Zanskar trek from Rangdum to Padum

Accomodation
3 star hotel
Admission Fee
No
Arrival City
Pune
Departure City
Ladakh
Wifi
Available
Walking Hours
5-6 Hours
Meeting Point
Hotel
Best Season
Autumn
Free Cancellation
Yes
Guide
Guided
Hotel Transfer
Available
Insurance Coverage
Covered 80%
Language
English
Maximum Altitude
8848m
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Mineral Water
Available
Payment Method
VISA
Tour Availability
Available
Transportation
Bus, Taxi

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.

Day 01 :

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 02 :

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 03 :

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 04 :

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 05 :

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 06 :

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 07 :

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 08 :

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 09 :

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

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 Rangdum to Padum

Zanskar trek from Rangdum to Padum

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