SEASON: July – September MAX. ALTITUDE: 5100m

Board the Volvo Coach to Manali by evening. O/N bus journey

The participants arrive in Manali. Spend the day exploring the town. O/N Manali

Once the trek commences, the landscape changes dramatically. The trail leads past Chikka and Rarik, the last villages in Lahaul before Zanskar.

The trail leads through boulder fields before arriving at the campsite at Zanskar Sumdo.

It is difficult walk since the trail climbs almost 800m to reach the next camping site at the base of Shingo La.

Be prepared for a steep climb to reach to the top of Shingo La (5100m). However, it is an easy descent from the pass to the campsite in the Zanskar Range.

Today you will walk through the plains of Zanskar. The Gumburanjon Monastery looks majestic and it will be visible till Kargyak, the first village in Zanskar.

The trail follows the Kargyak River till mid day. After crossing Tanze (another village in Zanskar) bridge, it continues on the left bank of same river till you reach Purni.

About two and a half hours walk from Purni takes you to the magnificent monastery of Phuktal. Do not forget to take a torch to view the magnificent frescoes inside.

It's about 5-hour's walk along the Zanskar River. The trek through the gorge has the river accompanying you all the way.

It is a wonderful walk through the village of Ichar. Further along, after crossing the river, you get to Raru.

Walking further, you will pass through Mune and Bardan Gompa. Mune monastery is a fine example of the traditional Tibetan architecture whereas the Bardan monastery is built on the huge rock along the river.

Karsha is the largest and the most important monastery in the Zanskar region. It lies North of Padum, towards Yalang and can be reached after crossing the Doda River (Stood River). The monastery houses more than 150 yellow capped monks, who are headed by younger brother of Dalai Lama. It contains a big library. On the way to the monastery, one passes the Chamber Ling temple, which dates back to the 11th Century.

The trail is easy, often following the Zanskar River. Before Pishu, make a little detour to see the longest hanging bridge over the Zanskar.

The trail continues on the left bank. While the path is mostly easy, a moraine or two needs to be crossed on the way.

The path now leads away from the Zanskar River, up to the plateau, then to the foot of the Parfi La. The climb to the pass is steep and difficult. After the pass, the descent is rather sudden and equally steep, until you reach the Oma Chu River. Walking further and after crossing a bridge, you will reach the campsite.

The ascent to the Anuma La pass goes through gorges and a kilometer of steep descent after the pass and a climb for half a kilometer will bring you to the campsite.

It's an hour's easy climb up to Margum La (4100m). Descending from there, you reach the Zanskar River again. After passing the villages of Gongma and Skiumpata, a steep ascent will take you to Kuba La (3800m). Continue climbing up to the base of Sengge la (5060m).

It takes about two hours to reach on the top of the pass, and then a short descent opens out in a broad valley. After an easy walk, climb up to Boumitse La (4200m). Then descend to Photoksar.

A long ascent from Photoksar takes you to Sirsir La. From the pass, descend to the river, cross a bridge and after passing a stony valley, arrive at the campsite.

From Hanupatta, continue across the slope until entering the gorge. Follow the path till you cross a ridge, and then go down until you reach a bridge across the Yapola. A beautiful Gompa welcomes you at the campsite.

Go up the Shill Kong along the right bank, cross it then arrive in Shilla village. After passing this village you will arrive at a broad chorten, and then follow a dry gorge as far as the Prinkiti La (3762m). Cross the river after the pass and walk towards Lamayuru.

After breakfast drive for full day excursion of Shey Palace, Thiksey and Hemis Monastery and Stok Palace Museum. Return Leh in the evening. O/N Leh

Laze around the Mall and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the town. O/N Manali

Reach Delhi by morning. Trip ends