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Villagers and Buddhist monks have followed the treks out of
the Suru Valley for many generations and much of the trade between the
Zanskar Valley and the Indus was alo carried out from Suru Valley only.
For most people, the trek to Pannikhar to Heniskot or Lamayuru is an
extension of the trek from Pahalgam in
Kashmir. The trek can be completed from the end of June when the snow
begins to melt on the highest pass; the Kanji La.
Day
1: Panikhar (3,350m) To Parachik (3, 550m)
(Average walking time 5 hours)
Stage 2: Parachik To Shafat (3,850m)
(Average walking time 6 hours)
Day 3: Shafat To Rangdum (3,980m)
(Average walking time 5 hours)
Day 4: Randgum (3, 980m) To Kanji La Base Camp (4, 250m)
(Average walking time 5 to 6 hours)
Day 5: Kanji La Base Camp To Camp
(Average walking time 7 hours)
Day 6: Camp To Kanji Village (3, 875m)
(Average walking time 2 to 3 hours)
Day 7: Kanji Village To Heniskot
(Average walking time 2 to 3 hours)
OPTION: KANJI TO LAMAYURU VIA YOGMA LA
This option takes three to four stages to complete. From Kanji village
follow the trail up the valley coming in from the east to camp below the
Yogma la. This trek up the valley takes a couple of hours through the
outlying fields and small settlements, which are occupied by the villagers
during the summer months.
The climb on the next stage to the Yogma la is deceptively easy and
affords good views of the immediate gorge country. The descent to the
meadow below the pass takes a further 1 ½ hours. Camp here, or
continue down to the Shilakong gorge, a further three to four hours, with
steep descents in places.
On the third stage one descends through spectacular gorges where huge
cliff faces block out the sun for all but a few hours each day. Along the
valley floor there are plenty of river crossings, which can prove
hazardous after a summer storm. The time taken to reach Shila village, at
the foot of the gorges, can therefore vary greatly. On average it takes
five to six hours, leaving time the same day to visit the Wanlah
monastery.
On the final stage, the trail leads up to the Prinkiti la. This is a hot
stage once the sun hits the narrow gully. From the pass it is a further
hour down to the monastery at lamayuru.
If travelling from Heniskot to
Leh ,
remember that most vehicles leave Kargil in the
early morning, so one should be at the trailhead by 9.00 am to ensure one
gets to Leh that evening. Getting to Kargil is more relaxed, as most
vehicles don't reach Heniskot till 3.00 pm. Alternatively, if going onto
Lamayuru, the drive from Heniskot over the Fatu la takes about one hour.
For extending trek out of Lamayuru, then one will have to backtrack over
the Prinkiti la; then continue to Alchi or to the Markha valley to Leh.
Alternatively, head to the Zanskar valley and Padum via the Singge la
before returning by road to Panikhar and Kargil.