Padam – Lamayuru Trekking Tour

 

Padam-Lamayuru Trekking Tour

Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days
Trekking Route: Delhi – Leh – Kargil – Rangdom – Padam – Karsha – Pishu – Hanumil – Purfila – Snertse – Hanumala – Lingshad – Foot of Singela – Photoksar – Sirsirla – Hanupatta – Wanla/Shilla–Lamayuru- Leh
 

Day 01: Delhi – Leh

After landing at Leh airport, meet our representative who will transfer you to your hotel in Leh. Take good rest as at such elevations, it is extremely important to be accustomed to the climate. In the afternoon visit Sankar gompa which is a subsidiary of the Spituk Gompa. Situated at a distance of 3 km from Leh, it is well known for its excellent style and architecture and is an official residence of KushokBakul, the head of one of the Buddhists sect, Gelug-pa sect. Wall paintings in the Gompa illustrate several Buddhist deities. Most remarkable of them is the figures of Buddhist deity called Avalokiteshwara Padmahari or Chenresig which curiously has 1,000 arms and matching number of 500 heads. Then visit Shanti Stupa which is placed on the hilltop at Changspa in Ladakh. A Japanese order built the Shanti Stupa for World Peace and it was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1985. A white-dome structure, Shanti Stupa is dedicated to Buddhism and it is the major tourist attraction for its religious significance and its splendid views of the surrounding mountain ranges that it has to offer. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

Day 02: Leh

In the morning after breakfast, visit Thiksey Monastery which is the finest example of Ladakhi architecture. This Monastery is located on the top of a hill in solitude which lies at a distance of 20 km away from Leh. It is a massive twelve storey monastery complex with a number of stupas, statues, thangkas and wall paintings. There is also a large pillar engraved with Buddha’s teachings. Then visit Shey monastery and palace. It was built in sixteenth century A.D. This monastery has a 10 meter high gilder copper statue of Lord Buddha. Finally visit Hemis Monastery which is the opulent or prosperous monastery in India and notable 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. Situated in the foothills of Indus at a distance of 45 km from Leh, the monastery has access to motorable roads. The massive structure of Hemis Monastery is unique and depicts a specific style of architecture. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

Day 03: Leh –Lamayuru – Kargil (235 Kms)

After breakfast leave for Lamayuru monastery through Khaltsi, located 76 KM towards west from Leh. At an altitude of 3.510 meters, Lamayuru Monastery is amongst the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. It was founded by MahasiddhacharyaNaropa in 11th century. It features a rich collection of wall paintings and Thangkas. Rest of the day is to explore the beauty of Kargil. Spanned across 15,000 km of area, Kargil is situated on the banks of the Indus river. It is at a distance of 60 km from Drass and 204 km from Srinagar. As Kargil holds a notable place in the Indian war history, it captivates a large number of tourists. Also, it is a heaven for adventure enthusiasts. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

Day 04: Kargil – Rangdom – Padam (285 Kms)

After having breakfast, go ahead towards the Zanskar valley, heading toward Panikar and Parkachan villages. Enjoy the sight of Nun and Kun peaks. Mount Nun is the part of the Nun-Kun and the highest peak in the Zanskar range, a twin-summit mountain massif separated from each-other by a high snowy plateau of four kilometres. The Mount Nun-Kun massif is the most stunning peak of the famous Suru Valley that is adorned with a number of spectacular peaks. After a short drive, stop at Rangdom Gompa. It is one of the most important monasteries of the Zanskar Valley, with more than 50 monks. The gompa itself is an enormous structure, consisting of stores, lama quarters, kitchens, a hall for worship, quarters for guests and working rooms. After crossing Tungri bridge visit Sunni Gompa and finally reach Padam in the late afternoon. Padam is the largest town in the Zanskar Valley and was once capital of Zanskar. The area surrounding Padam is relatively flat. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

Day 05: Padam – Karsha (4 Hrs Trek)

In the morning after breakfast, proceed towards Piptong, after crossing through dusty plain across Doda river, reach Karsha, 15th century Monastery which is one of the largest monasteries in Zanskar region. Karsha Monastery is a massive complex which has a number of chapels and also is the residential place for 150 lamas or monks who stay in this Monastery. It contains exquisite art objects and has valuable articles. Overnight stay in camp.

 

Day 06: Karsha – Pishu (5/6 Hrs Trek)

After passing Rinam, keep walking. The longest hanging bridge (55 metres) joining Zangla Gompa can be visited. Nestled in the snow-clad Himalayas, Ladakh has been the centre of Tibeto-Buddhist culture since ancient times and Zangla is one of the famous monasteries in Ladakh. The monastery is adorned with some exquisite wall paintings. This ancient monastery is home to over 150 lamas. From Zangla, a trail goes to Padam via Zozar and Thongde. Overnight stay in camp.

 

Day 07: Pishu – Hanumil (5/6 Hrs Trek)

In the morning proceed to the bank of Zanskar River and you have to cross the morainic plateau after passing a bridge, reach Pidmu and then two hours trek will take you to Hanumil. Overnight stay in camp.

 

Day 08: Hanumil – Purfila – Snertse (6 Hrs Trek)

After an easy pathway ahead Hanumil, the trail leads upto plateau from Zanskar edge. Then there is a lofty and tough ascend to Purfila (3900 meters), and again a steep and difficult climb of about one km takes you to Snertse. Overnight stay in camp.

 

Day 09: Snertse – Hanumala – Lingshad (9 Hrs Trek)

Mounting walk through valleys and then pass a sheep fold. Another three hours trek will take you to Hanumala (4700 metres). Then you will go through one kilometer of abrupt descent along mountain side to reach Lingshad (3800 meters). Overnight stay in camp.

 

Day 10: Lingshad – Foot of Singela (6/7 Hrs Trek)

After approximately one hour of easy climb to Margumla (4100 meters), descend along the slope (beautiful landscape) with great view of Nierang valley. After passing the village of Gongma (3840 meters) and Skiumpata a steep ascent will take you to Kubala (3800 meters). Go on climbing upto the foot of Singela. Overnight stay in camp.

 

Day 11: Singela – Photoksar (7 Hrs Trek)

Today, our destination is Photoksar where you will reach in around 7 to 8 hours. After you go through a short descent, it will open out in a board valley. First it would be easy walk and you have to climb Boumitsela (4200 meters). Again descent to photoksar (3750 meters). Overnight in camp.

 

Day 12: Photoksar – Sirsirla – Hanupatta (6 Hrs Trek)

From Photoksar, an easy climb of an hour will take you to a large chorten. Then after a long and steep ascent, you will reach Sirsirla. Then descent to river to cross bridge and after passing stony valley arrive at the camp site, just before Hanupatta (3450 meters). Overnight in camp.

 

Day 13: Hanupatta – Wanla/Shilla (6/7 Hrs Trek)

Continue descending over the slope (the path cut into the rock) up to confluence of the rivers where you will find chorten and flittering flags on a flat land. After crossing a ridge, you arrive at Franjila in about 3 hours. You have to again cross a bridge on the left bank of the river to reach Shilla. Overnight in camp.

 

Day 14: Wanla/Shilla – Lamayuru (4/5 Hrs Trek)

After crossing the village to reach Prinkitila (3725 meters), proceed through a narrow and dry gorge. Approximately an hour easy descent after crossing river will take you to Lamayuru village. Visit the Monastery which is not only one of largest and oldest but also one of the most fascinating monasteries in Ladakh. There are a number of stories and legends associated with Lamayuru Monastery. Overnight stay.

 

Day 15: Lamayuru–Alchi – Leh

In the morning drive to Leh. En route stop and visit Alchi Monastery which is situated on the banks of the Indus River. It is the only monastery in Ladakh which is built on flat grounds. The monastery houses two main temples. Du Khang is the oldest conserved building of the monastery complex and Sum Tsek is the main temple, Sum Tsek possesses huge figures of four armed Boddhisattvas. After visiting Alchi, continue drive to Leh. Upon arrival, check in at hotel for overnight stay.

 

Day 16: Leh

Transfer in time to the airport to catch onwards flight.