Embark on an 18-day trans-Himalayan adventure from Darcha to Padum, crossing the spectacular Shingo La Pass and exploring remote Zanskar villages, dramatic mountain landscapes, and the ancient Phuktal Gompa.
Overview
A classic trans-Himalayan expedition linking the lush Kullu Valley and Lahaul with the remote, starkly beautiful landscapes of Zanskar and Ladakh. The journey crosses the spectacular Shingo La, follows the Tsarap River through traditional Zanskari villages and visits the remarkable cave monastery of Phuktal Gompa before reaching Padum. Along the way, trekkers experience high mountain passes, glacial streams, rocky valleys, ancient Buddhist monasteries, mani walls and isolated settlements that preserve the cultural heritage of the western Himalayas. The expedition concludes with overland travel through Kargil to Leh, with time to recover before the return flight to Delhi. This is a demanding, multi-day Himalayan crossing best suited to experienced trekkers comfortable with remote camps, high altitude and variable mountain conditions.
Trek at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Duration | 18 Days / 17 Nights |
| Region | Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh & Zanskar, Ladakh |
| Starting Point | New Delhi |
| Trek Starting Point | Darcha |
| Trek Ending Point | Padum |
| Final Destination | Leh |
| Highest Altitude | Shingo La Pass – Approx. 5,100 m |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Trek Type | High-Altitude Trans-Himalayan Crossing |
| Key River | Tsarap River |
| Major Monastery | Phuktal Gompa |
| Important Villages | Darcha, Kargyak, Testa, Purne, Ichar & Mune |
| Accommodation | Heritage Hotel, Hotels, Guesthouses & Campsites |
| Best Season | July–September, subject to road and pass conditions |
| Best For | Experienced Trekkers, Cultural Explorers & Adventure Travellers |
Highlights
- 🏔️ Shingo La Pass: Cross a spectacular high Himalayan pass at approximately 5,100 m.
- 🏞️ Zanskar Valley: Explore a remote region of dramatic mountains, barren valleys and traditional settlements.
- 🛕 Phuktal Gompa: Visit the extraordinary cave monastery built into a mountainside.
- 🏡 Traditional villages: Experience the cultural heritage of Kargyak, Testa, Purne, Ichar and Mune.
- 🌊 Tsarap River trail: Follow river valleys, mountain streams and rugged canyon landscapes.
- 🌄Gumburonjon: Admire the enormous sacred rock formation revered by local communities.
- 🛕 Bardan Monastery: Visit the historic monastery near Padum, known for its large prayer wheel.
- 🚙 Trans-Himalayan road journey: Travel through Lahaul, Kargil and Ladakh, concluding in Leh.
Itinerary
Drive · Approximately 5–6 hours
Depart New Delhi and drive towards Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh. Arrive at the historic Nalagarh Fort for an overnight stay in a heritage setting. Relax and prepare for the mountain journey ahead.
Drive · Approximately 6–7 hours
Continue through Himachal Pradesh towards Manali and the Kullu Valley. Enjoy the changing landscape of river valleys, forests and mountain settlements. In the evening, explore Manali's local market and old temples. Overnight at a hotel or lodge.
Drive · Approximately 8–9 hours
Drive through the high mountain landscape towards Lahaul, crossing Rohtang Pass when the road is open and accessible. Continue past Keylong and follow the Bhaga River through extensive fields and isolated villages towards Darcha. Camp near Darcha or stay at the designated accommodation.
Trek · Approximately 5–6 hours · Camp at 3,350 m
Begin the trek from Darcha along a mountain trail towards Rarik and the Palamo campsite. Walk through the open Lahaul landscape, following trails alongside streams and mountain slopes. Set up camp at Palamo for the night.
Trek · Approximately 5–6 hours · Camp at 3,600 m
Continue towards Zanskar Sumdo, crossing streams and traversing a rugged mountain trail. Negotiate the river crossing using the route and crossing arrangements approved by your guide. Camp near the river in preparation for the ascent into higher terrain.
Trek · Approximately 6–7 hours · Camp at 4,050 m
Climb steeply for the initial section before continuing along a more gradual trail towards Ramjak, approximately 4,290 m. Traverse rocky slopes and scree terrain to reach Chuminakpo, the staging camp below Shingo La. Overnight in tents.
Trek · Approximately 6–7 hours · Pass at 5,100 m
Start early and ascend the rocky slopes towards Shingo La. From the pass, experience the immense scale of the surrounding Himalayan peaks before beginning the descent towards Lakong along the mountain valley. Camp near the Lakong River.
Trek · Approximately 6–7 hours · Kargyak at about 4,050 m
Descend towards Kargyak through the rugged Zanskar landscape. En route, view Gumburonjon, a striking rock formation held sacred by local communities. Reach Kargyak village and camp nearby, experiencing the remoteness and distinctive culture of Zanskar.
Trek · Approximately 4–5 hours · Testa at about 3,950 m
Follow the valley trail past mani walls and small settlements, including Kuru. The terrain becomes more gradual as you continue through the traditional villages of Zanskar. Camp near Testa for the night.
Trek · Approximately 4–5 hours · Purne at about 3,700 m
Descend towards the stream, climb gradually towards Jal and then follow the trail down to the river crossing. Cross the bridge to reach Purne, a small settlement set amid the dramatic cliffs and river valleys of Zanskar. Camp overnight.
Excursion · Approximately 6–7 hours return
Trek to the remarkable Phuktal Gompa, a Buddhist monastery built around a natural cave in the mountainside. Explore its distinctive architecture, spiritual atmosphere and dramatic setting overlooking the valley. Return to Purne for the night.
Trek · Approximately 2–3 hours · Ichar at about 3,650 m
Continue along the valley, crossing the river and passing Kaydang and Surle. Arrive at Ichar, an interesting traditional settlement known for its distinctive village character. Set up camp and enjoy the quiet surroundings.
Trek · Approximately 5–6 hours · Mune at about 3,750 m
Follow the valley trail with a gradual climb followed by a descent towards Mune. Enjoy views of the rugged Zanskar mountains and traditional settlements along the route. Reach Mune and camp for the night.
Trek · Approximately 5–6 hours · Padum at about 3,500 m
Descend from Mune towards the main trail and continue to Bardan Monastery, known for its large prayer wheel and distinctive Buddhist architecture. Follow the sandy trail towards Padum, the principal town of Zanskar. Check into a guesthouse or camp overnight.
Drive · Approximately 9–10 hours
Leave Padum by road and travel through the remote mountain landscapes of Zanskar towards Kargil. Enjoy views of barren mountains, river valleys and isolated villages along the route. Arrive in Kargil and stay overnight in a hotel.
Drive · Approximately 7–8 hours
Continue towards Leh through the dramatic Trans-Himalayan landscape. Enjoy views of rugged mountain formations, high-altitude villages and the changing colours of Ladakh's cold desert. Arrive in Leh and check into a hotel.
Rest and contingency day Keep this day free to accommodate delays caused by weather, road closures or travel disruptions. If conditions and timing permit, explore Leh's local market, historic streets and cultural landmarks. Avoid planning essential onward connections too tightly.
Flight departure
Transfer to Leh Airport for your flight to New Delhi. Conclude the expedition with memories of Shingo La, remote Zanskar villages, Phuktal Gompa and one of the classic trekking journeys of the Indian Himalayas.
