Lamayuru-Darcha Trekking 27 Days

Lamayuru-Darcha Trekking
- Overview
- Full Itinerary
- Contact
Our trips begin with spectacular mountain flights from the Indian capital city New Delhi to the mystic city of Leh the Capital of Ladhak. Ladhak lies as separated area in the Himalayas of northern India at the Tibetan Plateau, at the frontier of Karakoram. It hardly rains in this region that is why a spectacular moon landscape is created where surrealistic colors like earth-red, gold and deep dark purple twinkle at the rocks.Lamayuru – Darcha trekking is one of the most popular, spectacular at the same time tough trail that starts from Lamayuru, a place named after the Lamayuru monasteries which is one of the earliest founded monastery of Ladhak. This magnificient walk trek in Indian Himalayas will take you to tough the remote cliff-cut trail, excellent grazing, and herds of sheep and goats can be seen dotted over the landscape.
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Short Itinerary |
| Day 01: Arrive New Delhi. Day 02: Delhi-Leh. Day 03: Leh Sightseeing. Day 04: Leh to Lamayuru. Day 05: Lamayuru to Wanla. Day 06: Wanla to Hanupatta. Day 07: Trek to Photoksar via Sirsirla. Day 08: Photksar to Singge-La base. Day 09: Singge-la base to Lingshet. Day 10: Lingshet to Snyertse. Day 11: Snyertse to Hanamur. Day 12: Hanamur to Pishu. Day 13: Pishu to Karsha. Day 14: Karsha to Padum. Day 15: Rest at Padum. Day 16: Padum to Raru. Day 17: Raru to Pepula. Day 18: Pepula to Purne. Day 19: Purne to Phuktal. Day 20: Purne to Sking. Day 21: Trek to Lhakhang (4450m). Day 22: Lhakhang to Ramjak. Day 23: Ramjak to zanskar sumdo. Day 24: Zanskar sumdo to Pal Lhamo. Day 25: Pal Lhamo – Manali. Day 26: Manali – New Delhi by Flight. Day 27: Delhi – Departure. |
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Trip Cost > |
5975$/P
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International Flights > |
$1450/Person
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Regional Flights > |
$230/Person |
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Travel Innsurance > |
From $250/P |
Cost Includes:
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Cost Excludes:
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| - All airport transfers. - Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis. - Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. - North Face Tents during the treks. - Private vehicles. - Local English Speaking Escort/guide. - All sightseeing with entry fees. - Inner Line Permit. - All applicable govt. taxes. |
- All flights. - All applicable airport taxes. - Special entry fees for camera / video camera. - Laundry, telephone calls, drinks, etc. - Tips. - Travel and Personal Insurance. - Passport and Visas. - All other services different from above mentioned. |
Sector
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Hotel/Camping
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Nights
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| New Delhi | Imperial Hotel | 02 |
| Leh | The Grand Dragon Leh | 02 |
| Trekking | Camping | 21 |
| Manali | Manu Allaya | 01 |
Our representatives will receive you at the airport with warm welcome, and drive you to your hotel. In the afternoon, proceed to the sightseeing tours of two of the prime locations of Delhi - Red Fort and Raj Ghat.
Red Fort: It is one of the most spectacular pieces of Mughal Architecture, built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648. It has walls extending up to 2 kms in length with the height varying from 18 meters on the river side to 33 meters on the city side. The Fort sports all the obvious trappings befitting a vital center of Mughal governance - halls of public and private audiences, domed and arched marble palaces, plush private apartments, a mosque, and elaborately designed gardens. Even today, the Fort is an eloquent reminder of the glory of the Mughal era, and its magnificence simply leaves one awestruck. It is still a calm haven of peace, which helps one to break away, from noisy and busy life outside the walls of the Fort.
Raj Ghat: The cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most visited sites in Delhi. It consists of a simple square black-marble platform that stands on the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Nearby, there are cremation sites of Jawaharlal Nehru - the first Prime Minister of India, and other great personnel of India, such as Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. Raj Ghat is situated to the south of Red Fort and is very peaceful site.
Day 02: Fly New Delhi - Leh (3505m) (Duration: 1hr 15 minutes).
Our representatives from Leh will receive you at the airport, and drive you to your hotel. Rest of the day, you could spend relaxing at the hotel, and preparing yourself for all the memorable places you will be visiting in next few days.
Day 03: Leh Sightseeing Tours.
After breakfast, we proceed to the full day sightseeing tours of the prime locations of Leh.
Thiksey Monastery: It is a glorious Buddhist monastery located in the top of hillock about 12 kms from Leh in Jammu and Kashmir. It encloses numerous Stupas, Thangkas, statues, swords, wonderful wall paintings, and a large pillar carved with Buddha’s teachings. A marvelous Buddha statue in the seated position is adorning the main prayer hall. Thiksey Festival, a major attraction for tourists and Buddhist devotees, is conducted here with splendor and much pomp. Shey Palace: It is situated on a hillock 15 km south of Leh. Around 12 feet of Lord Buddha's statue, the largest in the region, made by copper guilt is housed here. There is another statue of the Buddha three stories in height also with various stone carvings and many chortens scattered around.
Sankar monastery: Also situated on a hillock 15 km south of Leh, it was once the residence of the royal family. It was constructed by the first king of Ladakh. According to tradition, it was the seat of power of the pre-Tibetan kings.
Day 04: Drive from Leh to Lamayuru (Duration: 04-5 hrs.).
Today we drive to Basgo, and visit the ruins of the Royal palace called Ser Zung Temple, which is known for its great frescoes, and also go see the temple with an enormous gold and copper statue of Maitreya Buddha.
Then, we continue to drive to Likir, and visit Likir gompa, which is situated atop a windy cliff top overlooking the beautiful village of Likir. Then we drive and cross the River Indus and reach Alchi, which is Ladakh's most renowned monastery. After Alchi, we have an option to visit the impressive Ridzong Gompa before finally reaching to Lamayuru Gompa, which is located amidst the massive mountains. The spectacular setting of this Monastery & its renowned collection of carpets, Thangkas, & frescoes has been attracting many people from all over the world over a long time. We will also be part of the prayer ceremony inside the prayer hall among the monks. The experience will be very soothing and spiritual.
Day 05: Trek from Lamayuru to Wanla (3250m) (Trek: 2-3 hrs.).
In the morning before breakfast, we may again visit the Lamayuru monastery to be part of the morning prayer ceremony. We pack our backpacks, watch the horses get ready, and set off on our first day of our trekking adventure. A gentle trail leads up to the small pass of Prinkti La (3750 m). We then head down to the village of Shilla & then to Wanla, where we set up our camps for the night. In the afternoon, we might spend relaxing under the Wanla sun, or go explore the monastery in Wanla.
Day 06: Wanla to Hanupatta (3970m) (Trek: 6-7 hrs.).
An easy morning walk towards Phansila (3410m) will lead us to a picturesque valley, we descend a pass beyond which the valley starts to narrow, with mountains towering above our heads and the Zanskar River making its way deep down in the gorge. In this barren, harsh landscape, beautiful rosebushes give our senses an unforgettable experience. We camp close to the river, just after the village of Hanupatta where we have a magnificent view down the valley.
Day 07: Hanupatta to Photoksar via Sirsirla (4850m, Trek: 5-6 hrs.).
We follow the river and the wide valley up for some time before crossing the river to start a long and gradual ascent to Sirsir La Pass(4850m). From the top of the pass, we can cherish the panoramic view of the main Zanskar mountain range as well as our next pass, the Singge La (5090m). We may well meet traders coming up from Leh with their goods on donkey and horses, or Lamas passing form one monastery to the next. A bath in the icy cold glacial water will be quite invigorating. We camp for the night close to the village of Photoksar and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Day 08: Photksar to Singge La base (5090m, Trek: 6-7 hrs.).
Today, we cross the highest pass of this trek. It will be a long day, and the pass situated over 5000 meters above the sea level will be often covered with snow, and the horses usually encounter trouble going through the narrow pass. After crossing another small pass of Bumiktse La (4200), we enter the broad and lush valley of Photang. A gentle trail leads us through this beautiful landscape, where villagers will be seen grazing their yak and horses. And, we well be setting up a camp for our overnight stay.
Day 09: Singge La base to Lingshet (3950m, Trek: 5-6 hrs.).
We follow the trail high above the Zanskar River, and see the mountains taking greener and gentler formation, before we descend from Kiupa La Pass (4400 m) down the steep zigzag trail to the villages of Gongma (3840m) and Skiumpata. From here we climb up a gentle trail to the Margum La Pass (4400m). After another hour of walk, we finally reach Lingshet, which will host our campsite for our tents.
Day 10: Lingshet to Snyertse (3800m, Trek: 8 hrs.).
It will be another long day today. We walk through the green fields of Lingshet early in the morning. After going through some ups and downs, we reach the base of the Hanuma La Pass (4950m). Then we will start climbing many steep zigzags before finally reaching Snyertse, where we fix our tents for our well-deserved good night rest.
Day 11: Snyertse to Hanamur (3450m, trek: 6 hrs.).
After a short walk from Snyertse, there will be a wonderful lookout from where we can view the magnificent pass and picturesque Oma Chu river down the valley. We follow the trail 500m down the valley, cross the bridge, and start on the juniper covered zigzag trail up to another pass called Parfi La Pass (3950m). Here, we might come across a rare species of the Himalayan region - the majestic brown bear. We may also see herds of attractive Himalayan blue sheep. Here we walk down to the banks of the Zanskar River and follow it all the way to the village of Hanamur (3380 m), where we will be camping for the night.
Day 12: Hanamur to Pishu (3660 m, Trek: 4-5 hrs.).
Today, we start with an easy walk on plain and barren land along the Zanskar River and follow it all the way to Pishu (3470 m). Here we will get to see an exotic landlocked hamlet of 8-9 families leading a simple traditional life. In the night, we fix our tents for another well-deserved restful night.
Day 13: Pishu to Karsha (3650m, Trek: 4-5 hrs.).
After a hearty breakfast, we begin our walk on the trail that ascends gradually to Rinam (3550m) along the bank of the great Zanskar River. Here, we will get a stunning view of the spectacular monastery of Tongde. Once reaching Karsha (3600m), we can reinvigorate ourselves at the bank of Zanskar River. The Karsha monastery is one of largest monasteries, and it is located on a hillside with an imposing view of the entire valley. Believed to have been founded around 10th century A.D, a visit to the monastery to get its blessing is recommended.
Day 14: Karsha to Padum (3610m, Trek: 2 hrs.).
We will have a shortest walk today. Padum is the major hub of activities of the entire valley. Villagers gather here on every auspicious occasion, and it will also be the place to purchase our food supply for the remaining trekking days. The day can be used for sightseeing the famous Sani Gompa, where the oldest Stupa of the entire Ladakh region stands in the courtyard. Or we could also simply stroll around the village or visit the nearby monasteries of Pipiting and Stakrimo.
Day 15: Rest at Padum (3610m).
Today we take a break and spend whole day in relaxing and reinvigorating for rest of the trekking days.
Day 16: Padum to Raru (3800m, Trek: 5-6 hrs.).
We ascend to the main trail and arrive at Burden Gompa famous for its prayer wheel. We come across with several beautiful villages on the bank of Tsarap River, and see the monastery of Mune. We land at a beautiful plain covered with flowers and reach little lovely village of Raru, where we will be camping for the night.
Day 17: Raru to Pepula (3750m) (Duration: 5 hrs).
We leave Raru for Pepula via opposite side of Dorzong village. Pepula will be past Surle village, which will be reached after crossing of the river. In the night, we fix our tents again for another camping night.
Day 18: Pepula to Purne (3775m, Trek: 4-5 hrs).
We start our trek out from the Lungnak gorge through a long ascends to the villages of Tsetang, Surle, and Kalbok. The sheer descend trail after Tsetang will take us to the Kargyak River. The campsite will be across the river at Purne village, or there will be another campsite if we walk 20 minutes further to Khangsar.
Day 19: Purne to Phuktal Monastery(3900m) (Trek: 5 hrs.).
We dedicate the day as an excursion day. We take a 3 hours round trip trek to visit Phuktal Monastery, which is the second most important monastery after Karsha monastery of Zanskar. Phuktal is famous for its cave like location dramatically built over the edge of a clifftop, and it will be also have our campsite for our tents.
Day 20: Purne to Sking (4000m, Trek: 6-7 hrs.).
Early morning, we will cross over the Shingo river and walk along grassy meadows. The 6 or7 hrs of trek will lead us through lovely villages of Kargyak before taking us to Shingo La Pass (5,200m). We will be camping at one of the villages of Kaygyak named Sking.
Day 21: Sking to Lhakhang (4450m, Trek: 6 hrs.).
This will be about 6 hrs long but easy flat walk on a mass of fallen rocks. After crossing the river, we reach the lovely village of Lhakhang, which will hold our camp site for the night.
Day 22: Lhakhang to Ramjak (4300m) via Shingo La (Trek: 6-7 hrs).
Today, we’ll have good breakfast to generate extra energy to meet the challenge of Shingo pass (5090m). Though not tough by Himalayan standards, the Pass will be worth trying and could be accomplished in a couple of hours. The view from the pass can leave us enthralled with the panoramic scenery containing 6000 m snow-capped peaks of he Baralacha Range.
Day 23: Ramjak to Zanskar Sumdo (3600m, Trek: 4-5hrs.).
We continue on the right bank of the river, where the descent is rather gradual until the last section of the Zanskar Sumdo (3860m). Before reaching Zanskar Sumdo, the path is easy, but we need to be alert of the steepness.
Day 24: Zanskar Sumdo to Pal Lhamo (3500m, trek; 3-4 hrs.).
After a steep descent at the intersection, we cross the river on a manned pulley bridge. Further on, the trail runs along the far bank towards boulder fields until Pal Lhamo. There, we will camp for the last night of our trekking, ending our thrilling adventure of last three weeks.
Day 25: Pal Lhamo – Manali (2625m, Trek: 3hrs, Drive: 5 hrs).
The descent to Darcha, a three hours walk, is fairly easy. Within the first two hours of our walk we reach Chika Village, where the road starts and the last stage of our trek will be a a straight walk into Darcha (3300m). We shall all board a jeep that will drive us to Manali (190 kms.), where we check into a star hotel to spend the night. Manali is an important hill station of northern India and is the destination of thousands of tourists every year. Its cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers.
Day 26: Manali – New Delhi by Bus (600 kms).
Today we travel by luxury bus starting from the evening until the morning of the next day. Upon reaching Delhi, we check into our hotel, and pursue our personal leisurely activities.
Day 27: Departure from Delhi.
We thank you for being with us on this thrilling adventure of yours, and then drive you back to the airport for you safe trip back home.
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Trip Info
- Arrival Info:
Our representative will be arriving at the airport you will be landing. Please look for a board with your name or South Asian Holidays. Upon welcome greetings, you will be transfered to hotel. - Hotel Info:
Hotel we book are carefully selected and located in the city center unless you requested different hotel by name and category. - Guide Info:
We carefully select our guides who knows the route well and lead several group for the same trip you booked.





