Chilling Zanskar Trek
21 Days | Trekking 13 Days
A challenging trek that covers remote Ladakh and Zanskar areas with steep ascents and winding descents across high passes and deep gorges lined with multi-hued rocks and villages, dotted with white mud-brick buildings and Buddhist monuments. In short, it provides abundant spectacular experience, both in raw nature and deep culture.
Tour Profile
After two days of gentle acclimatization in and around Leh the first part of our trek from Chilling village traverses Dungduchen La, a pass at 4,849 mts. Breathtaking views of the Stok range mesmerize us before we descend into the beautiful Ripchar valley. We walk through several villages including Sumdo, Phenjila and Hanupatta and appreciate the beauty of some stunning landscapes with flower-filled meadows and dramatic views on the way.
The second part of the trek takes us across the high Sniugutse La (5,009 metres), marked with prayer flags. It also provides panoramic views of the Zanskar range and the nearby Tsomothang peak. There are good chances of sighting marmots and ibexes, some of the Himalayan wildlife creatures not seen by many. We then trek along the Kong River before scaling Kanji La (5,279 metres), the highest point on this trek where we spend some time in shivering cold to admire the amazing panoramic views all around us. Here the feeling of being on ‘Top of the World’ is ecstatic to most of the trekkers.
Finally, we descend to the enchanting village of Rangdum where we conclude our trek and drive through the scenic Suru valley, appreciating the tall and mighty Nun and Kun peaks on our side, all the way to Leh with an overnight stop at Kargil - a small town midway between Srinagar and Leh, in Jammu & Kashmir state.
Note:
There is an option to drive to Leh from Kargil (day 19) instead of going to Srinagar. In that case we have a free day (day 20) in Leh (overnight stay in a hotel). We fly to Delhi (day 21) with a free afternoon and an evening transfer to the airport for our flights to our respective destinations.
Tour Highlights
- Ladakh – an exotic place away from the modern world.
- Sham and Suru valleys – for their magnificent landscapes.
- Rangdum - an elliptical plateau surrounded by colourful mountains.
- Kanji La (5,279 metres), the highest point on the trek providing dramatic views all around.
- Buddhist temples and monasteries in and around Leh.
Tour Itinerary
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Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places visited, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
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DAY 01 - Delhi
Arrive in Delhi. Arrive at the international airport of Delhi at night. Get professional assistance in boarding our early morning flight to Leh by company’s representative at Delhi airport. Overnight No Hotel
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DAY 02 - Leh
Delhi – Leh (3500m). Early morning flight to Leh. Upon arrival check into the hotel. Rest of the day free to acclimatize for the trek. In the evening there is an orientation walk through the local market. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 03 - Leh
Leh – Thiksey – Hemis – Matho – Leh. In the sightseeing programme for the day visit three Buddhist monasteries; Thiksey, Hemis (once the largest and the richest monastery) and Matho, across the Indus River. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 04 - Chilling
Drive to Chilling (3180m) (66 kms; 2-3 hrs drive). Drive to Chilling (or do an optional 2.5 hour rafting trip down the Indus River from Phey to Nemo) where we stop for lunch. Further drive to Chilling to the camp. Overnight Camp
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DAY 05 - Dungduchen
Start trek to the Base of Dundunchen La (4050m; 3-4 hrs). Start trek all the way to the base of Dundunchen La. On the way walk past many Stupas and Mani Walls and follow the river all through the trek. Overnight Camp
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DAY 06 - Sumdo Chenmo
Base Camp – Dundunchen La (4800m)– Sumda Chenmo (3900m ;5-6 hrs). Climb steep for about 3 to 4 hours to the top of Dundunchen La (4800m). Descend to Lanak. Descend further to Sumda Chenmo. Overnight Camp
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DAY 07 - Sumdo Phu
Sumda Chenmo – Sumdo Phu (3800m; 4-5 hrs). Continue up the main valley to some shepherds' huts at Sumdo Phu and continue up on the stream bed for another hour to the next campsite at 3800 metres. Overnight Camp
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DAY 08 - Konke La base
Sumdo Phu – Konke La Base (3800m;4-5 hrs). Climb to Konke La Pass (4900 m). From the pass descend to the camp in pastures on the other side of the pass. Enjoys the views of Zanskar peaks and Stok Range. Overnight Camp
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DAY 09 - Hanupatta
Konke La Base – Hanupatta (3850m;6-7 hrs). Descend to the village of Hinju; then further down to Phenjila. Trek to Sumdo. Follow the river to Hanupatta. Camp near the river a little beyond the village at 3850m. Overnight Camp
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DAY 10 - Sniugutse La
Hanupatta – Base Camp of Sniugutse La (4500m;4-5 hrs). Climb up gradually for 45 minutes to a tiny settlement of two houses. Continue climbing gradually past shepherds' huts to the camp at the base of Sniugutse La. Overnight Camp
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DAY 11 - Sniugutsela base
Base of Sniugutse La (4767m;6-7 hrs). See some marmots and ibexes on way to Sniugutse La at 5100m. Descend steeply before ascending for an hour to the shepherd’s huts before descending to a river. Then ascend again to the camp at the base of the pass. Overnight Camp
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DAY 12 - Spring Camp
Base Camp – Spring Camp (5300m;4-5 hrs). Climb steeply trail to the top of the unnamed pass (5390m) and descend to the camp. An easy descent leads to a lovely spot near a spring, where camp at 5300m is established. Overnight Camp
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DAY 13 - Spring Camp
Hike to High Camp (5520m;6-7 hrs). Hike to the High Camp (5520m) where climbers stay and camp on their attempt to ascend to Tsomothang. While exploring the High Camp see the glacier and K2 in a distance. Return to camp. Overnight Camp
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DAY 14 - Kanji
Spring Camp – Kanji (3850m;5-6 hrs). Follow river to Dumbur and continue to Kanji (3850m) See some wild life including Ibexes and marmots on the way. Overnight Camp
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DAY 15 - Kanji La base
Base of Kanji La (4390m;5-6 hrs). Pass through cultivated fields and follow the right bank of the Kong River that is a must to wade across several times to reach a narrow valley past shepherds' huts before taking a small trail leading to the Kanji la base camp at 4390m. Overnight Camp
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DAY 16 - Mapollan
Base Camp – Mapollan (4310m;7-8 hrs). Follow a steep rough trail on loose rocks to the top of Kanji la (5250m). Enjoy some wonderful views from the top including the Nun and Kun Peaks and colourful prayer flags fluttering on the top of the pass. Overnight Camp
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DAY 17 - Tashitongde
Mapollan - Tashitongde (3667m;4-5 hrs). Walk through meadows and follow a stream to reach the road head. Visit Rangdum Gompa (3667m). Descend to the road and continue to the camp at Tashitongde to finish trek. Overnight Camp
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DAY 18 - Kargil
Tashitongde – Kargil (2676m;6-7 hrs drive). Drive to Kargil along the Suru Valley. View Nun and Kun peaks from the top of Parkachik la. Overnight in Kargil. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 19 - Srinagar
Kargil – Srinagar (210 kms/6-7 hrs). Drive to Srinagar via Drass (for passport-check by Army) and Zojila. Observe dramatic change in landscape. Check in. Optional boat- ride on Nigeen Lake in evening. Overnight Houseboat
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DAY 20 - Srinagar
Sight-seeing of Srinagar. In today’s sight-seeing programme of Srinagar are included the Mughal Gardens and the Shankaracharya Temple. Overnight Houseboat
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DAY 21 - Delhi
Srinagar – Delhi (By Flight). Early morning transfer to Srinagar Airport for flight to Delhi. Afternoon is free. Evening departure transfer to Airport for flights to respective destinations.
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Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.
