Sarchu To Phutkal Trek

After breakfast, visit Alchi and Likir monasteries. On the way, explore Magnetic Hill & Sangam View, where the Indus and Zanskar Rivers meet.

Overnight stay in Leh.

After breakfast, visit the monasteries of Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis.

Shey: Once the ancient capital of Ladakh, Shey remains significant as the heartland of Ladakh. King Singee Namgyal built a grand palace at Leh, yet Shey retained its importance. The village is adorned with numerous chortens, especially around the palace complex and the barren plain north of the road.

Thiksey: Among the largest and most impressive Gompas, Thiksey houses several temples with images, stupas, and exquisite wall paintings. The main prayer hall features a two-storied statue of Buddha, surrounded by colorful brocade-robed lamas.

Hemis: Dedicated to Padmasambhava, Hemis offers a captivating display of lamas dressed in richly colored brocade gowns and masks, performing solemn dances and mime around a large flagpole. The scene is accompanied by the melodic sounds of shawms, the deep tones of eleven feet horns, drums, and cymbals. Founded in the 1630s under the royal patronage of Singee Namgyal, Hemis is the largest and wealthiest of Ladakh’s Gompas, nestled in the Zanskar mountain range.

After breakfast, we will depart for Sarchu via Tsokar Lake. The trek from Sarchu to Phuktal Gonpa in Zanskar is one of the most scenic routes in Ladakh. During the journey, we will stop at Pang campsite for lunch and a tea break. Later, we will drive to the Sarchu camping site, which serves as the trekking point. Overnight stay at the camp

After breakfast, today marks the first day of the trek. It will be an easy day of trekking, with a mostly flat route and beautiful landscapes. Overnight stay at the camp.

After breakfast, we will commence the trek towards Khamerup, traversing through picturesque routes. There might be a river crossing at Khamerup. Overnight stay at the camp.

After breakfast, proceed further until reaching the vicinity of canyons. Cross two canyons with stunning scenery and ascend gradually towards a small pass. Descend again to cross a river and continue uphill along the upstream rivers. Chumik Marpo campsite is a nomadic settlement in the Zanskar Lungnak region, where people reside with yaks, cows, horses, and sheep. Overnight stay at the camp.

After an early breakfast, continue the trek by crossing a broad river. Navigate across the river and find a good path along the imposing valley, which gradually narrows. Cross the river again and ascend slowly towards the top of Phirtse La Pass, following the right bank of the downstream river. Upon reaching the summit of Phirtse La Pass, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the landscape, towering mountains, and enchanting valleys. The descent is relatively easy, leading you to the summer campsite of Zanskar shepherds. Here, you may encounter domestic animals and yaks. The camping site near the river is good and pleasant. Overnight stay at the camp.

As usual, after breakfast, continue the trek along the path leading away from the river. Ascend gradually up the slope, passing across the first views of a rocky escarpment. Ahead, cross a cairn and beautiful pastureland. From this point, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the enchanting Zanskar Valley and the first village in Zanskar. Continue descending, leave behind a rocky bridge, and carry on through a steep gorge. Cross a small stream, and the trek becomes easier as you reach Tangze village. In the late afternoon, explore the village and interact with the villagers. Overnight stay at the camp.

Today will be a very interesting day on the trek as we will pass through some of the villages in the Lungnak Valley, where people can be seen working in the fields. You will encounter very old houses in the Lungnak Valley with a beautiful landscape. Overnight stay at the camp..

Go up along the left bank of the Tsarap River and enter splendid gorges. Cross a bridge, and then you arrive at a small tributary of the Tsarap with beautiful clear water descending down. A ledge leads to a small plateau sprinkled with chortens, stupas, and religious banners. From this point, you can see the Phuktal Monastery, one of the most beautiful and spectacular sights in Zanskar. Phuktal Monastery belongs to the tradition of the Gelupas (Yellow Hats), and the spring that gushes deep in the cave is still out of bounds to women. After spending ample time in the monastery, you will trek back to Purney. Overnight stay at the camp.

After breakfast, we will drive to Padum, the headquarters of Zanskar Valley. Crossing many villages along the way to Padum, you will encounter numerous beautiful villages. We will visit Bardan Monastery, which is very beautiful. Later, we’ll continue the drive to Padum. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive along the Zanskar River to Zangla King’s Palace. Visit the old and new palaces, as well as the Zangla Nunnery. Continue the drive to Stonday Monastery, the second-largest Gelupa monastery in Zanskar, situated on top of high mountains with beautiful landscapes. Drive to Padum, visiting the local markets of Zanskar Valley, although they are small. Later, drive to Sani village, the most beautiful village in Zanskar Valley. The camping site of Sani is peaceful, surrounded by a small lake. Overnight at the camp.

After breakfast, visit Dorjay Zong Nunnery Gonpa, one of the most beautiful and small monasteries located on a high hilly mountain near the Chorola La mountain range of Zanskar. Enjoy spectacular views of Padum, the headquarters of Zanskar, and the lower part of the village. Later, drive to Karsha Monastery, the largest monastery in Zanskar. Founded by the famous translator Phagspa Sherab Zangpo in the 11th century, it is constructed on the steep mountain above Karsha village. Drive back to Sani for the overnight stay at the camp.

Today, we will visit one of the most sacred monasteries in Zanskar, Zungkhul Monastery. Blessed by the great Indian yogi, the great Naropa, in the 11th century, the monastery features two attractive meditation caves. The old one is adorned with beautiful paintings. After visiting the monastery, drive back to Sani for the overnight stay at the camp

After breakfast, we will drive to Leh through the new road of Zanskar, which connects more directly to Leh. This road essentially follows the Chadar trek route until reaching Nimo village in Leh Ladakh. Drive to the hotel and overnight in Leh.

Departure to Airport with sweet memories of Ladakh.