Lamayuru to Chilling Trek

On this trip, we will learn about the landscapes, culture, and people of Ladakh. Our 5 days trek starts at Lamayuru. Setting off from Leh we drive along the Indus River to make visits to Alchi – one of the few remaining monasteries from the 11th century. Continue to drive to Lamayuru through a lunar landscape where our trek starts. The further crossing of a small pass, meadows, through tiny and beautiful villages. Then climb to the 4950m pass of Kongski La and further down to River valley with next crossing of Dundunchan La to Chilling.

ITINERARY
Day 1: Leh to Lamayuru (3364m), en route visit Likir – Alchi, 6 to 7 hrs.
After boarding a flight from Delhi and arriving straight in the middle of the Himalayas at Leh, the capital of “Little Tibet”, as Ladakh is known for its Buddhist-dominated culture. Get acclimatized 2 or 3 days in Leh. During this time discover the environment of Leh and Ladakh gain by impressions of the landscape with its rugged, desert-like mountain ranges and the green oases of fertile meadows and fields. Visit the Royal Palace in Shey and Thiksey and Hemis monasteries. Then we set off for seven days trip from Leh.
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 contains 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 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 2: Trek to Prinkiti La (3650m)  – Wanla (3250m), 5 hrs.
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 to Wanla, 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 Wanla. Comfortable camp at Wanla.

Day 3: Trek to Phenji La – Hinju (3750m), 6 hrs.
Leaving Wanla along the River to Hinju, although some parts of treks are on road. But it’s well worth the view. Arriving at Phenjila, the trail goes to the left-hand valley until the Hinju village. The campsite is set
beyond Hinju.

Day 4: Trek to Kongski La (4950m) – Sumdah Dok (4100m), 6-7 hrs.
From camp, we go along with the river. At the end of the river, you pass through the nomadic summer camp of the village of Hinju and then a steep ascent to the Kongski la. While enjoying the landscape of the surrounding wonderful mountains and valley, gently ascend to the pass. From the top, inspiring view of the landscape of the enchanting valley far-flung view next day’s passes to cross. Easy and gentle descent down in the valley and continue down as far as Sumdo Chenmo dok. Possible to see a troupe of Yaks. Overnight camp near the small River.

Day 5: Trek to Sumdah – Lanak (4300m) / base, 5-6 hrs.
After breakfast, we start the trek along with the riverside and gorges. On the way, you pass across a beautiful and charming village with few houses known as Sumdachenmo. Visit a local house and take some refreshment after then continue the trek on right-side down in the splendid valley as far as River. Cross the small river, then gradually climb up to the steep pass. Enjoy the view of superb and spectacular mountains and valleys from the top. Cross the pass, you keep on an easy and gentle trek as far as Dundunchen base with an awe-inspiring view. You may be able to see domestic and wild animals around here. Overnight camp at Lanak.

Day 6: Trek to Dundunchan La (4800m) – Chilling (3180m), 6-7 hrs.
The morning after breakfast, right from the camp gradually ascend up towards the Dundunchan pass. You pass across Shepherds, displaying their handmade skills and things and asking you to buy their products, of Chilling village while climbing the pass. From the pass, you the everlasting lost landscape of surrounding valleys and the snow-clad peaks of huge towering stunning mountains. Enjoy the unforgettable scenery of the Awe-inspiring view of the massif peak of Kangyatse (6400m) and Stok Kangri (6153m).
Easy steep descends, with imposing a view of surrounding spectacular valleys and Zanskar River, as far as riverbed to cross the river 2 to 3 times up to Chilling. Late afternoon, explore the village, its famous craftsmen and visit the monastery and local house. Overnight camp at Chilling.

Day 7: Morning explore Chilling village, afternoon drive to Leh, 2-3 hrs.
At Chilling, visit the village and explore local life and finally after lunch drive to Leh along the  Zanskar River to Nimoo, then on Srinagar – Leh route to Leh.

REVIEW
“Perfectly organized one week 65km family trek, Lamayuru to Chiling, with three passes. Logistics were really admirable, meals were generous, pre-trek interaction with Prem at Potala was very responsive and informative, the team during the trek led by Sherab was wonderful, friendly, sensitive to our needs and requests. Highly recommended outift, and of course the trek itself was spectacular”.
Mr. Tomer, Israel, August