Darcha – Padum Trek
One of the most beautiful and diversified trek in terms of rich culture and incredible landscape, to reach the starting point of the trek, we will take spectacular road from lush green valley of Kullu to the semi desert tribal region of Lahoul, trek starts from Darcha which will let you acclimatize before we cross the Shingola pass at an altitude of 5090 metres that gives access to the south Zanskar valley, Valley that remains cut off for a longer part of the year due to harsh winter which close the access to the valley due to snow fall on the passes. Following the zanskar valley dominated by Sentinel towering mountains, we will across the pasture land where herds of Yaks and sheep grazed, Mane walls and white painted Chhortens that protects the villages from evil spirits, will visit some of the fascinating monasteries as of Phuktal, Barden and of karsha monasteries. Land scape is as fascinating as hospitality of the Zanskari peoples.
At the end of the trek we will take spectacular road traversing Surru valley dominated by Zanskar range and its magnificent twin peaks of Nun and Kun, Further drive to explore the ancient monasteries and rich Buddhists culture of Indus valley.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01:- Delhi to Manali 570 km, 13 hours
proceed to Delhi to Manali. overnight in bus.
Day 02:- Manali
On arrival at Manali bus stand & transfer to hotel .aftre noon we will going to Manali local sightseen.
Manu Temple:is believed to be the only temple of Manu in India, who is considered as the creator of the human race on earth.
Hadimba Temple:It is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, who was a character in the Indian epic, Mahābhārata. The temple is surrounded by a beautiful cedar forest; the structure was built in the year 1553.
Vashisht: Around 3 km from Manali, across the Beas River is Vashist, a small village with natural sulphur springs. Vaishisht also boasts a pair of old stone temples, opposite each other above the main square, dedicated to the local patron saint Vashista.
Day 03:- Manali to Jispa-Darcha, 150 km.
Early in morning we proceed to jispa- Darchaover Nehru Kund ,Kothi. Gulaba. Marhi & Rohtang pass.A magnificent view of the snow caped mountain of C.B. rage can be seen, continue driving for about 6-7 hours' and reach Jispa and Darcha, continue driving, you will cross the last villages of Lahoul, the Rarik and Chhikka. Finally after the villages campsite is visible on the right side of the Zanskar Chhu (river); overnight at the camp.
Day 04:- Palmo to Zanskar Sumdo (3950 m), 6 hours: Trek1
Gradual walk through the boulders and meadows; shepherds from the Kangra valley can be seen with their flocks'. Easy stream crossing, camping site are available on both sides of the river.
Day 05:- Zanskar Sumdo to Chhumik Marpo (4500 m) 7 hours 30 minutes; Trek 2
Day begin with Short climbing upward to the Shingola along with tributary of Zanskar chhu , after while gradual walk in the narrow valley through meadows of wild flowers , campsite on the foot of Shingola where night gleams by the snowy mountains.
Day 06:- Chhumik Marpo to Lahkhang (4300 m) over Shingo la (5090 m), 7 to 8 hours; Trek 3
Path leads over moraines, icy chilled stream may have to be crossed over snow and glacier; prayer flags can be seen flattering over the pass. Descend to Zanskar valley, before arriving at campsite one has to wade through Kargyak Chhu; beautiful campsite on the bank of Lhakhang Chhu.
Day 07:- Lhakhang to Kargyak (4060m), 5hours; Trek4
Easy trek besides the right bank of Kargyak Chhu and foot of the Gumboranjom tower; cross a stream there is an opportunity to see closely the herds of yak and Marmot whistling around the meadow and playing hide and seek. Long series of Mane wall and Chhorten are a symbol to reach Kargyak village, it houses a small Gompa on the top of the village.
Day 08:- Kargyak to Purni (3800 m), 6 hours; Trek 5
Trail goes through Tanze, Kuru, Testa and Yal. Village farmer can be seen cultivating their fields, singing melodious songs of Zanskar. Reached Purni, situated at the confluence of the Tsarap and Kargyak Chhu.
Day 9:- Purni to Phucktal back to Purni, 4 hours to and fro; Trek 6
Visit Phuktal and back to the camp at Purni.
Phucktal belongs to the tradition of the Gelugpas (Yellow hats). The spring that gurgle deep in the cave is still out of bound to the women. The Hungarian historian Cosma de Koros stayed there over the winter of 1825-26.
Day 10:- Purni to Pipula (3600 m), 5 hours; Trek 7
Same way till the bridge and now follow the confluence and continue by the left bank of Tserap River to Cha, Surley till Pipula situated on the bank of river Tserap.
Day11:- Pipula to Raru via Ichar (3700 m) 5hours 30 minutes; Trek 8
Again a sunny trail besides the river, photogenic Ichhar village located opposite of the trail, visit the village and Gompa at the top of village; after a short distance campsite is located besides the lake where people stock the water for irrigation.
Day 12:- Raru to Padum (3600 m), 6 hours; Trek 9
Leave early in the morning, visit Mune Gompa and Bardan, the Kagyupa monastery is famous for its prayer wheel, reached Padum administrative Headquarter of Zanskar sub-division of Kargil district, overnight stay in Camp.
Day 13:- Padum to Rangdum (3600 m) over Pensila (4400 m);
Drive early over the Pensila, visit the Sainy gompa, the road leads through several villages, a spectacular view of the Darung-drung glacier and the whole chain of the Zanskar. Descending to the valley from the pass, visit the monastery of Rangdum, camp on the meadows of Edelweiss.
Day14:- Rangdum to Kargil (3700 m); Drive
Full day drive through the Suru valley, one of the most beautiful valleys of Ladakh, one can have the bewitching view of the magnificent Nun-Kun, Himalayan peaks of the Zanskar range. The trail goes through the foot of the glacier of the Nun and Kun. Passport control at Panikhar, overnight at the hotel
Day15:- Kargil to Leh via Lamayuru/Alchi, 7 to 8 hours; Drive
We leave Kargil and head towards the Indus valley, on the way visit famous Lamayuru and old monastery of Alchi, further drive to Leh, overnight stay at hotel.
Day16:- Around Leh
Visit most famous monasteries of Leh - Shey, Thiksey and Hemis.
Shey palace:built in the sixteenth century AD. The monastery enshrines the Du Khang with an almost 10 meter high gilder copper statue of Lord Buddha.
Thiksey Monastery: is noted for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet and is the largest gompa in central Ladakh.
Hemis Monastery:is revered as the largest monastic institution in Ladakh. The monastery has more than 200 branches with more than 1,000 monks in the Himalayan region. It is the wealthiest monastery in India and famous for its rich collection of ancient remnants like the statue of Buddha made of copper, stupas made of gold and silver. Monastery also has sacred Thangkas, murals and various artifacts. Rest of the time will be at leisure to do your personal activities or walk around Leh market on your own, overnight stay at hotel in Leh.
Day17:- Leh-Delhi flight
Transfer to Leh airport and proceed to Delhi .And end of our services.