What is the best time to do Zanskar the hard way trek?

The best time to do Zanskar the hard way trek is from July end to September end.

Zanskar The Hard Way - Potala Adventurers

An exceptionally remote trek takes us completely off the beaten track. We trek through a very remote country in the mystical kingdom of Zanskar. This is our 20+ years of trekking in Zanskar and Ladakh in the Indian Himalayas. After running the great Zanskar traverse Darcha to Lamayuru for 22 days for many years. Today new Zanskar trekking routes are taking place. This Zanskar the hard way Kanji La Ningri La Phirtse La we named after 3 of high passes that are above 5000m is one of best Zanskar trek we have at present to offer you. There are numbers of other passes which range between 4500 to 4900m. Instead of taking the Yarshun Marshun route, we take the Tsarap and Kargiak valley to Phirtse La. We think that meeting with locals and experiencing Zanskari life is more important to this trek.

Transportation
Car
Maximum Altitude
5,271m
Accomodation
Tent, Hotel
Arrival on
Leh
Departure from
Leh
Best season
July, Aug, Sept
Tour type
Trekking/Hiking
Meals
All meals during the trek
Permits
No permit
Highest night
4,800 m

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Setting off from the remote village of Kanji, we trek along the river to the high pass of Kanji La. If the weather is clear you can see K2 and Nanga Parbat to the North West. Crossing the remote village of Dibling We gradually make our way through the Oma Chu river, mountains of Zanskar, crossing numerous passes and a series of gorges and pass beautiful villages. Continue to follow along the turquoise river Tsarap Chu, we go gently through exposed in the canyon route to Shade village. Yet one of another remote village in Zanskar. Eventually reaching the Phugtal Gompa, one of the most amazing temples located on the planet. Now we are in the heart of Zanskar, the settlement that you come across on our tour is the vision of the old days in Tibet and the frame ideal for photographers. Camps are pleasant places to cross our highest pass Phirtse La. We will encounter numbers of wild animals during our trek, we pass numbers of doksas summer settlements of locals usually located in high pastureland and taste the Yak cheese. Each day in the program there is more time to explore, relax, enjoy the Himalayas and the whole environment.
Our Zanskar The hard way Kanji la Ningri la Phirtse la trek crosses 4 high passes those are above 5000m.
A Challenging, strenuous but wonderful trek in Zanskar Himalaya.

ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival Delhi, flight to Leh. Acclimatize – visit the local market, Shanti Stupa, Samkar, Leh Palace.
Day 2: Leh 3600m – acclimatize
Day 3: Leh acclimatize
Day 4: Drive Leh – Likir – Alchi – Lamayuru – Kanji (3850 m)
Day 5: Trek to Junction of 3 valley Kong, Klamar, Chelung Togpo (4050 m), 5-6 hrs
Day 6: Trek to base Kanji-La (4800 m), 5-6 hrs.
Day 7: Trek to Kanji-la (5271m) – Junction of Kanji-La & Pikdong-La (4370 m) 7 hrs.
Day 8: Trek to base Pikdong la (4579 m), 5-6 hrs.
Day 9: Trek to Pikdong La (5029 m) – Dibling (4000 m), 7 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Lingshed sumdo (3680 m) – Base Barmi la (3890 m), 8 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Barmi la (4694 m) -Lingshed (3900 m), 6-7 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Murgum La (4310 m) – Kiupa La (4465 m) – Yulchung (4000 m). 7 hrs.
Day 13: Trek to Nyerak village (3680 m). 4-5 hrs.
Day 14: Trek to Labar la (4800 m) / Nyerak la -Pharkunsa. 7-8 hrs.
Day 15: Trek Zangla Sumdo (3810 m) / Bear valley camp. 7-8 hrs.
Day 16: Trek to Namtse La (4465 m) – Honya (3525 m) – Zangla (3480 m). 5-6 hrs.
Day 17: Visit Karsha – Thongde – Padum (3500 m)
Day 18: Trek Zangla Sumdo (3850 m) – Tzazar Doksa (4300 m)
Day 19: Trek Ningri la / Pandang la (5175 m) – Yarumchan (4430 m)
Day 20: Trek Lar la (4680 m) – Niri Chu (4300 m)
Day 21: Trek Rotong la (4900 m) / Gorteng la – Shade (4300 m)
Day 22: Trek base camp Nialo Kontse la (4400 m)
Day 23: Trek Nialo Kontse la – Gotund la (5150 m) – Hormochey (3950 m)
Day 24: Trek Tichip – Mune le – Satok 4025 m
Day 25: Trek Satok la (4400 m) – Tsokmitsik (4100 m)
Day 26: Trek Takh (4150 m) – Gata loops, Drive to Taglang la (5328 m) – Leh.
Day 27: Leh
Day 28: Morning flight to Delhi and evening flight back home.

SIMILAR PACKAGE – ZANSKAR THE HARD WAY – KANJI LA NINGRI LA PHIRTSE LA
Day 1: Arrival Delhi, flight to Leh. Acclimatize – visit the local market, Shanti Stupa, Samkar, Leh palace.
Day 2: Leh (3600 m) – acclimatize
Day 3: Leh acclimatize
Day 4: Drive Leh – Likir – Alchi – Lamayuru – Kanji (3850 m)
Day 5: Trek to Junction of 3 valley Kong, Klamar, Chelung Togpo (4050 m), 5-6 hrs
Day 6: Trek to base Kanji-La (4800 m), 5-6 hrs.
Day 7: Trek to Kanji-la (5271 m) – Junction of Kanji-La & Pikdong-La (4370 m) 7 hrs.
Day 8: Trek to base Pikdong la (4579 m), 5-6 hrs.
Day 9: Trek to Pikdong La (5029 m) – Dibling (4000 m), 7 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Lingshed sumdo (3680 m) – Base Barmi la (3890 m), 8 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Barmi la (4694 m) – Lanang (3900 m), 6-7 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Hanuma la (4800 m) – Zingchen. 7-8 hrs.
Day 13: Trek to Perfi la (3900 m) – Hanamur – Pidmo. 8-9 hrs.
Day 14: Drive to Zangla fort – Karsha – Padum (3500 m), Zanskar river camp.
Day 15: Trek Zangla Sumdo (3850 m) – Tzazar Doksa (4300 m)
Day 16: Trek Ningri la / Pandang la (5175 m) – Yarumchan (4430 m)
Day 17: Trek Lar la (4680 m) – Shade doksa (4300 m)
Day 18: Trek Rotong la (4900 m) / Gortung la – Shade (4300 m)
Day 19: Trek Tantok – Yatah (4000 m)
Day 20: Trek Phuktal (3900 m) – Cha (3900 m)
Day 21: Trek Anmo (3860 m) – Tsethang (3800 m)
Day 22: Trek Kalbok – Hal – Testa (4000 m)
Day 23: Trek Tangze – Zingchen – Base Phirtse la (4800 m)
Day 24: Trek Phirtse la (5450 m) – Chumik marpo (4650 m)
Day 25: Trek Khamerup – Berga songchak (4400 m)
Day 26: Trek Sarchu (4150 m)
Day 27: Drive Lachulang la (5060 m) – Taglang la (5328 m) – Leh
Day 28: Leh
Day 29: Fly Leh – Delhi and onward flight back to home.

Trip Highlights

A Challenging, strenuous but wonderful trek in Zanskar Himalaya.

Day 1 :

Arrival Delhi, flight to Leh. Acclimatize

Today morning flight to Leh, but spectacular flight over the Himalaya to Leh. The rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatize to the altitude of 3500m as well as visit Leh palace, Tsemo Gompa, Sankar, and Shanti stupa.

Day 2 :

Leh acclimatize

Today after breakfast we drive to Stok which is situated opposite Leh at a distance of 14 km, crossing the bridge over Indus at Choglamsar. At Stok visit to the 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. Continue to Hemis monastery which is 45 km far from Leh and it takes a 90-minute drive. The great Mahasiddha Staktsang Raspa along with great ancestor Singey Namgyal builds this biggest monastery in the 16th century. After visiting this monastery, drive back to 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. After visiting this monastery drive back to Leh via visiting Shey Palace. Overnight at hotel in Leh.

Day 3 :

Leh acclimatize

After breakfast, we drive to visit Shey first, 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 visit Hemis monastery which is 45 km far from Leh and it takes a 90-minute 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, we drive back to Leh.

Day 4 :

Drive Leh - Likir - Alchi - Lamayuru - Fotu la - Kanji (3850m)

Leaving Leh at first we drive to Likir on the Leh-Srinagar highway. Passing through magnetic hills and having a view of the Indus and Zanskar River confluence. Continue to drive we visit Likir. Likir meaning Lu Khil means naga encircled – a myth related to the monastery. We drive back pass Saspol where we cross the bridge over the Indus River and follow the road to Alchi. Alchi is at a distance of 70 km from Leh and at Alchi, we visit 1000 years old Gelukpa sect monastic complex built by Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo. 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. After the visit continues your journey to Kanji, still 40 km drives. Arrive Kanji. Overnight at camp in Kanji village (3850m).

Day 5 :

Trek to Junction of 3 valley Kong, Klamar, Chelung Togpo (4050m), 5-6 hrs

Today is our first day of trekking along the stream and which passes through the narrow gorge to the large open field. We will meet with Yaks, Dzo which signifies the arrival of Kanji Doksa. Finally through narrow gorge and crossing of stream several times just before the campsite.

Day 6 :

Trek to base Kanji-La (4800m), 5-6 hrs.

Leaving camp we take the extreme right-hand valley and enter a large gorge that will take us to the two streams. Today we have to cross the river number of times. Finally, The ascent to base camp begins at first steep climb then a long walk on a gradual slope.

Day 7 :

Trek to Kanji-la (5271m) - Junction of Kanji-La & Pikdong-La (4370m) 7 hrs.

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. We follow a small trail 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.

Day 8 :

Trek to base Pikdong la (4579m), 5-6 hrs.

An early start today and a long day ahead for us. Leaving camp we cross-stream close to camp and climb a never-ending pass of Dibling through a narrow gorge at some points. Steep descent after pass to Dibling Doksa, a camp for tonight.

Day 9 :

Trek to Pikdong La (5029m) - Dibling (4000m), 7 hrs.

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 village of Dibiling. Today's camp is set amidst the village. We explore the village and met inhabitants, living in this remote part of Ladakh

Day 10 :

Trek to Lingshed sumdo (3680m) - Base Barmi la (3890m), 8 hrs.

We follow Oma Chu River (Oma - Milk, Chu - water) to Dibling and numbers of time main River and side streams to be cross. At some stretches it's tricky to find a way. Keeping our pace on the valley floor continue to Lingshed Sumdo. At this point, we take a narrow gorge coming from the left and a long climb to the base.

Day 11 :

Trek to Barmi la (4694m) -Lingshed (3900m), 6-7 hrs.

Today an easy climb to the pass. The first view of Lingshed appears to sight. Easy descend to Lingshed village. We camp close to gompa and rest of the day explore the village and monastic complex. Overnight camp.

Day 12 :

Trek to Murgum La (4310m) - Kiupa La (4465m) - Yulchung (4000m). 7 hrs.

Short climb after camp and ascend to large Chorten to Murgum La - Kiupa la to Yulchung village. Overnight camp.

Day 13 :

Trek to Nyerak village (3680m). 4-5 hrs.

Following trail above the fields to the large house situated at the end. Wonderful view of the entire Yulchung and back mountains is awesome. Continue to the small pass of Chochokhuri La then a steep descent to Zanskar River. Nyerak village remains an insight all along the trek. Crossing the bridge at Zanskar we climb steeply to Nyerak village, one of the remote villages in the Ladakh region. We camp short above the village.

Day 14 :

Trek to Labar la (4800m) / Nyerak la - Pangat la (3900m) -Pharkunsa. 7-8 hrs.

Continue climb to cross Labar la pass. At first steep climb than on a gradual slope than through rocky moraine to the pass. View from pass is magnificent towards Sengge la pass and Lingshed mountains. Crossing the pass steep descent to another small pass of Pangat la. Descent to a narrow valley reaching the stream and through a spectacular narrow gorge. Following the stream, we arrive at the campsite in the middle of a willow tree.

Day 15 :

Trek Zangla Sumdo (3810m) / Bear valley camp. 7-8 hrs.

Continue trek along the river and crossing to the river at several points. Then along the valley up to a wonderful campsite at Sumdo or Khurmafu.

Day 16 :

Trek to Namtse La (4465m) - Honya (3525m) - Zangla (3480m). 5-6 hrs.

Gradual climb shortly after the camp to small Namtse la pass. Then easy descend through a gorge to Honya village across Pidmo village. Then along the Zanskar River for several minutes until reaching a large meadow for tonight's camp.

Day 17 :

Visit Karsha - Thongde - Padum (3500m)

We drive first to Zangla fort, situated above Zangla village, and after visit Karsha one of the largest monasteries in the Zanskar region. finally, the rest of the day to visit Padum market.

Day 18 :

Trek Zangla Sumdo (3850m) - Tzazar Doksa (4300m)

Today after breakfast leaving camp we walk towards the Zangla village and gradual ascent to Zangla fort and continue along the Zangla irrigation ditch we enter in colorful gorges known as Zangla gorge. We have to cross the river again so prepare your sandals for river crossing to reach Zangla sumdo. We continue to trek along with Zumlung Chu, which we cross many times. We pass the large sumdo where to the left the trail leads to jumlam and Charchar la an ancient and old trade route leading into Zanskar from Leh. The Jumlam route is mostly inactive when the flow of the river at its lowest volume. Arriving at Zangla sumdo where a small willow tree grows abundantly along the river. We find our peaceful camping place between the low bushes. This Zumlung chu crossing is only accessible from the end of July to mid-Sept. Thus mid-Aug to mid-Sept is the best time. Anything before could last in a change of itinerary.

Day 19 :

Trek Ningri la / Pandang la (5175m) - Yarumchan (4430m)

Leaving camp the trail goes through a batch of sea buckthorn and willow bushes. The next two hours of hiking are easy, Coming out from the willows which hides our campsite, we now ascend gradually to Pandang la which is also called Ningri la at an altitude of 5175m. We ascend steeply on a trail of loose scree and rocks which ends at the foot of pass and long ascent to the pass. From the pass Zanskar mountain panorama is breathe taking and magnificent. Crossing pass its long descent to the campsite. Wild animals roam the hillside, so we open our eyes to all around. We arrive at the wonderful campsite of Niri Sumdo close to Yarumchan.

Day 20 :

Trek Lar la (4680m) - Niri Chu (4300m)

Leaving camp, today is an adventurous and beautiful river day. Soon after the camp, we cross the Niri chu several times as well as the side stream. we cross numbers of times the river, usually a water level below the knee. But the rivers get high in the afternoon. We call this valley a Snow leopard valley as we have spotted the footprints in this valley. You may see wild animals coming to drink water in river beds during the daytime mostly blue sheep and ibex. Walking on the river bed we arrive at a sumdo from where to the left trail goes to Shapodak la to Ruphu Kharna. We climb steadily to the small pass of Lar la at 4680 meters. A short descent to a beautiful campsite near Niri chu campsite.

Day 21 :

Trek Rotong la (4900m) / Gorteng la - Shade (4300m)

Soon after camp, we ascend to a large Shade doksa, you will find here yaks and dzos of Shade village. Steep ascent to Rotong la which is also known as Gorteng la at a height of 4900 meters. We descent to a Shade valley. We pass a series of Chortens / stupas, a sign to any Zanskari or Ladakhi village that we are close to habitation. The color in the landscape is wonderful to watch shades of different colors. Finally, reach the campsite of Shade which is short before the village and a wonderful and peaceful camp. Soon after tea visit Shade village and one of its houses with a guide to having some tea and try Chang/barley beer. Shade village consists of 14-15 houses mainly Zanskari, who are more connected to Central Zanskar and Padum.

Day 22 :

Trek base camp Nialo Kontse la (4400m)

Leaving Shade the trail goes through the barley field at first then passes Chorten and further a small canyon leading to the junction of Thongde chu. From this intersection to the right the trail goes from Thongde la to Thongde village. We turn left and walk far above along the river leaving a deep gorge behind us to continue to Tantok gompa which is today is deserted. The other three villages in the regions are Yarshun, Marshun, and Satok, all are now empty. Continue along the left bank through willow bushes to Nialo Kontse chu. Crossing a bridge we take the valley leading to the left and to the right valley goes to Tsarap River and Phuktal. Gradually ascend towards the base camp of Nialo Kontse la.

Day 23 :

Trek Nialo Kontse la (4830m) - Gotund la (5150m) - Hormochey (3950m)

An early departure from camp today as we have to cross two-pass Nialo Kontse la 4830 meters and Gotunda la at 5150 meters. It will take us three to four hours to reach the second pass. Spectacular view from the pass of Zanskar mountain range. The entire area falls under Hemis high altitude national park, thus we will find wild animals roaming around. Soon after the camp descends steeply to the valley. To the left, we will see a turquoise lake. We cross small streams short before the campsite set beside Tsarap chu.

Day 24 :

Trek Tichip - Mune le - Satok 4025m

Leaving camp today along the right bank of Tsarap chu, there is a gompa below the trail but empty nowadays. Along the trail for three hours before we cross the large Zara chu coming out from the left valley. We ascend soon after the Tichip crossing to the ridge and later to a small bridge. Now through the plateau above Tsarap chu, we pass Mune le and stupas above Satok village. The entire village is now abandoned. Today the inhabitants of these villages live near Manali - Leh highway, some of the new villages are Chumik Gyartse. Finally at the campsite at Satok.

Day 25 :

Trek Satok la (4400m) - Tsokmitsik (4100m)

Today after breakfast, we descend first then climb out to the willow-filled bushes of the canyon. Crossing several ridges above Tsarap Chu we finally ascend to Satok la and pass several doksa, doksas are summer settlements of Zanskari people. Finally to the campsite of Tsokmetsik beside Tsarap river.

Day 26 :

Trek Takh - Gata loops, Drive to Taglang la (5328m) - Leh.

Today is our last day of trekking, we start early along the right bank of the river to Takh, it will be not so far to reach the Leh - Manali highway. We end our trek just beneath the Gata loops. Our driver will be waiting for us here, finally a spectacular drive to Leh crossing two of passes, first Lachung la and then Taglang la 5328 meters to Leh. Upon arrival in Leh, check into the hotel.

Day 27 :

Leh

Today you explore the local market or purchase souvenirs from Leh. This day is also secure as a reserve day in case of any delay in our trekking tour, a roadblock, or other things that might happen. But these things are rare.

Day 28 :

Morning flight to Delhi and evening flight back to home.

Morning drive to Leh airport and take a flight back to Delhi. Continue with your flight to your hometown.