Day 4: Hanumil To Snertse (3, 850m)
(Average walking time 5 hours)
Day 5: Snertse To Hanuma La (4, 950m) & Lingshet (4,000m)
(Average walking time 5 to 6 hours)
OPTION: LINGSHET TO RANGDUM
From Lingshet, there is a rather ill defined trail leading to Rangdum.
The route crosses the Kesi la to the north of the Hanuma la, and then the
Pingdon la, before passing the base of the Kanji la to Rangdum. In places
the trail is hard for horses. Three stages should be reserved to complete
the trek.
Day 6: Lingshet To Bas Of Singge La
(Average walking time 5 to 6 hours)
Day 7: Singge La (5,050m) To Photaksar (4,200m)
(Average walking time 5 to 6 hours)
Day 8: Photaksar To Sisir La (4, 850m) & Honupatta (3, 760m)
(Average walking time 6 hours)
Day 9: Honupatta To Wanlah (3,250m)
(Average walking time 5 hours)
Day 10: Wanlah To Lamayuru
(Average walking time 3 to 4 hours)
The following morning it is advisable to be at the trailhead by 7.00 am to meet the first of the truck and bus convoys going to Leh. If one is going to Kargil, one can enjoy a sleep-in, as the vehicles do not normally arrive at Lamayuru until early afternoon, to arrive in Kargil that evening.