SEASON: July – September MAX. ALTITUDE: 5450m

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

Drive from Solang to Jispa over Rohtang La and Keylong, the main town of Lahaul valley.

Today is again a drive to the base camp at Kilan Serai over Baralacha La, from where the trek starts the next day.

The trail now narrows down till a river is crossed. After this, the terrain becomes more barren. Gradually the track becomes steeper as it leads towards the 5450m-high Phirtse La. The trail now winds upward on the right bank of the Lingti Chu River until it finally reaches Debni.

The day's trek involves crossing 4 canyons and a river, Khamerup. A steep climb from the valley leads to a small pass. Descend from the pass to Chumikmarpo, the base for Phirtse La.

The trail now leads away from the river and up the slope till you come to the Zingchen Pass (4650m). You can have a breathtaking view of Zanskar valley from the top of the pass. The path then descends to Tanze, a small village with a Gompa.

After crossing a bridge and walking across a moraine, arrive at Kuru. Descending from there, you will arrive at the village of Teta. The trail continues down to the river. From the left bank, ascend the gentle slope up to Jal. Cross a large bridge to reach Purni.

Following a trail on the left bank of the Tsarap into splendid gorges, you will reach the Phuktal monastery, one of the most spectacular sights in Zanskar. With a library, prayer rooms, abbot's chamber and the grave of Gangsem Sherap Sampo, the founder of Phutkul, the Gompa is a must-visit.

This day's walk goes over classic moonscape. Eroded rocks assume all forms and colours, and in the distance, the Ankara peaks emerge majestically. Kargyak is the last village of the Zanskar region, from where you enter Lahaul.

Lakhang lies at the base of Shingo La (5100m). A gradual walk through barren moonscape with the mighty peaks of the Zanskar region looming over the trail finally ends at Lakhang.

A steep ascent to the saddle of the pass is rewarded at the top by some of the most awesome views in the Himalaya. To the north, lie the Zanskar Mountains while to the south lies the Lahaul range. Another steep descent later, the campsite of Chumiknakpo is reached.

The trail now proceeds over rugged, barren countryside and it is a fairly easy walk. A short while after a river is crossed; the campsite of Zanskar Sumdo appears.

The mountain desert gradually gives way to a few trees and shrubs. After fording two rivers and a winding trail, you finally reach Darcha on the banks of the Bhaga River.

Drive via Keylong, Tandi, Khoksar and Rohtang La to Manali.

Depart from Manali by evening. O/N bus journey

Reach Delhi by morning. Trip ends