Lamayuru to Stok Trek

On this trip, we will learn about the landscapes, culture, and people of Ladakh. Our 9 days trek starts at Lamayuru. 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. Starting a trek from Lamayuru and further crossing of small pass of Prinkiti La, 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. Along the Zanskar River to a Junction of Markha and Zanskar River. We take the Markha trekking route up to Skaya. And climb to Ganda La (4800m) into Rumbak valley and across Stok La to Stok. Where our trip ends.

ITINERARY
Day 1: Leh to Lamayuru (3,364 m), 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 nine days trip from Leh.
Lamayuru lies along the National Highway 1 on the Srinagar – Leh and is 120 km from the Leh. Today we drive to timeless Lamayuru Gompa en route first visit of 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 Prinkiti La (3650m) – Wanla (3,250 m), 4-5 Hrs.
Today is the first day of trekking! Leaving Lamayuru and crossing the barley fields, we pass through a narrow rivulet that we have to cross and a trail towards the pass begins. Ascending towards the pass 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 Wanla to Hinju (3,750 m), 5-6 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. After Crossing Hinju, we walk for about an hour along the Ripchar valley to reach the small campsite near the river also called the base of Kongski La.

Day 4: Trek Hinju – Kongski La (4,950 m) – Sumda Chenmo Dok (4,100 m), 6-7 hrs.
From camp, you 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, you enjoy an awe-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 Sumdochenmo dok. Possible to see a troupe of Yaks. Overnight camp near the small River.

Day 5: Trek Sumda – Lanak (4,300 m) / Base Dundunchan La, 5-6 hrs.
After breakfast, 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 Sumda chenmo. 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 the 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 Lanak – Dundunchan La (4,800 m) – Chilling (3,180 m), 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 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: Trek Chilling – Skiu (3290m) – Shingo (4150m), 6 Hrs.
Today leaving Chilling, we follow the Zanskar River upstream for an hour and reach the bridge. Arriving at the other side of the River, we follow a trail that goes to Markha valley. Trekking for 2 hours we reach Skaya village and stop for lunch here. After lunch, we take on a narrow and stunning gorge on the left side of the valley and climb gently through this gorge and continue ascending for three hours to reach Shingo campsite. Which is located at the foot of the Ganda La.

Day 8: Trek Shingo – Ganda La (4,800 m) – Rumbak (4,050 m), 6-7 hrs.
Leaving Shingo, gradual ascent to Ganda La, it will take us 2 hours to reach the Ganda La. A fabulous view of snow-capped Stok Kangri can be seen. As well as Zanskar Range view to the South and Ladakh mountain range to the North. Easy descent into the beautiful valley to Yurutse. Yurutse has only one house and has fields of vegetables and barley crop and in the midst of a green oasis.  And we move towards the Rumbak nallah, after crossing a stream and the trail goes along the right side of the stream. occasionally wild animals can be seen in Rumbak area. Rumbak valley is famous for its Snow Leopard sighting during the winter months. Crossing Rumbak village, the campsite is short after Rumbak, with a small stream and overlooking Stok La.

Day 9: Trek Rumbak – Stok La (4,900 m) – Stok, 7-8 hrs, Drive Leh.
Leaving camp we cross the Stok La (4,900m), our last pass of the trek. At first, we trek on a beautiful, gently sloping trail, but then the path becomes steeper and steeper as it zigzags up to the top of the pass. Rock flutes rise all around us, home to the elusive snow leopard. From the top the views are even more spectacular; layer upon layer of multicolored rock cathedrals are spread before us in every direction. The descent is very steep at first and then we contour around two valleys to the junction with the river coming down from Stok Kangri. Follow the left bank of this river as far as the village Stok. Here you can visit the Stok Palace. It was the home of the king of Ladakh. The museum has a unique display of rare ornaments from the royal family, plus tangkas, traditional clothing, and jewelry. At Stok visit to Royal Palace built during 1825 AD and palace has great collections of antiquity. Continue to visit Matho situated 10 km from Stok, which has a 10th-century complex. We drive to Leh which is situated opposite Stok at a distance of 14 km, crossing the bridge over Indus at Choglamsar.