Zanskar trek from Stongde to Phuktal

Accomodation
5 Star Hotel
Admission Fee
No
Arrival City
Pokhara
Best Season
Autumn
Free Cancellation
Yes
Wifi
Available
Walking Hours
5-6 Hours
Transportation
Taxi
Meeting Point
Hotel
Departure City
Kathmandu
Guide
Guided
Hotel Transfer
Available
Insurance Coverage
Covered 90%
Language
Hindi
Maximum Altitude
8848m
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Mineral Water
Available
Tour Availability
Available
Payment Method
VISA

Duration: 5 days
Difficulty: level 3
Distance: 87 km
Max elevation: 5140m
Elevation gain / loss: +2534m / -2327m

This trek takes you off the beaten track to remote parts of Zanskar. After crossing the Stongde La, you will reach Shade, one of the most isolated villages of Zanskar. Then, you will follow the Tsarap river to the spectacular Phuktal monastery which is located at the mouth of a huge cave.

Day 01 :

Stongde - Stongde La - Junction

Time: 8-10 hrs
Distance: 17.0 km
Elevation gain / loss: +1557m / -873m

visit the monastery of Stongde situated 300m above the valley and offering a superb view of the surrounding mountains and villages
long walk to cross the Stongde La, the only pass of the trek, and descend to the junction near the river

Day 02 :

Junction - Shade

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 17.0 km
Elevation gain / loss: +238m / -300m

walk along the river until you reach an intersection where you enter the valley leading to the village of Shade
walk around the village, one of the most remote of Zanskar

Day 03 :

Shade - Phuktal

Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 21.3 km
Elevation gain / loss: +104m / -392m

walk down to the main valley and continue to Tantak village
follow the trail to Phuktal monastery, the gompa is spectacularly located at the mouth of a huge cave high up in the vertical mountainside
meet the resident monks and spend time visiting around the monastery

Day 04 :

Phuktal - Changpa Tsetan

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 15.6 km
Elevation gain / loss: +280m / -383m

walk through the villages of Purne, Zamdang, Kyalbok and Sule before reaching Changpa Tsetan

Day 05 :

Changpa Tsetan - Raru

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 16.0 km
Elevation gain / loss: +355m / -379m

follow the river until the village of Raru

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.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

Zanskar trek from Stongde to Phuktal

Zanskar trek from Stongde to Phuktal

Trip Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map