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Kanji La Trek Zanskar- Ladakh
Scenic trek with diverse landscape and culture
Gallery
Duration
Duration

17 days in India – 8 days trek

Region
Region
  • Ladakh
  • Zanskar
  • Himachal
Activity
Activity

Trekking

Season
Season

Jul – Sep

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Description

One of the most beautiful trek where first 4 days of it remain off beat track and allows to discover diverse culture and religions. Journey starts by visiting ancientsâ Tibetan monasteries located along Indus River in Ladakh and Zanskar valley.

 

A scenic trek start with easy walk across the first village of trek, than slowly the trail get challenging due to high altitude terrain, walking on moraine, crossing 5 passes demand physical efforts and determination but you will be rewarded by stunning view of magnificent landscape. Sometime tail goes through beautiful gorges and you will cross the icy chilled mountain streams. You can meet seasonal nomad with their livestock on higher pasture and can spot wildlife such as blue sheep and Ibex.

On the way some permanent inhabited villages will be across which will allow you to meet local to have the insight of their culture and to know their mode of life.

 

Zanskari peoples remain cut off for more than 6 months from rest of the world, the best way to connect with outer world is the route of Chaddar (the frozen river).

 Construction of the road in valley is underway but we avoid completely for the trek.

 

At the end of the trek you will drive to Padum which is a bustling hamlet and market place for the Zanskarpa. You will visiting some of authentic villages and prominent monasteries out of which Phugtal Gompa is most fascinating.

 

Take one of the most scenic road built on ancients trekking route of grand traverse of Zanskar. Cross Shingo la (5090m) the gate way between Zanskar and most fertile semi desert Lahoul valley and verdant Kullu- Manali. Here land scape and culture changes dramatically from barren to semi desert and to lush green valley of Kullu, also named âvalley of God â housing numbers of Hindu temples which possesses different architectural example.


One of the most beautiful trek to discover diverse culture and religions. Journey starts by visiting ancientsâ Tibetan monasteries located along Indus River in Ladakh and Zanskar valley.

Itinerary

Itinerary

Arrive Delhi by evening / night. Welcome by our representative at airport, transfer to the hotel. Night in hotel.

Transfer to the domestic airport for flight to Leh. On arrival in Leh airport our colleague will transfer you to hotel, to be better acclimatize you will relax till midday, after lunch in hotel acclimatization walk to visit Shanti Stupa dominates entire Leh town, Royal Palace built by 5th Dalailama in 17th century is look like little Potala of Lahasa, stroll in the Bazar and night in hotel.

Leave early to visit the Hemis monastery, A mass of splendid architecture built by the inveterate royal architect Singe Namgyal in1630. The monastery belongs to Drukpa sect of Buddhism. Thiksey, A majestic monastery perched on a rocky outcrop built in the15th century during the first wave of expansion of Gelugpa sect in Ladakh. In the entry there are painting of protective deities and the great masters of the sect. Drive to Shey, once the capital of Upper Ladakh before being supplanted by Leh, monastery housed rich murals painting, well restored and represent the 18 arhats (disciples of Buddha who attained enlightenment). Back to Leh evening at leisure, night in hotel.

Now from Leh the next site to visit is Alchi monastery. It is the oldest monastery of Ladakh. Alchi, visit Monastery. Among the many temples, caves and Stupas built in Ladakh Alchi, Choskor is the largest and the most famous of all of them, built by Rinchen Zangpo ablout 990 years ago. Monastery houses valuable mural painting and Thankas. Leave towards Lamayuru, one of the ancient monasteries magnificently perched on the hill. Before Buddhism penetrated in the region this site was known as a Centre for bon religion. Stroll around the monastery campus and admire the stunning beauty of landscape, further drive to Kanji village, the starting point of the trek. Night in camp.

The first day of the trek is easy going and is short, trail goes through large open valley, will encounter some stream crossing in summer, Take right of the valley and enter in to the large gorge which will bring us to the base of the pass, On the way there is opportunity to visit the nomad camp subject to the season they can move here and there to find the suitable pasture to their livestock. Night in camp.

Start earlier as you will climb the pass which will take around 3/4h to reach on the top. Trail is tricky due to loose rocks and moraine of small glacier. On clear day one can view the Nanga parbat to the west and K2 in the north. From the pass descend is spectacular amidst the canyons till the junction. You will enjoy stunning view of the mountains rising including Nun-kun peaks which are the highest of the Zanskar range and Hagshu, Doda, and Brahma peaks are famous and are seen during the trek. After long descend reach to the small but Spectacular camp site. Night in camp.

We start earlier as day is going to be long. Cross the river just close to the campsite, walk right of the valley for around 3 hours, climb to the Pidzongla pass, enjoy magnificent view of the Himalayan peaks from the pass. Now take long descend from pass to the Dhoksa following the zig-zag rocky track to reach the wider valley. The camp site is set amidst small trees and bushes with fabulous views. One need to be lucky to get chance to spot the wolf or wolf track. Night in camp.

Trail goes down by left side of the valley across some of abandoned houses and farms at Debring. After a while you will wade through the stream (need to carry the sneakers) or one can try on horse or mule back if available at the time. another hour of walk will bring you to the beautiful village of Dipling housing 14 family houses and a Gompa on top of the village, it is worth climbing up to visit and to enjoy the view .Gompa is yellow hat and main figure of the gompa is Sakayamuni Buddha. Leave the village, we follow the Oma Chu River (Oma – Milk, Chu – water) which has to cross numbers of time including side stream. At some place path is well defined and at some point it’s exposed, Keep walking on valley floor till reaching to the Lingshed Sumdo. In Ladakhi language the confluence of the two rivers or streams is called “sumdo”, therefore Lingshed Sumdo where two rivers or stream joins. Is base camp of Barmila Pass. Night in camp.

It’s around three hours of climb to the pass whereas last 300 mtrs stretch is bit challenging when it get steeper. One or two patches are bit slippery and bit narrower. Once at the pass prayer flags on Chhorten flatters and is believed that wind horses bring the message of peace imprinted in flags and spread in the atmosphere. Awe-inspiring view of snowcapped peaks. When descending Lingshed village and its monastery is seen from far distance. After while again trail goes up passing by some houses and farm land to join the village and monastery to visit and the camp site. Its long tiring day but is worth to be here to explore the village life. Night in camp.

After breakfast, follow uphill zig-zag route, which at the place is strenuous and some places it is gradual till reaching at the top of Hanamu-la. In spite of difficulties you will be rewarded by view of enchanting landscape and Lingshed village. From the pass trail descend following the small stream, in summer temporary wooden bridge is placed to cross the stream Or can be easily crossable as its small. Continue descending for few hundred mtrs till reaching to the camp site. Night in camp.

Trail goes down to the Oma tokpo river, cross the river by bridge, than uphill zig-zag trail goes to the top of the Parfila, the last pass of the trek which provide magnificent view of Zanskar mountains, Zanskar river flowing at the beneath of the pass. Descend to the valley is spectacular high over the valley floor. After two hours of the trek you will be reached at the Hanamul village. Night in camp.

Trail goes down to the Oma tokpo river, cross the river by bridge, than uphill zig-zag trail goes to the top of the Parfila, the last pass of the trek which provide magnificent view of Zanskar mountains, Zanskar river flowing at the beneath of the pass. Descend to the valley is spectacular high over the valley floor. After two hours of the trek you will be reached at the Hanamul village. Night in camp.

Short walk to road head to meet the driver to follow the visit to Zangala, the ancient capital of Zanskar kingdom, Fort in ruin is still visited is the architectural example of the valley, located strategically on the rocky outcrop high above to have the village in clear view. Stroll in the village to admire the local rustic houses and to encounter the villages. Next stop is at Stongdey monastery. Located high above the village on the cliff. Provide the stunning beauty of its surrounding mountains and the valley where Zanskar river born after confluence of Doada and Tserap rivers which flows in middle throughout. Eleventh century monastery belongs to Gelukpa order is the second largest of monastic institution. Around 60 Lamas reside here. After lunch drive to Karsha monastery, stunningly located above Karsha village is very much picturesque. It belongs to gelugpa order (yellow hate) of Tibetan Buddhism, it was founded by the translator, Phagspa Shesra. Monastery house wall paintings, Statue of Avaloketeshwara and many more statues, where resides around 40 monks who perform the prayers and other activities. At the end of the day drive to Padum, a tiny hamlet is administrative headquarter of Zanskar and is the center where people buy and sell their products. Night in hotel / home stay/ guest house.

Leave early, on the way Stop at Bardan, monastery belongs to Drukpa sect of Budhism. Follow the opposite flow of TSerap River passing by the village of Reru and Cha. Once at Purani you can take advantage to drive on a very rough trail for few kms to cut short the distance. Here onward follow the opposite flow of Lungnak River by a scenic narrow valley till Phuktal Gompa. Phuktal Gompa, the site which is a unique attraction due to the way it is built in the cliffy lime stone cave high above the Lungnak river flowing at its beneath. It belongs to the tradition of the Gelugpas (Yellow hats). The spring that gurgles deep in the cave is still out of bound to the women. The Hungarian historian Cosma de Koros stayed there over the winter of 1825-26. It houses the mural paintings, statues, library where stored the sacred books and around 70 monks live here. One can meet the monks who may be busy in their daily routine schedule. Back to purne by same way. Night in fix camp or in home stay.

Last day of breath-taking drive across last villages Tanje and Kargyak of Zanskar valley, following the Kargyak Chhu where stand the Gombo Rangjum peak “ The symbole of Zanskar” dominant the valley, You may be will encounter the herds of Yaks or other livestoks. Gradual drive to the top of Shingola (5090m), the gate way between Lahoul valley (Himachal) and Zanskar (Ladkah). Enjoy the stunning beauty of snow-capped mountains and glacier below lies which reminds the old trekking route of grand traverse of Zanskar .Take long descend till the bank of Zanskar Chhu (river) and reach the first villages of Lahoul. Passport check required at Darcha. Drive through valley by accompany of hanging glaciers, Pristine Mountain ranges, through several villages of Lahoul. You will take newly built Atal Tunnel. You have left behind the high altitude desert land of Ladakh and Zanskar, semi desert of Lahoul region, now you will be entering to the lush green valley of Kullu. If time allows, evening one can walk to explore the old Manali village with its typical mountain houses, the temple of saint Manu who is believed to be the first man on earth, night in hotel.

Leave to visit pagoda shape wooden temple of Goddess Hadimba that is famous for its association with Mahabharata, located in middle of giant cedar forest. Further to Nagar castle is a mountain architecture example of the valley. Over view on another wooden temple of Pagoda shape dedicated to Goddess Tripura sundry, the well-known art Gallery of Russian painter Nicolas Roerich, Stroll in typical Himalayan village. Evening back to Manali. Night in the hotel.

Drive through several villages of Himachal, Afternoon reach Chandigarh: a city designed by the famous Swiss architect Le Corbusier. Visit the Rock Garden which is an epitome of creativity & innovation. (Summer opening hour is -9 Am to 19 pm. autumn- Winter is 9 am to 17 pm. Schedule is sub. to change without prior information.) A unique garden consists of various art objects. But the best part about the rock garden is that each of its artwork has been made by using industrial & urban waste & is one of the most visited sites. Evening train to Delhi. India meal for dinner will be served on board, its bit spicy but is an opportunity to savor the different delicious delicacy. On arrival in Delhi you will be welcomed and transferred by our representative. Night in a Hotel.

Evening fly back Morning visit grand mosque of old Delhi (closed on prayer hours), built in 1656 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Visit spice market and colourful streets of Chandani chowk by Tricycle rickshaw to mingle with real Indian folk. Over view on majestic Red Fort. Visit Sikh temple (Gurudwara Bangala Sahib) is the biggest temple of Sikh in Delhi. Take over view of India gate which is memorial to 74,187 soldiers of the Indian Army who died between 1914 and 1921 in the First World War, Pass by president house and house of Parliament of the largest democracy of the world. Few hours to buy the souvenir before entering to the hotel for wash and change to be fresh (if clients wish to do so?) otherwise transfer to international airport to board your flight to your onward destination.
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Cost

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What's Inside the Package?

Inclusions

checkAll ground transportation as per itinerary

checkAirport and railway station transfer

checkDouble / twin sharing room in 3* hotels in Delhi, A class hotel in Leh (equivalent to 3*), Manali standard neat and clean.

checkAll meals during the trek, lunch is packed

checkEnglish speaking local guide

checkDelhi-Leh flight in economy class

checkDuring the trek transport of baggage by Mule/ horses

checkA spacious tent for two persons, foam mattresses.Dining tent, toilet tent, camping chair (Tabouret)

checkA kitchen team with all necessary items

checkMonuments / monastery visiting fee as per itinerary

checkMedical box with an oxygen bottle.

Exclusions

closeBeverage (Soft and alcoholic including bottle water)

closePersonal expenses and repatriation

closeEarly check-in or late check-out at any hotels

closeTips to guide/cook, porters/ horseman, drivers and in hotels / restaurant

closeVideo and still camera fee where applicable

closeSleeping bag

closeAny expenses if occur due to unforeseen circumstances such as to delay or cancelation of flights, weather condition, land slide, political unrest, sickness or any other circumstances beyond our control

closeRefund to unused services.

closeSingle room/ tents surcharge and personal porters to carry the day bag

closeInsurance covering rescue, medical expenses, repatriation, cancelation of trip and baggage lost etc.

Highlights

  • Leh, Once the important halt of the caravan of silk route on bank of Indus River
  • Visit Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh-Zanskar and Hindu temple of Kullu-Manali
  • Offbeat track between Kanji and Lingshed
  • Interaction with hospitable people and monks
  • Magnificent multicolor hue and snow caped mountains
  • Stunning view of different topographical valleys
  • High altitude Pasture of seasonal nomadic settlement
  • Crossing Icy chilled stream
  • Trekking over five passes + one by road
  • Highest point of the trek: Kanjila (5150) and Shingo la (5090m) by road
  • Lush green Kullu valley and semi desert of remote Lahoul.

General Information

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All the cancellation must be in written and signed by the person who signed the booking form and will be effective from the date of the reception by the company. 1:60 days or more before departure The agency will refund the entire paid amount to his client deducting the registration fee (€ 40 per persons or equivalent in other currency), bank charges subject to the bank policies, when booking domestic flights, the Cancellation fee subject to airline policies at present or if the tickets are non- refundable in that case the full amount of the ticket will be retained. The hotels are reserved and must be paid in advance; the company will apply the cancellation policies of hotels. Cancelation charge for train tickets and other ground transport and related services if needed to be booked in advance. Hence the remaining amount will be refunded after deducting all above cancelling policies applied for different services. 2: 40 Days before departure The agency will refund the 50% of paid amount to his client deducting the registration fee (€ 40 per persons or equivalent in other currency), The agency will refund the 50% of paid amount to his client deducting the registration fee (€ 40 per persons or equivalent in other currency), bank charges subject to the bank policies, when booking domestic flights, the Cancellation fee subject to airline policies at present or if the tickets are non- refundable in that case the full amount of the ticket will be retained. The hotels are reserved and must be paid in advance; the company will apply the cancellation policies of hotels. Cancelation charges of train tickets and other ground transport and related services if needed to be booked in advance. Hence the remaining amount will be refunded after deducting all above cancelation policies applied for different services. Less than 30 days before departure The agency will be obliged to withhold the full amount of the deposit paid by the customer. In this case, the customer must inform their insurance as soon as possible and provide as much documentation to support the cancellation of trip. It is therefore h3ly advised to take out cancellation insurance to cover such expenses.

Itinerary / hotels are sub. to change in case of strike, civil war threaten, you may be will lose expected places you have prepared for but will explore unexpected and for sure will not disappointed. In case of Vehicle break down another mode of transport will be managed at the earliest possible, In that case you are requested to keep patience. And co-operate with the situation. To save the time you can be transferred by the alternative vehicle whatever is available at the moment as of local bus till you will be not having the proper mode of transport.

Accommodation is based on Twin / Double sharing on 3 star category in cities, In rural charming hotels, neat and clean local standards of hotels will be provided where choices are limited. Single room will be with a supplement charge.Breakfast is included and served in hotel. Meals as Lunch and dinner are not included. Indian recipes are bit on spicy side, we advise to avoid the street food and fresh salad.

Sub. to the group size, Car, Toyota Innova and Minibus will be provided. All vehicle will be air-conditioned, except in hilly area air-condition of any vehicle cannot be regularly used due to steep uphill drive, so you have to co-operate with.

Road in this part of Himalayan foot hill has been improved quite as compare to few year back. But still certain stretches can be found rough. Rainfall is noticed in monsoon season from july till mid Sep can cause the road block. To regulate the situation the team at the spot will do the best possible at the moment. Road in India are regularly being widen, So please don’t compare the driving time as estimated in developed nation.

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