Day 1: Arrive in Padum
- *Altitude:* ~3,669 meters (12,037 feet)
- *Activities:* Arrive in Padum, the administrative center of Zanskar, typically via a long drive from Leh (230 km, 8–10 hours) or Kargil (240 km, 10–12 hours). Check into a guesthouse or homestay. Rest, acclimatize, and prepare for the trek—gear checks, meeting the team (guides, porters, or horsemen), and exploring Padum’s small market or nearby monasteries like Karsha if time allows.
- *Overnight:* Guesthouse/homestay in Padum.
Day 2: Padum to Raru
- *Altitude:* ~3,800 meters (12,467 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~12 km, 5–6 hours trek
- *Activities:* Begin trekking along the Tsarap River through a flat, arid valley. Pass small villages like Mune and Bardan, with views of monasteries perched on hills. The trail is relatively easy, following the riverbank, and ends at Raru, a quiet village campsite.
- *Overnight:* Tents at Raru.
Day 3: Raru to Pepula
- *Altitude:* ~3,850 meters (12,631 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~10 km, 5–6 hours trek
- *Activities:* Continue along the Tsarap River, passing through rocky terrain and small settlements like Surle and Hanumi. The landscape remains barren with occasional shepherd huts. Camp at Pepula (or Pipula), a meadow near the river.
- *Overnight:* Tents at Pepula.
Day 4: Pepula to Purne
- *Altitude:* ~3,745 meters (12,287 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~12 km, 6–7 hours trek
- *Activities:* Trek through canyons and along the river, crossing small streams. Reach Purne, a village near the confluence of the Tsarap and Kargyak Rivers. Optional side trip (2–3 hours round trip) to Phugtal Monastery, a stunning cave monastery built into a cliffside.
- *Overnight:* Tents at Purne.
Day 5: Purne to Kargyak
- *Altitude:* ~4,060 meters (13,320 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~14 km, 6–7 hours trek
- *Activities:* Ascend gradually along the Kargyak River, entering more remote Zanskar terrain. Pass Testa village and reach Kargyak, the last village in Zanskar on this route. The landscape features rugged mountains and distant snow peaks like Gumburanjon.
- *Overnight:* Tents at Kargyak.
Day 6: Kargyak to Lakong
- *Altitude:* ~4,100 meters (13,451 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~14 km, 6–7 hours trek
- *Activities:* Trek through barren valleys with yak pastures and rocky trails. The day ends at Lakong, a campsite below Shingo La, with views of the pass ahead. Prepare for the high-altitude crossing tomorrow.
- *Overnight:* Tents at Lakong.
Day 7: Lakong to Ramjak via Shingo La
- *Altitude:* Shingo La ~5,090 meters (16,700 feet), Ramjak ~4,300 meters (14,108 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~12 km, 7–9 hours trek
- *Activities:* Early start (4–5 AM) for the steep ascent to Shingo La, the highest point of the trek. Cross snowfields and scree (ropes may be used). From the pass, enjoy panoramic views of Zanskar and Lahaul peaks. Descend sharply to Ramjak, a meadow campsite on the Lahaul side.
- *Overnight:* Tents at Ramjak.
Day 8: Ramjak to Palamo
- *Altitude:* ~3,600 meters (11,811 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~12 km, 5–6 hours trek
- *Activities:* Descend through the Bhaga River valley, passing shepherd trails and rocky terrain. The landscape transitions from Zanskar’s starkness to Lahaul’s slightly greener slopes. Reach Palamo (or Pal Lhamo), a campsite near the river.
- *Overnight:* Tents at Palamo.
Day 9: Palamo to Darcha
- *Altitude:* ~3,360 meters (11,024 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~8 km, 4–5 hours trek
- *Activities:* Final day of trekking along the Bhaga River to Darcha, a small village on the Manali-Leh Highway. The trail is gentle, passing through sparse vegetation. Arrive in Darcha, marking the trek’s end. Drive to Manali (130 km, 6–8 hours) or Keylong (30 km, 1–2 hours) for rest.
- *Overnight:* Guesthouse in Darcha, Keylong, or Manali.
Day 10: Depart from Manali
- *Activities:* After breakfast, depart Manali for your next destination (e.g., overnight bus to Delhi, 12–14 hours). Expedition concludes.
Key Notes
- *Best Season:* June to September (summer months offer clear weather and passable trails). Avoid winter unless doing the Chadar Trek (frozen Zanskar River, January–February).
- *Difficulty:* Strenuous; requires prior high-altitude trekking experience, stamina, and acclimatization due to Shingo La and long walking days.
- *Gear:* Operators typically provide tents, meals, and group gear (e.g., ropes). Bring personal items like warm clothing, sleeping bag (rated for -10°C or lower), trekking poles, and sturdy boots.
- *Permits:* No IMF clearance needed, but forest/camping permits are required, usually arranged by the trekking team.
- *Highlights:* Shingo La Pass, Phugtal Monastery (optional), remote Zanskar villages, and the transition from Zanskar’s arid beauty to Lahaul’s rugged valleys.
Alternative Zanskar Treks
If this isn’t the trek you had in mind, here are other notable options in Zanskar:
1. *Chadar Trek (Frozen River Trek):* 8–9 days, Leh to Zanskar Valley via the frozen Zanskar River (winter only, January–February).
2. *Padum to Lamayuru:* 10–12 days, crossing multiple passes (e.g., Singge La, Sirsir La) with monastery visits.
3. *Zanskar to Sham Valley:* 4–5 days, a moderate trek from Padum to villages like Karsha and Zangla.