Zanskar high route from Photoksar to Darsha

On the high route between Nierak and Zangla

Through the high route discover the wild landscape between Photoksar and Zangla, the jewel of Zanskar, then continue to Padum with its unique wooden mosque. On the way to Darsha stop in Phuktal to visit its unique monastery hanging on the the rocks. From Darsha, end of this trek either return to Leh on decide to continue to Manali.

This is a very demanding 13 days long trek with 5 passes at or above 5000m. The High route will require long days of walking (7h to 8h) as camping sites are scarce. This is a trek in full autonomy with horses carrying food and tents.

Total positive elevation gain : 7500m Total trekking time : 72 hours

Itinerary :

Day 1 : Arrival at Photoksar, visit to the village (2km apart from the trek start ) and camp

Day 2 : From Photoksar to Yulchung through the Sengge La

Day 3 : Yulchung to Nierak

Day 4 : from Nierak to a camp after the Laber-La (beginning of the high route to Zangla) (very long day with 10h walking, possibility to cut this leg in two parts if there is enough water to camp)

Day 5 : From the camp after the Laber-La to Zangla through the Namtse-La  (end of the high route, long day again with 9h walking)

Day 6 : Short day from Zangla to Padum (possibility to take a public bus to experience local transportation), camp in Padum.

Day 7 : From Padum to Raru alongside the Tsarap river

Day 8 : From Raru to Cha along side the Tsarap River

Day 9 : From Cha to Pukthal to visit the monastery and return along the Tsarap river to Testa

Day 10 : from Testa to Kargyak

Day 11: From Kargyak to Lakang Sumdo , passing alongside the impressive Gumbaranjun peak.

Day 12 : From Lakang Sumdo to Zanskar Sumdo through the Shingo-La

Day 13 : From Zanskar sumdo to Darsha, end of the trek