Lingshed to Zanskar Trek

Thiksey: is one of the largest and most impressive Gompas. There are several temples in this gompa containing images, stupas and exquisite wall paintings. It also houses a two storied statue of Buddha which has the main prayer hall around its shoulder.

Hemis: which is dedicated to Padmasambhava, what a visitor can observes a series of sences in which the lamas, robed in gowns of rich, brightlycolored brocade and sporting masks sometimes bizarrely hideous, parade in solemon dance and mime around the huge flag pole in the center of the courtyard to the plaintive melody of the Shawn. The moan of the eleven feet horns, the boom of drums and the clash of Cymbals. Hemis was found in the 1630’s by Tsang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of SingeeNamgyal, Hemis is the largest and richest of the Ladakh Gompas. It nestles into the mountsin side a little way up a glen in the mountain side a little way up a glen in the mountains of Zanskar range.

By jeep and covering a distance of 190 km in 7 to 8 hours, the journey from Leh to Lingshed village unfolds the scenic villages of Sham Valley. Passing through Singe Lalok Valley, Hanupata village, and Photoksar village, traversing 3 to 4 high passes, reminiscent of our 2016 trek from Padum to Lamayuru, we arrive at Lingshed village. Upon reaching Lingshed, a visit to Lingshed Gonpa is followed by a trek to Lanang Base Camp lasting 2 to 3 hours, where we spend the night.

The Lhartse Base is located before Nertse Camp at 3740 meters, requiring 5-6 hours of trekking. After a leisurely breakfast, we ascend slowly along the zigzag route. Upon reaching the top of Hanuma La Pass (4724 meters), breathtaking views of Lingshed village and the surrounding mountains unfold. Lunch can be enjoyed atop the mountain before continuing the trek. Descending to the sheepfolds of Lhartse Base Camp, we settle in for the night.

After breakfast, if you wish to explore, you can visit Zingchen House. On the way to the next camp, there is a solitary family house nestled in the middle of the mountain, just before Zingchen Bridge Camp, approximately 3 km from the right side. Walking a bit more, about 3 km, it’s fascinating to witness how a single house stands alone in the valley, far from Zanskar and a bit distant from Lingshed village. If possible, we will visit the house from inside; otherwise, we will explore it from the outside. Later, we will proceed to Zingchen Campsite near the Omachu River for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, embark on the trek towards the high mountains, following the zigzag route of Purfila Pass at 3900 meters. From the top of Purfila Pass, enjoy breathtaking views of the Zanskar Valley mountains. Descend slowly towards Hanamuar village, where you’ll find one of the best camping sites of this trek. In the evening, explore the village with its only three houses, and settle in for an overnight stay at the camp.

In the morning, after breakfast, commence the trek towards Pidmo village in Zanskar. With a relatively short trek today, savor the experience of your second last camp on this journey. Upon reaching Pidmo, immerse yourself in the charm of the village with its numerous houses. In the evening, visit one of the local family houses, and settle in for an overnight stay at the camp.

After breakfast, begin the trek at a leisurely pace towards Pishu village. Today marks the last day of the famous Lingshed to Pishu trek, so relish the holiday experience. Upon reaching Pishu, take delight in exploring the village and visit one of the local houses. It’s a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the local life of Zanskar Valley. Spend the night at the camp, marking the last night of the trekking adventure.

After breakfast, take a jeep taxi to Padum, which is approximately a 1 hour and 40-minute journey. Check into the hotel, take some rest, and in the evening, explore the local markets of Zanskar Valley. Spend the night at the hotel..

After the morning breakfast, drive to Karsha Monastery, founded in the 10th century by Phagspa Sherab and currently under the control of the younger brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It houses the largest Gelukpa monastery in Zanskar. The monastery offers stunning views of the mountains. Near the monastery, there is another wonderful nunnery to visit. About 15 km from Karsha, Dorjayzong Nunnery, an ancient Tibetan Buddhist nunnery in the remote high-altitude area of Zanskar, was founded about 700 years ago by Master Sherab Zangpo, renowned as the Bodhisattva from the upper region of Tibet. Later, return to Padum for an overnight stay at the hotel..

After breakfast, embark on a 35 km drive along the Zanskar River to Zangla. Explore the old palace of the Zangla king and visit the Zangla Nunnery. Afterwards, drive back to the second largest Gelukpa monastery in the Zanskar Valley and then return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Padum.

Today, we will visit one of the most sacred monasteries in Zanskar, Zungkhul, which is a 35 km drive from Padum. Zungkhul was blessed by the great Indian yogi, the renowned Naropa, around the 11th century. The monastery features two attractive meditation caves, with the old one adorned with beautiful paintings. On the way back to the hotel, visit Sani Palace, famous for the sacred Kaniska Stupa and the Naropa Temple. There is also a sacred lake to enjoy the beauty of Sani and the Zanskar Valley. Later, visit my house for a cup of tea with my family members before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay in Padum.

After breakfast, enjoy the beautiful landscape of Zanskar Valley towards Kargil. On the way to the high pass of Pentisla La Pass, observe the local people living in the mountains with their yaks and cows for 3 to 4 months near the high pass of Padum to Kargil highway. Continue the drive until Kargil.

Overnight stay in Kargil hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Leh, en route visit Mulbekh and Lamayuru Monasteries. Enjoy spectacular views of the Karakoram mountain ranges as you pass through Namikala Pass (3737 m) and Fotula Pass (4294 m) – the highest point on the Leh road. Continue the drive until reaching the hotel in Leh.

Overnight stay in Leh hotel.

After breakfast, transfer from Leh to the airport to catch a flight for the onward destination, carrying sweet holiday memories of the Lingshed to Zanskar trek