The Grand Traverse of Zanskar; Lamayuru - Padum Trek

Spend your first day in Leh focused on acclimatization, hydration, and gentle movement. After transferring to your hotel, unwind and allow your body to adjust naturally to the thin mountain air. In the afternoon, take a relaxed walk to Thiksey Monastery, Leh Palace, or Shanti Stupa, all offering beautiful aerial views and a calm introduction to Ladakh's Buddhist culture. This slow, purposeful start lays the foundation for safe trekking in the days ahead, especially for a long and demanding expedition like the Great Zanskar Traverse.

Begin the journey toward the trailhead with a scenic drive to Lamayuru, one of Ladakh's oldest and most revered monasteries. Along the way, stop at Likir and Alchi, two architectural masterpieces featuring ancient frescoes and monastic courtyards. The drive winds through dramatic rock formations and moon - like landscapes, offering your first glimpse of the terrain you'll soon trek across. Overnight near Lamayuru, enjoying the quiet of this historic village before stepping into the deeper wilderness.

Start your trek with a steady ascent toward Prinkiti La, a gentle introductory pass that eases you into the rhythm of high - altitude walking. The trail cuts through rugged gorges and textured rock walls, gradually opening toward panoramic vistas as you reach the pass. From here, descend through a beautiful valley toward Wanla, a quiet village known for its small yet charming monastery. This day offers a balanced mix of challenge and acclimatization, ideal for building confidence at the start of a long expedition.

Walk along the Yapola River, following a trail carved naturally into narrow gorges and canyon-like stretches. Terraced fields and scattered houses signal your entry into the traditional lifestyle of Zanskar's farming communities. The gradual ascent toward Hanupatta rewards you with changing textures, from sandy paths to green valley floors. The day's trek is moderate but steady, giving trekkers time to adapt to the evolving terrain ahead.

A major milestone awaits as you climb toward Sirsir La, your first significant pass of the expedition. The ascent is long and demanding, with loose scree and wide mountain slopes leading to a windswept saddle at 4,800 m. From the top, vast views of the Trans - Himalayan ranges unfold. The descent into Photoksar is equally memorable, an emerald settlement tucked among dramatic cliffs and grazing meadows. Photoksar offers one of the most picturesque campsites of the entire traverse.

Continue through expansive alpine meadows as you gradually approach the base of Singe La, the “Lion Pass.” The terrain widens into open pastures dotted with grazing yaks and wildflowers in the summer months. This day is intentionally paced to allow your body to adjust before tackling another major high - altitude ascent. The campsite at the base offers sweeping mountain views and a sense of isolation that defines the Zanskar wilderness.

A challenging climb leads you to the crest of Singe La, rewarding you with one of the most spectacular panoramas of the entire trek. The descent toward Lingshed takes you through winding trails and dramatic shadows cast by towering cliffs. By afternoon, reach Lingshed village, a vibrant monastic community. Visit Lingshed Monastery, a culturally rich landmark where young monks chant and study amid timeless surroundings. Overnight in this remarkably remote settlement.

Use this essential rest day to recover, explore the monastery, and observe daily life in one of Zanskar's most isolated villages. Walk through narrow paths connecting traditional homes, interact with locals who live by ancient rhythms, and embrace the slower pace. This break supports acclimatization and prepares you for the demanding crossings ahead.

Climb steadily through a gorge toward Hanuma La, a rewarding high - altitude pass that offers sweeping views of layered mountain ranges. Though challenging, the terrain is manageable with a consistent pace. Descend through steep switchbacks into Snertse, a peaceful meadow campsite surrounded by rugged slopes and the sound of distant streams.

Today's descent leads you toward the Zanskar River valley. The trail gradually shifts from high-altitude brown landscapes to rocky canyons as you approach Hanamur. The village, small, quiet, and framed by agricultural patches, provides a warm cultural contrast to the remoteness of previous days.

Walk along the Zanskar River through dramatic gorges and deep canyon walls. The terrain is rugged yet scenic, offering ample photography opportunities. Pidmo, a quaint riverside village, welcomes you with its traditional homes and terraced farmlands. The day is moderate and ideal for maintaining momentum.

Reach Padum, the cultural and administrative capital of Zanskar. The sudden transition from isolated villages to a lively settlement feels refreshing. Visit Karsha Monastery and Zangla Fort, significant cultural landmarks that offer a deeper understanding of Zanskari history.

Follow the Tsarap River as the trail merges with a blend of rocky paths and greenery. Visit Bardan Monastery en route, perched dramatically above the valley. Raru is a serene overnight stop with scenic riverside views.

A gentle day leads you through lush pockets of vegetation and riverbank trails toward Purne, the base for visiting Phuktal. The route is scenic and calming, ideal after the busier atmosphere of Padum.

Visit the legendary Phuktal Monastery, built around a natural cave and clinging to a cliffside like a honeycomb. Its ancient prayer halls and dramatic architecture make it one of the most iconic sites in the Himalayas. Return to Purne by afternoon.

Today brings a mix of dense vegetation, suspension bridges, and river crossings. Climb to Parfi La, a pass offering spectacular valley views, then descend into a forested stretch before reaching Tangtse.

Walk across wide, windswept plateaus that gradually lead into Kargiak, the last village of Zanskar. Stone houses, livestock enclosures, and mountain backdrops offer a memorable glimpse into frontier living.

Prepare for one of the toughest days of the expedition. The ascent to Shingo La is steep, icy, and physically demanding, but the summit rewards you with a breathtaking view of glaciers and the ranges that divide Ladakh from Himachal. Descend into Lahaul's dramatic landscapes before reaching Palamo.

The final trek leads you through pine forests and open river valleys as you enter Himachal Pradesh. The terrain softens, offering a gentle, scenic walk to Darcha, the endpoint of the traverse.

A beautiful drive through Lahaul Valley takes you past rugged cliffs, waterfalls, and snow-lined passes before descending to Manali. Celebrate the completion of one of the Himalaya's most legendary long-distance treks.