Umasi La trek Padder Kishtwar to Zanskar

Leaving early from Manali through one of the most scenic routes to Udaipur – Killar.

Along the Chenab River to Gulabgarh (1850m).

Leaving Gulabgarh, we drive 4 kms and follow a remote route through dense forest of Oak and Cedar to Kunhel. It is well defined trail that leads to Garh and along the right bank at first than crossing bridge to the left and final bridge near Kunhel village. We climb gently to a large riverbed short before Chishot.

Along the left bank of Liddrari nallah to Hamur village, one of beautiful village with traditional Paddari house. A short before Hamur bridge then along the right bank to Machail.

Losain – Gorna – Dangel – Dharlang valley these three villages situated across the river and at the foot of Agyasol peak. As well enter in Dharlang valley to explore the area.

We are now in Buddhist Paddar area and has left the Hindu dominance of South Paddar. We climb through alpine pasture to Jashail village, which consist of only two or three house. The trail pass through the Suncham which is last village in this valley. Continue gradual climb then arrival of a large alpine valley set beneath the peak of Kishtwar Shivling. We camp in the meadows of Suncham and share some time with Bakarwal sherpherds who lives in this valley during summber time with their flocks of sheep and goat.

Short after the camp river crossing, which comes from the the valley leads to Hagshu pass. Now river crossing will take place every other day except only the day we cross Umasi La pass. After hours of walking on vast riverbed we finally climb through boulders with an ill-defined trail to the hanging valley coming from North. Khachey Phangsa campsite provides spectacular view of Kishtwar Shivling.

Now starts of ill-defined trail upto Gwara camp which is located otherside of pass in Zanskar. Short after camp an hour of walking, we cross the river and climb steep to the foot of glacier. Difficult route through boulders and long walk through large Haptal glacier field to the moraine, then steep climb for 2 hours to the base camp which is underneath the huge rockwall. The Paddari and Zanskari uses this rock shelter for next morning crossing the challenging Umasi La pass.

It will be cold start next morning, at first, we walk along the edges of large glacier than long traverse through lager glacier field where we have to negotiate with crevasses and find out the best route to the pass. The Umasi La pass is a small corridor in the cliff wall set in high mountain. From pass view of glacier field all around. We descent steep to broad glacier through narrow gully with loose rocks and there are chances of accident especially at this stretch, so by taking precaution we descent by 2 people at one time. After descending we walk through broad glacier which lasts for an hour to Gwara.

We follow the stream and after crossing natural rock bridge descend to valley floor and head upto Dzonkhul. Short before Dzonkhul we cross river and to road head. Our vehicle will be waiting for us here and we drive to Ating and Padum

An early departure from Padum to Shinkun La (5060m) – Jispa to Manali via Atal Tunnel.