Zanskar trek from Padum to Lamayuru

Accomodation
5 star hotel
Admission Fee
No
Arrival City
Pune
Best Season
Autumn
Departure City
Kathmandu
Free Cancellation
Yes
Language
Marathi
Wifi
Available
Walking Hours
5-6 Hours
Guide
Guided
Hotel Transfer
Available
Insurance Coverage
Covered 90%
Maximum Altitude
8838m
Meals
Dinner
Mineral Water
Available
Meeting Point
Hotel
Payment Method
VISA
Tour Availability
Available
Transportation
Bus, Taxi

Duration: 10 days
Difficulty: level 4
Distance: 149 km
Max elevation: 5009m
Elevation gain / loss: +5463m / -5658m

This 10-day trek takes you through the heartland of Zanskar. You will pass through dramatic landscapes and visit charming villages and ancient monasteries.
There is an interesting option to modify the last part of the itinerary. From Photoksar, instead of going to Lamayuru, you could go to Kanji via the Nyigutse La and the Yokma La. Contact us for more details.

Day 01 :

Padum - Karsha

Time: 3-4 hrs
Distance: 11.2 km
Elevation gain / loss: +174m / -77m

it’s an easy walk from Padum to Karsha
possibility to drive from Padum to Karsha
visit Karsha monastery, the largest and the most important gompa in Zanskar with a community of 120 monks
homestay possibility in Karsha

Day 02 :

Karsha - Pishu

Time: 4-5 hrs
Distance: 16.9 km
Elevation gain / loss: +0m / -251m

walk to the village of Pishu
homestay possibility in Pishu

Day 03 :

Pishu - Hanamur

Time: 4-5 hrs
Distance: 15.4 km
Elevation gain / loss: +150m / -141m

walk along the Zanskar river, pass through the small village of Pidmo and you reach Hanamur
this area is home to the Himalayan brown bears and blue sheep

Day 04 :

Hanamur - Purfi La - Snertse

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 12.4 km
Elevation gain / loss: +938m / -610m

follow the steep path leading to the Purfi La pass
cross the Omachu river and walk up to Snertse

Day 05 :

Snertse - Hanuma La - Lingshed

Time: 8-9 hrs
Distance: 17.8 km
Elevation gain / loss: +1253m / -1119m

follow the stream towards the Hanuma La
from the pass, enjoy the panoramic view of the rugged Zanskar mountains
descend the zigzag trail leading to Lingshed
homestay possibility in Lingshed

Day 06 :

Lingshed - Singge La Base Camp

Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 11.9 km
Elevation gain / loss: +976m / -356m

visit the beautiful monastery of Lingshed. Belonging to the Gelugpa order, it is home to more than 60 monks
cross the Kyukpa La and the Margum La and walk to the Singge La base camp

Day 07 :

Singge La Base Camp - Singge La - Photoksar

Time: 7-8 hrs
Distance: 20.1 km
Elevation gain / loss: +689m / -1049m

ascend the Singge La and enjoy the spectacular
it’s a steep descent into the wide valley of Photang
cross the small Bumiktse La before reaching Photoksar village
homestay possibility in Photoksar

Day 08 :

Photoksar - Sir Sir La - Hanupatta

Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 16.6 km
Elevation gain / loss: +690m / -1117m

cross the Sir Sir La and walk down to Hanupatta
homestay possibility in Hanupatta

Day 09 :

Hanupatta - Wanla

Time: 5 hrs
Distance: 17.5 km
Elevation gain / loss: +0m / -569m

walk along the river and go through some nice villages and lush green barley fields
homestay is available in Wanla

Day 10 :

Wanla - Prinkti La - Lamayuru

Time: 4-5 hrs
Distance: 9.1 km
Elevation gain / loss: +592m / -369m

walk through the gorge and slowly move up to the Prinkti La
go down from the pass and cross the river to finally arrive in Lamayuru
you can visit the monastery of Lamayuru, one of the oldest gompas in Ladakh

FAQs

Expand all

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Zanskar trek from Padum to Lamayuru

Zanskar trek from Padum to Lamayuru

Trip Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map