Hemis to Tso Moriri
Zanskar trek from Rangdum to Padum
Duration: 9 days
Difficulty: level 4
Distance: 128 km
Max elevation: 5019m
Elevation gain / loss: +4163m / -4628m
The first part of this trek, between Rangdum and Lingshed, follows a seldom used path through isolated valleys of Zanskar. After visiting the fascinating Lingshed gompa, you will head to Padum, the capital of the region. On the way, you will pass through many charming villages where you will discover the everyday life of the Zanskari people and their unique culture.
Itinerary
Day 1: Rangdum - Junction
Time: 4-5 hrs
Distance: 13.2 km
Elevation gain / loss: +239m / -0m
| - | visit the Rangdum gompa before you start the trek |
| - | follow the river up to the junction, you will need to cross the river several times |
Day 2: Junction - Pikdong La - Dibling
Time: 8-9 hrs
Distance: 20.3 km
Elevation gain / loss: +752m / -1114m
| - | the climb to the Pikdong La is long and the pass is visible only at the end |
| - | from the pass, enjoy the views of the Zanskar mountains and the Nun-Kun peaks |
| - | the descent to Dibling village is steep and fast |
Day 3: Dibling - Lingshed Sumdo
Time: 3 hrs
Distance: 9.4 km
Elevation gain / loss: +0m / -203m
| - | after an hour walk from Dibling village, enter the gorge leading to Lingshed Sumdo. You will need to cross the river several times |
Day 4: Lingshed Sumdo - Lingshed
Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 11.5 km
Elevation gain / loss: +974m / -797m
| - | the climb to Barmi La is long but quite easy |
| - | visit the beautiful monastery of Lingshed. Belonging to the Gelugpa order, it is home to more than 60 monks |
| - | homestay possibility in Lingshed |
Day 5: Lingshed - Hanuma La - Snertse
Time: 7-8 hrs
Distance: 17.8 km
Elevation gain / loss: +1119m / -1253m
| - | walk through Lingshed village and move towards the Hanuma La |
| - | you will have a spectacular view from the pass |
Day 6: Snertse - Purfi La - Hanamur
Time: 4-5 hrs
Distance: 12.4 km
Elevation gain / loss: +610m / -938m
| - | cross the Purfi La and walk along the Zanskar river up to Hanamur village |
Day 7: Hanamur - Pishu
Time: 4-5 hrs
Distance: 15.4 km
Elevation gain / loss: +141m / -150m
| - | follow the Zanskar river |
| - | walk through Pidmo, a tiny village with a few households, before reaching the village of Pishu |
| - | homestay can be arranged in Pishu |
Day 8: Pishu - Karsha
Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 16.9 km
Elevation gain / loss: +251m / -0m
| - | walk to the village of Karsha |
| - | visit the Karsha gompa, the biggest in Zanskar |
| - | homestay can be arranged in Karsha |
Day 9: Karsha - Padum
Time: 3 hrs
Distance: 11.2 km
Elevation gain / loss: +77m / -174m
| - | easy walk to Padum, the capital of Zanskar |
| - | possibility to drive from Karsha to Padum |
| - | homestay is available in Padum |
Getting to / from the trek
| - | Rangdum is 350 km from Leh and you can drive there in one long day |
| - | Padum is 450 km from Leh and it is usually covered in two days with an overnight stay in Kargil |
It is worth taking some extra time to stop and visit the highlights in the area, check the Zanskar and Indus valley tour for more details.
All the itineraries can be customized to suit your own special interests, preferences and abilities. Please contact us for more information.
