The Wild Ladakh and Remote Zanskar Trek

Flying over the snow - streaked ridges of the Himalayas, you land in Leh, the gateway to the best treks in Ladakh. After an easy airport pickup, check into your hotel and give your body time to adjust to the thin mountain air. Spend the rest of the day unwinding and exploring Leh's lively local bazaar. Evening views of the Stok Range, bathed in golden sunlight, mark a peaceful start to your adventure.

This day is for slow discovery and gradual acclimatization. After breakfast, start your sightseeing tour of Leh's historic sites, including the 16th - century Leh Palace, the hilltop Tsemo Gompa, and Sankar Monastery, known for its tranquil atmosphere. Continue to the white - domed Shanti Stupa and the ancient Spituk Monastery near the airport. In the evening, wander through the old market.

This extra day of acclimatization lets you explore Ladakh's cultural heart while preparing for the treks that await. After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Shey Palace, once the royal seat of Ladakh's ancient kings. Next, visit Thiksey Monastery, a 14th - century marvel of the Gelugpa order founded by Lama Paldan Shesrap, where the impressive statue of the Future Buddha (Maitreya) stands in quiet grandeur.

Then, head to Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest in Ladakh, built in the 16th century by Mahasiddha Staktsang Raspa with the support of King Singey Namgyal. Your journey continues to Matho Monastery, a rare 10th - century treasure, before moving toward Stok. Across the Indus River, the royal palace of Stok, built in 1825 AD, houses an impressive museum with royal artifacts and ancient relics. After exploring the valley's monastic treasures, drive back to Leh for a restful evening and final preparations before your trans-Himalayan adventure begins.

Leaving Leh early, set out on a breathtaking drive along the famous Leh - Manali Highway.

The journey crosses Taglang La Pass (5,328 m) and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. The route winds through vast, rugged valleys lined with dramatic rock formations and crosses glacial streams that flow from snow - covered peaks. By late afternoon, the landscape opens up into the vast plains of Lingti. A short 20 - minute walk leads you to the Sarchu campsite, beautifully located at the confluence of the Lingti and Tsarap rivers, marking the start of your trans - Himalayan trek adventure.

The adventure begins after breakfast with a gentle climb from the Sarchu campsite, crossing the sparkling Tsarap River. The trail gradually rises to a long, open plateau surrounded by rugged mountains, showcasing the untouched beauty.

As you move ahead, the landscape becomes more dramatic and barren, with rock formations in striking shades of red, brown, and gold. Following the right bank of the Lingti Chu River, you'll reach the peaceful campsite of Berga Songchak. Here, the vast silence envelops you, or you may choose to continue to Khamerup for a slightly longer walk through the high-altitude wilderness.

An early start takes you across the picturesque Khamerup River, a span that takes nearly 2.5 hours. The trail then opens into vast plains before narrowing into a small valley leading to Chumik Marpo, with sweeping highland views typical of trans - Himalayan treks.

You'll cross another river flowing from Phirtse La and Serichun La, following its left bank as the path gently ascends to the campsite. The area buzzes with activity as shepherds from Himachal bring their herds to graze during the summer. At the upper end of Chumik Marpo, you'll find doksas, seasonal settlements of Zanskari nomads, where yaks and dzo roam freely, and cheese-making continues as a way of life. You may meet Zanskari people here, sharing stories and perhaps even walking together toward Phirtse La Pass the next day.

Begin early to cross Phirtse La before the snow softens in the sun. The day starts with a gentle walk across grassy flats, followed by a steep climb toward the 5,450 m pass. Once at the top, enjoy breathtaking views that capture the rugged beauty typical of Himalayan treks. A steep descent follows on uneven terrain with icy patches, leading to the tranquil Phirtse Chu Valley. Two more hours of walking through the valley bring you to the peaceful campsite at Zingchen.

Leaving Zingchen, the trail gradually ascends away from the river, revealing stunning rock formations and vast mountain pastures. Crossing a small pass marked with cairns, you're greeted with magnificent views of the Zanskar Valley, one of the most remote areas in Ladakh. Descend through a narrow gorge, cross a mountain stream, and continue toward the charming village of Tangze, where the ruins of an old monastery overlook the valley. The day ends at a comfortable campsite surrounded by the wild beauty of Zanskar.

Spend the day exploring the untouched valleys of Zanskar, visiting remote hamlets like Kye, Thangso, and Shanka. This trip offers a closer look at the lifestyle of locals who have adapted to one of the most isolated terrains in the Himalayas. The landscapes here perfectly capture the beauty of the trans - Himalayan region, marked by vast openness, rugged cliffs, and deep cultural roots.

Today's trail shows a rich blend of landscapes and traditional life in the Zanskar region. The route passes through small villages like Hal, following the Tsarap River on its left bank. Along the way, cross canyons and a hanging bridge leading to Cha village. After two hours, reach Khedang amid poplar groves, and continue to the Kalbok teashop. The day concludes with a scenic walk past Surle village to the lovely campsite at Tsethang, surrounded by pure Himalayan tranquillity.

Today's journey takes us through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Zanskar region. After leaving Tsetang, we cross the hanging bridge below Anmo village and gradually ascend. The trail follows the right bank of the Tsarap River, passing the charming town of Cha and offering beautiful views in all directions. As we move further upstream, we see Khangsar village across the river and reach a plateau filled with chortens and colorful prayer flags. The day's main attraction is the impressive Phuktal Monastery, dramatically built beneath a massive cave; it's one of the most iconic sights on any Himalayan trek. We spend the afternoon exploring the monastery, interacting with monks, and soaking in the calm spiritual atmosphere.

As we leave Phuktal, the trail climbs steadily along the steep walls of the Tsarap gorge. We follow a restored path that offers both adventure and stunning beauty. When we descend to the valley floor, the air gets warmer, so it's good to carry enough water for the day. The shimmering Tsarap River, with its deep blue shades, accompanies us throughout the trek; it's a true highlight of our time in Ladakh. The campsite at Yatah provides tranquillity, surrounded by rugged cliffs and the sound of the river echoing through the gorge.

Today's journey follows the ancient salt - caravan trail along the Tsarap River, a historic route once used by nomads to transport salt from Tibet in exchange for barley in Zanskar. After a few hours, we leave the Tsarap Valley and head into the Shade Chu Gorge, crossing a new wooden bridge near the hamlet of Thantak. As we move along, the path opens up to the remote and enchanting village of Shade, one of the most secluded places in the region and a hidden gem in the trek in the Zanskar region.

We get to enjoy a relaxing day in the peaceful village of Shade, one of the most unspoiled treasures of the Himalayan treks. We can use the time to rest, wash clothes, or bathe in the nearby stream. It's also an excellent opportunity to interact with locals and visit their homes to experience the warmth and simple way of life of Zanskari villagers.

As we leave Shade, we ascend a gentle ridge filled with ancient chortens that reflect the area's historic trade significance. The colorful valley gradually leads to the Rotong La Pass (4890 m), revealing sweeping views of jagged peaks and green doksas. After descending past shepherd settlements and crossing the Niri Chu valley, we make another climb to Lar La (4690 m) before descending into the calm valley of Lar. The picturesque campsite, nestled amid streams and meadows, is ideal for trekking enthusiasts seeking solitude.

Today's trek from Lar to Yarumchun is a true wilderness adventure, ideal for those who love trans-Himalayan treks. The trail includes several river crossings and gentle climbs through untouched landscapes. This valley, often known as the “Snow Leopard Valley,” is home to ibex and blue sheep that come to the riverside for a drink. By afternoon, we reach the scenic campsite of Yarumchun, located by the stream and surrounded by rugged cliffs.

An exciting day of trekking in Ladakh begins with a steady climb to Pandang La Pass (5175 m), also called Ningri La. From the top, the panoramic view of the Zanskar mountains is breathtaking. We then descend through meadows and willows into a narrow valley, crossing the Zumlung Chu river several times. The trail winds through wild terrain filled with sea buckthorn bushes before reaching the campsite at Zangla Sumdo, a peaceful spot marking the gateway to our trek in the Zanskar region.

As we leave Zangla Sumdo, the trail winds through striking gorges and colorful rock formations, a true highlight of trekking in Ladakh. Expect multiple river crossings along the Zumlung Chu before arriving at Zangla Doksa. The route takes us through the ancient trade junction leading to Jumlam and Charchar La, once connecting Leh to Zanskar. We later ascend to the majestic Zangla Fort, a former royal residence, before descending to the riverside campsite, featuring sweeping views of the Zanskar plains.

A day of rest and exploration, perfect for those enjoying long Himalayan treks. Visit the historic Karsha Monastery, the largest in Zanskar, and the ancient Thongde Gompa. We walk through the market at Padum to experience local life and gather fresh supplies. This combination of spirituality, culture, and mountain serenity makes our day an unforgettable part of the trekking journey in Ladakh.

This segment of the trek in the Zanskar region takes us through deep gorges and narrow valleys, mixing raw adventure with serene beauty. From Zangla, we follow the Zanskar River to Honya before sharply climbing uphill toward Namtse La Pass (4500 m). After a challenging ascent, we descend through willow groves and along mountain slopes to reach the scenic campsite at Kurmafu, surrounded by rugged cliffs and peaceful silence.

Today's trail showcases the essence of trans - Himalayan treks, featuring river crossings, narrow canyons, and high plateaus. We leave Kurmafu, cross small streams, and walk along a broad plateau before descending toward the river. The route includes short climbs and a thrilling ice bridge crossing through a narrow gorge. The day concludes at a beautiful valley campsite, embraced by wild landscapes and the calm rhythm of mountain life.

An early start leads us into one of the most challenging yet stunning stages of the Zanskar trekking route. The climb to Takti La Pass (4950 m) involves steep ascents through narrow valleys and glacial streams. From the summit, we see spectacular views of Sengge La Pass in the distance, the Himalayan Range to the south, and the Ladakh Range to the north. After having lunch at the top, we descend along an ancient irrigation wall to reach Nyerak village, a peaceful hamlet known for its traditional stone houses and warm hospitality. Evening exploration gives us a taste of authentic village life.

Today's route showcases the rugged beauty of trekking in the Zanskar Valley, mixing dramatic gorges and remote settlements. We cross the Zanskar River via a wooden bridge and continue along mani walls and rocky ridges, passing Chochokhuri La (3865 m). The trail curves around several hills before revealing the secluded village of Yulchung, which means “small kingdom.” This remote village maintains age - old traditions amidst the wilderness. We set up camp near the town, with a clear view of Sengge La Pass, which we will tackle the next day.

As we leave Yulchung, we start our ascent along a narrow trail leading north through alpine pastures and rugged canyons toward Sengge La, which means “Lion Pass” in Tibetan. The climb offers stunning views of wild, untouched landscapes, where golden meadows meet barren ridges. Sengge La Base Camp lies just below the pass, surrounded by rocky cliffs marking one of the most iconic points of the Zanskar trek.

Today's journey is more relaxed, following a clear, descending trail across high-altitude terrain. After a gradual climb to Bumitse La Pass, we are rewarded with breathtaking views as the beautiful village of Photoksar suddenly comes into view, nestled among dramatic mountain gorges and sweeping ridgelines. This scenic setting, rich with Ladakhi charm, makes Photoksar one of the most picturesque stops on the Zanskar trekking route.

Today's journey takes us through some of Ladakh's most scenic and culturally rich landscapes. From Photoksar, we drive over Sirsir La and Wanla, reaching the ancient village of Lamayuru, known for its surreal “Moonland” terrain and centuries - old monastery. On the way to Leh, we stop at Alchi Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its intricate murals and ancient Buddhist art. By evening, we arrive in Leh and check into our hotel for a restful night.

Spend a leisurely day exploring Leh, the vibrant heart of Ladakh. You might visit landmarks like Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa or wander through the bustling Main Bazaar to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs. This day is also perfect for relaxing and reflecting on the incredible journey through Zanskar's wilderness.

We take an early morning flight to New Delhi, enjoying a last bird's - eye view of the Himalayan ranges. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel for a few hours of rest before our international departure. Depending on our flight schedule, we proceed to the airport for our onward journey or connecting flight back home, marking the end of our unforgettable Zanskar trekking adventure.