What is the best time to do GHT Zanskar?

The best time to do GHT Zanskar is from End of July to Mid of September.

GHT Zanskar - Potala Adventurers

Our new and updated trekking route in Ladakh & Zanskar, which will take you to one of the remotest parts of the Indian Himalaya. With passes over 5000 m and through canyons & gorges, you will pass through many villages along the way and meeting with locals at their homes that are with our Zanskari staff. Spectacular view of Greater Himalayan range and its peak rising above 6000m, some of the best views are K2 and Nanga Parbat from Kanji La view of Nun 7135 m and Kun 7077 m and Akshu, Doda 6550 m and Brahma 6574m. a peak in Southern Zanskar, wild routes while crossing of Phirtse la 5450 m. A complete crossing of Ladakh and Zanskar from North to South.

Transportation
Car, Bus, Jeep
Maximum Altitude
5,450 meters
Accomodation
Tent, Hotel
Departure from
Leh
Best season
July, Aug, Sept.
Tour type
Eco-tour, Hiking
Meals
All meal during the trek.
Difficulty
Difficult
Permits
No permit
Highest night
4,650 meters

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Setting off from Leh after 2-3 days of well acclimatizing. We drive to Lamayuru en-route visiting Likir and Alchi Gompa. Crossing a small pass near Lamayuru you enter in jaw-dropping Shilla gorge and after crossing of Yogma la to Kanji village. Along the stream to the base and further crossing of Kanji la 5342m, one of the highest pass in this trek after Phirtse la 5450m, we descent to Sumdo and long ascent to Pikdong la to the remote village of Shade. From Shade you follow the Oma Chu to the base of Hanuma la to the large plains of Zanskar at Padum, here you will have the opportunity to visit a number of sights. Along the Tsarap River to one of the most spectacular sights of our trek to Phuktal and finally exploring the high villages of Southern Zanskar we climb to our last pass to the vast plains of Sarchu. Where our trek ends. Instead of going back to Leh, you will drive on Leh – Manali highway to the hill resort town of Manali. A couple of days to relax at this hill station before making a final departure to Delhi.

ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive Leh 3500m / Relax, explore the local bazaar
Day 2: Acclimatize: Visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Tsemo Gompa, Spituk
Day 3: Acclimatize: Visit Shey – Thiksey – Hemis – Matho – Stok palace
Day 4: Leh – Lamayuru (3430m), en route visit Likir – Alchi
Day 5: Trek to Prinkiti La (3650m) – Shilla orchards (3400m)
Day 6: Trek through Shila gorge to Shillakong (4030m)
Day 7: Trek to Yogma La (4650m) – Kanji (3850m) – Kuthak Cha Kelcha (4000m)
Day 8: Trek to Base (4300m)
Day 9: Trek to Kanji La (5342m) – Sumdo (4370m)
Day 10: Trek to Pikdong la (5029m) – Dibling doksa (4200m)
Day 11: Trek to Dibling (4000m)
Day 12: Trek to Lingshed Sumdo (3680m)
Day 13: Trek to Barmi la (4694m) – Lanang
Day 14: Trek to Hanuma La (4700m) – Snertse (3940m)
Day 15: Trek to Zingchen – Parfi La (3900m) – Hanamur (3400m)
Day 16: Trek to Pidmo (3420m) – Pishu (3450m)
Day 17: Drive to Zangla fort – Thongde – Karsha – Padum (3500m)
Day 18: Drive to Anmo (4000m), Trek to Phuktal (4055m) – Purney (3965m)
Day 19: Trek to Tangze (4015m)
Day 20: Rest Tangze / Day trip to Kyi – Thanglesgo – Shanka
Day 21: Trek to Zingchen (4415m)
Day 22: Trek to Phirtse La (5450m) – Chumik Marpo (4650m)
Day 23: Trek to Berga Songchak (4400m)
Day 24: Trek to Sarchu (4150m)
Day 25: Drive to Baralacha La (4890m) – Rohtang La (3980m) – Manali (2050m)
Day 26: At Manali
Day 27: Manali – New Delhi
Day 28: Flight back to home

OPTION ENDING LEH
Day 24: Trek to Sarchu (4150m)
Day 25: Drive to Lachulang La – Tanglang La – Leh
Day 26: At Leh
Day 27: Fly Leh – Delhi and onward flight back to home

ZANGLA – SHADE OPTION
Day 1: Arrive Leh 3500m / Relax, explore the local bazaar
Day 2: Acclimatize: Visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Tsemo Gompa, Spituk
Day 3: Acclimatize: Visit Shey – Thiksey – Hemis – Matho – Stok palace
Day 4: Leh – Lamayuru (3430m), en route visit Likir – Alchi
Day 5: Trek to Prinkiti La (3650m) – Shilla orchards (3400m)
Day 6: Trek through Shila gorge to Shillakong (4030m)
Day 7: Trek to Yogma La (4650m) – Kanji (3850m) – Kuthak Cha Kelcha (4000m)
Day 8: Trek to Base (4300m)
Day 9: Trek to Kanji La (5342m) – Sumdo (4370m)
Day 10: Trek to Pikdong la (5029m) – Dibling doksa (4200m)
Day 11: Trek to Dibling (4000m)
Day 12: Trek to Lingshed Sumdo (3680m)
Day 13: Trek to Barmi la (4694m) – Lanang
Day 14: Trek to Hanuma La (4700m) – Snertse (3940m)
Day 15: Trek to Zingchen – Parfi La (3900m) – Hanamur (3400m)
Day 16: Trek to Pidmo (3420m) – Zangla (3450m)
Day 17: Drive to Zangla fort – Thongde – Karsha – Padum (3500m)
Day 18: Trek to Zangla Sumdo
Day 19: Trek to Yarumchan via Pandang La (5150m)
Day 20: Trek to Ningri
Day 21: Trek to Shade via Rotang La 5000m
Day 22: Trek to Trangtag
Day 23: Trek to Phuktal – Purney
Day 24: Trek to Tangze – Zingchen
Day 25: Trek to Phirtse La (5450m) – Chumik Marpo (4650m)
Day 26: Trek to Berga Songchak (4400m)
Day 27: Trek to Sarchu (4150m)
Day 28: Drive to Lachulang La – Tanglang La – Leh
Day 29: At Leh
Day 30: Fly Leh – Delhi and onward flight back home.

Lamayuru

Kanji La South view

Dibling village
Tsarap River and Phuktal Gompa

REVIEWS

Zanskar Traverse: Shingo La, Kanji La
“The whole Trek was phantastic and a very special experience for us. We learned a lot about the country
and the people there saw fantastic landscapes and climbed high passes.
Sherab was a great guide, showed us a lot of animals and their footprints, even snow leopards, he talked to everybody besides the trek and we were invited for tea, curt and chang,
Ravi Is the best cook between Manali and Leh and every day we got best food and Service.
Deepak also was working very hard and was a good camp boy.
Our horseman did a great Job, je looked always for his horses , and no one was injured or in bad condition.
We can recommend you and your company from the first to the last step.
Also, you did organize everything for the best, the equipment was perfect, the provided food and the services we booked
If we come back to this region and plan similar treks, we sure will so this with you…
Best greetings, stay healthy and have a good time.
Mrs. Marianne and Mr. Manfred, Germany, 24 Aug to 11 Sept 2019, 19 days

Ladakh Zanskar Traverse
Hello Prem – Thank you again for efforts to make our treks as successful as possible. I enjoyed the road journey to Shimla which went well, even with the bad weather. Rajay and Madan did a good job of looking after me, particularly Rajay with passing on messages from you and being able to talk to my wife, Cynthia, who also made it back to Delhi the day before we flew back to Australia. We are both very grateful for your organization to achieve this. Also pass on our thanks to Hishey and Large for their work and help. I was disappointed that I could not say ‘goodbye’ to them, the cooks and you but was glad I had given money for tips for the crew (through Cynthia) before we parted in Mudh. I also gave generous tips to Rajay and Madan when I reached Chandigarh. I would also like to mention the staff at Hotel in Shimla. You have some very good people working for you. Best wishes,
Mr. Chris – Australia, 11 Aug to 27 Sept 2018

Trip Highlights

Western Ladakh and Zanskar trek
A long-distance trekking in Zanskar Himalayas
Scenic mountain trail
Remote Dibling and Shade village
Grande canyons of Ladakh

Day 1 :

Arrive Leh 3500m/ Relax, explore local Bazar.

Welcome to Leh, after your long flight from your hometown to Delhi, and meet with us at Leh airport. Our representative will greet you at Leh airport. Prem will meet you at your hotel. Most of the flight arrives in Leh by morning time and the rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatize to the altitude of 3500m as well as visit Leh Bazar.

Day 2 :

Acclimatize: Visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Tsemo Gompa, Spituk.

This is an easy day for sightseeing around Leh. Visit the Royal Palace of Leh from the 16th century, continue through the fields of Sankar monastery, which adjoins the north Leh. Continue to the Shanti Stupa and finally ends your day with a visit to Spituk Gompa. Our driver will pick you up from the hotel at 8:30 am after breakfast. Finish your day before lunch and you will have time to go for lunch at Leh market.

Day 3 :

Acclimatize: Visit Shey - Thiksey - Hemis - Matho - Stok palace.

Today is one full day of sightseeing and to visit the most important place in around Indus valley. You will have a guide for this day trip, especially for a gompa. There are many places to visit but we have chosen five sights which are suitable for a day trip. Leaving the hotel at 8:30 am after breakfast. you will visit first Shey palace, then Thiksey. Thiksey monastery, which is 27 km from Hemis. This monastery is the oldest monastery of Gelugpa School in Ladakh. The great Lama Paldan Shesrap built it in the 14th century. Here you can see the big statue of the Future Buddha. Continue to Taktok and Chemdey and return back to visit Hemis monastery which is 45 km far from Leh and it takes 90 minutes to drive. The great Mahasiddha Staktsang Raspa along with great ancestor Singey Namgyal builds this biggest monastery in the 16th century. Continue to Matho then we drive to Stok which is situated opposite Leh at a distance of 14 km, At Stok visit to Royal Palace built in 1825 AD, and the palace has great collections of antiquity. Continue to visit Matho situated 10 km from Stok, which has a 10th-century complex. Finally back to Leh and final preparation for trek.

Day 4 :

Leh - Lamayuru (3430m), enroute visit Likir - Alchi.

Today we drive to timeless Lamayuru Gompa en route first visit to Likir than Alchi Gompa, situated at a distance of 68 km from Leh. Its monastery built on lowlands rather than on a hilltop as others are, in order to protect from enemies. The chortens around Alchi gompa contain numerous wall murals of Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo, who has built this monastery. Alchi monastery has vast collections of wall paintings and wood sculptures. We continue to drive to Lamayuru which is 58 km from Alchi. The oldest monastery in Ladakh, founded by Indian scholar Mahasiddhacharya Naropa in the 11th century. Lamayuru host mask dance festival (Yuru Kabgyat) during 17th and 18th day of fifth months of the Tibetan Lunar calendar. It belongs to the red hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism; the monastery is rich with Thankas and wall paintings. Lamayuru monastery was constructed by Arahat Nimagung in between the 10th and 11th centuries. History says that in the 11th century the Mahasidha Naropa visited this place and the cave where he resided and meditated is still to be seen inside the monastery. This mostly visited by travelers located on the Srinagar - Leh road. Enjoy homestay at Lamayuru.

Day 5 :

Trek to Prinkiti La (3650m) - Shilla orchards (3400m).

Today is the first day of trekking! Leaving Lamayuru and crossing a small pass of Prinkiti La, the trail descends above Shilla in an orchard, this is the place where we meet our horseman and the rest of the crew. The camp is set aside of Shilla stream. Enjoy your time in camp and explore the area. The small pass of Prinkiti La is not suitable for horses to cross and trekking gears will be driven from Lamayuru to Shilla where the road ends. It's an hour to camp from this point.

Day 6 :

Trek through Shila gorge to Shillakong (4030m).

The actual trekking begins today, prepare your sandals as we have to cross the stream numerous times today in the gorge. An early start from camp is recommended as the stream starts to rage in the afternoon. You will have the ultimate experience trekking through this gorge. After hours of walking and negotiating with the stream, you come out to open valley, its short climb to the Shillakong campsite.

Day 7 :

Trek to Yogma La (4650m) - Kanji (3850m) - Kuthak Cha Kelcha (4000m).

Soon after camp ascent to Yogma la, a delightful reward presenting colorful mountains. The other trekking route goes to Photoksar via Snigutse la. We descent slowly to doksa and meet with locals here who live during summertime. Continue along the stream for hours to reach the picturesque village of Kanji. After exploring the village our camp is set an hour above this village at Kuthak cha, where Yaks and Dzo can be found grazing in the area.

Day 8 :

Trek to Base (4300m).

Today short trekking to the base, Leaving camp for few hours to a large open valley floor and we take the extreme right-hand valley and enter a large gorge that will take us to the base.

Day 9 :

Trek to Kanji La (5342m) - Kanji Sumdo (4370m).

Leaving camp today we climb on tricky loose rock moraine on a small glacier to the pass. On a clear sky, one can have a clear view of Nanga Parbat to the west and K2 to the North. To view this you might need a good binocular. After lunch at the top, we continue down through the wonderful canyon to the junction and here we will have the first view of Nun and Kun which remains in sight for an hour. The view across is the spectacular and better appearance of peak rising in the Great Himalayan Range. Some of the known and famous peaks are Hagshu, Doda, and Brahma. A very small campsite but present a spectacular view.

Day 10 :

Trek to Pikdong la (5029m) - Dibling doksa (4200m).

An early start today and a long day ahead for us. Leaving camp we cross-stream close to camp and climb a Pikdong La, before pass through a narrow gorge at some points. Steep descent after passing to Dibling Doksa, a wonderful & comfortable camp for tonight.

Day 11 :

Trek to Dibling (4000m).

Today is a short walk to the village of Dibling. After crossing a stream trek on a large open valley. A ford is short before Dibling and along the canal to the village of Dibiling. Today's camp is set amidst the village. We reach Dibling by lunchtime. Rest of the day explore the village and meet inhabitants, living in this remote part of Ladakh. You will have time to wash clothes or take a bath.

Day 12 :

Trek to Lingshed Sumdo (3680m).

We follow the Oma Chu River (Oma - Milk, Chu - water) and the numbers of time main River and side streams be cross. At some stretches, it's tricky to find a way. Keeping our pace on the valley floor continue to Lingshed Sumdo.

Day 13 :

Trek to Barmi la (4694m) - Lanang (3900m).

Leaving camp we take a narrow gorge coming from the left and a long climb to the small pass of Barmi La. Today an easy climb to the pass. The first view of Lingshed appears to sight. The trail to the left goes to Lingshed village. We descend to Lanang also known as the base of Hanuma La.

Day 14 :

Trek to Hanuma La (4700m) - Snertse (3940m).

Soon after camp long ascents towards Hunuma la pass 4800m. From the top of pass panoramic view of Lingshed, Sengge la and Ladakh Mountain range. This pass is a connecting point between Ladakh and Zanskar, then descent deep inside the hanging valley until Snertse. After Snertse long descent towards Oma tokpo where we camp for tonight.

Day 15 :

Trek to Zingchen - Parfi La (3900m) - Hanamur (3400m).

Crossing the oma tokpo long ascent towards Perfi la 3950m. It’s the last pass between our first part of trek Kanji - Padum. From the top, we will be rewarded with a great view of the Zanskar Mountains and could visible the Hanumil from the pass. The last patch we trek along the Zanskar River to the village of Hanumil and another comfortable campsite for tonight.

Day 16 :

Trek to Pidmo (3420m) - Pishu (3450m).

Today after breakfast we follow the left bank of Zanskar River on a relatively level path. We cross the village of Pidmo 3420m. A small village located beside Zanskar River. At Pidmo bridge is under construction to Zangla, instead of taking this route, we continue along the right bank to Pishu. Another comfortable campsite beside Zanskar River.

Day 17 :

Drive to Zangla fort - Thongde - Karsha - Padum (3500m).

Today you have a full-day culture tour around Padum by drive. The morning after breakfast, drive to Stongde village. Visit beautiful picturesque monastery built on hill top by Lama Marpa 950 years ago. Approximately 60 monks are residing in this monastery. After the visit, continue to drive to Karsha (Pair of White i.e., Outer white and Inner white). Visit Karsha monastery. This monastery is the largest of all the monasteries in Zanskar and this monastery (Gonpa) was first founded by Great Lama Phagspa Shesrap (the translator of Zanskar). From the monastery, you have an amazing and spectacular view of the capital of Zanskar (Padum) and its surrounding mountains. After the visit explore Padum (The capital of Zanskar). Overnight in Padum. (3530m)

Day 18 :

Drive to Anmo (4000m), Trek to Phuktal (4055m) - Purney (3965m).

Today an early departure from Padum, we drive to Bardan along with the Tsarap Chu and enter Lungnak valley. The drive is on a dusty trail usually a foundation of road to Darcha over Shingo la pass. Today leaving Tsethang we cross the cable bridge near Anmo village and follow the trail to Cha village. and continue climb to the ridge, from where we can have a spectacular view of Tsarap River valley and Purne at far South. The trail descends to Tsarap River and we follow the right bank of this River to Phuktal Gompa, one of the most stunning sights of Zanskar. The main temple built inside a huge cave and the rest of the monastery houses built on a rock cliff. The monastery was founded by Changsems Sherab Zangpo. Finally, we cross the river by temporary bridge and the trail goes along the left bank of the river to Purney. It will take 2:30 hrs to reach Purney from Phuktal.

Day 19 :

Trek to Tangze (4015m).

We climb gently to Yal village and continue along the right side of the valley. We pass through the beautiful and charming villages of Testa 3900m and Karu. We cross the river just before Tangtse village. Continue to trek along the right bank of Kargiak River to Tangze.

Day 20 :

Day trip to Kyi - Thanglesgo - Shanka.

Today leaving Tangze trek to the beautiful village of Kyi and Thangso and continue up to the last village of Shanka. This area is the remotest part of Zanskar and meets happy people. After visiting Shanka we trek back to Tangze following the left bank of Kurgiakh river chu. Overnight camp at Tangze.

Day 21 :

Trek to Zingchen (4415m).

Shortly after camp, we take a left path which leads to Phirtse la pass. The path leads away from the river, gradually up through a gorge and later the slope. A spectacular view of Zanskar valley can have from a small pass. Crossing the stream we climb gently along the nallah to base camp. Overnight camp at Zingchen.

Day 22 :

Trek to Phirtse La (5450m) - Chumik Marpo (4650m).

Today leaving early to avoid the snow turning softens the Phirtse la is advised. After an hour of gradual walking along the small stream, we climb steeply to Phirtse la pass with patches of ice. Magnificent view of peaks rising above 6000m to the right and the view goes as far an up to Rupshu. After taking a break of 30 minutes we descend gradually along the slopes with patches of snow to Chumik Marpo camp. Wonderful campsite and at Chumik Marpo where you will find numbers of doksas with numbers of Yaks. Overnight camp at Chumik Marpo.

Day 23 :

Trek to Berga Songchak (4400m).

Today an early start to cross 2 rivers. Leaving campsite along the left bank of River. After 2 hrs of walking, we cross the river and cross-grassy flat land to the broad river of Khamerup. The river coming from right we cross it before noon. Continue on wide-open space and flat grassland to our campsite close to River called Berga Songchak. There is a number of the campsite along this Lingti Chu valley. Overnight camp at Berga Songchak.

Day 24 :

Trek to Sarchu (4150m).

Today again a long day of trekking is waiting for us and the last river crossing. Soon after breakfast, we continue on wide-open space in high altitude grassland. After 2 hrs of the trail will bring you to a small pass from where the wide-open view of Sarchu and Yunam River valley. A short before camp we cross the Yunam River. Our vehicle will arrive at Sarchu this day.

Day 25 :

Drive to Baralacha La (4890m) - Rohtang La (3980m) - Manali (2050m).

We drive to Baralacha la pass, which is 7 km long gives the source of three rivers - Chandra through South, Bhaga through upper Lahoul, and Yunam towards Zanskar. A splendid view of M-4 (6514m), which is the highest in the Moulkila range, can be seen from the trail as well as of Keorang range of the Great Himalayas. Passing through wonderful valleys of Tod, Gahr, and Tinan the road climbs to Rohtang la pass. It takes 2 hrs to reach Manali. Overnight in hotel.

Day 26 :

Manali - New Delhi.

Day 27 :

Flight back home.