The Land of peace, Zanskar is virtually untouched by the modern world, this valley has been isolated for centuries by a ring of high peaks. The lowest pass is the Pensi La (4418m). Although immoblized in the winter, except for a short period -see The Chadar Trek (link to Winter trek) This charming valley offers stunning treks,rafting and mountain climbing during summer and is now a favorite with tourists . Padum, the region’s”capital” has a few facilities; accomadation is in comfortable, locally run guesthouses.
An good alternative to trekking is a jeep or motorbike tour ,but only during the summertime ! Visit different villages and stay with the local Zanskari people, experiencing their culture from the inside. Travelling past the beautiful glaciers of Nun Kun, the famous peak of 7142m., we will stay at the pituresque camp of Rangdum,over looked by the monastery with it’s splendid views of the Nun Kun peak.
Day 01: In Leh: Full day excursion to Shey, Thiksey and Hemis Gompas. Shey Gompa lies on the way to Hemis. It is situated on the top of a hill and houses the largest victory stupa with a golden top. The statues made of copper and glided with gold are worth seeing. Thiksey Gompa lies on the left side of this road to Hemis. One can have a beautiful view of Indus Valley from the Gompa. Wall paintings of this Gompa are very interesting. From here drive to Hemis which is the oldest, wealthiest and largest Gompa in Leh with beautiful paintings stupas. Dinner overnight Hotel.
Day 02: In Leh: Morning Excursion of Stok, Matho and Stakna. Stok Palace Museum which is about 12 kms from Leh across Indus river.
Day 03: Leh / Kargil: After very early breakfast leave for Kargil. Enroute visit Liker and Basgo Monasteries. Liker Gompa lies on the right side of Leh-Srinagar road about 4 kms from the main road and is famous for numerous Thankas. Basgo monastery contains many Tibetan inscriptions engraved on stones. Time permitting visit Rizong gompa. To visit this Gompa one has to walk for about 2 kms. From the road head. Further drive over Fatu-la [13,489 ft] which is the highest pass on Srinagar – Leh road. A distance of 230 kms will be covered in about 10 hrs. Dinner overnight hotel in hotel at Kargil.
Day 04: Kargil / Ringdom: Drive to Ringdom via Panikhar. A total distance of 98 kms will be covered in about 8 hrs. Ringdom is a small village harbouring the Ringdom Gompa. The drive along Suru River provides magnificent view of mountains and glaciers. Dinner overnight in tents.
Day 05 : Ringdom / Padam: Leave for Padam over Pansi-la [4406 Mts] the total distance of about 108 kms will be covered in about 10 hrs. Dinner overnight in tents.
Day 06: In Padam: Leave after breakfast for excursion to Karcha Gompa by foot and you will have to cross the Zanskar River, there is little climb upto Karcha Gompa. Karcha is the largest and most important monastery in Zanskar, has more than 160 yellow cap monks and is under the control of younger brother of Dala-I-Lama. On the top of Gompa, there is superb panoramic view over the valley. The entire walk of 5 kms. Will be covered in about 3 hrs. Dinner overnight in tents.
Day 07: Padam / Ringdom: Drive back to Ringdom via Sani Gompa. Dinner overnight tents.
Day 08: Ringdom / Kargil: Drive to Kargil via Panikhar. A serrated ridge separates Panikhar and Parkhachik where one can have the view of Nun-Kun peaks. The ridge goes along the Suru River. Dinner overnight hotel.
Day 09: Kargil/Srinagar: Kargil-Sxr is about 204 Kms. drive via Drass (Second Coldest inhabited place in World), Zoji’la (3033 Mts.), Sonamarg etc. Distance will be covered in about 7 hrs. Dinner overnight hotel in hotel at Leh or Houseboat Srinagar.
Day 10: Srinagar: In Srinagar visit famous Mughal Gardens like Nishat & Shalimar. Also have Shikara ride on Dal Lake. Overnight Hotel/Houseboat.
Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
Places Covered: Leh – Kargil – Rangdom – Padum – Srinagar
Period: June to November