Trek to Chilling Zanskar

This morning, we fly over the Himalayan mountain range which offers us a breathtaking view of its mountains with gigantic glaciers and dazzling peaks. However, we then perceive the fertile valleys of Leh, north of the imposing Indus river (flight subject to weather conditions). Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel.

Free day to relax and acclimatize to the altitude (3,500 m). Late afternoon, stroll through the streets of Leh and its bazaars. Once, the city was an important commercial hub on the Silk Road from China.

With its 9 storeys, the Nyamgal Palace stands imposingly over the city, making it a mini-version of the Potala Palace in Lhassa.

Rafting enthusiasts will enjoy this day. We can either go to Nemo or enjoy (optional) a rafting descent on the waters of the Indus from Phey to Nemo, where we stop for lunch, after this 2½ hour adventure. From there, we drive approximately two hours through the valley on a difficult track, following the Zanskar River upstream from Chilling (3180m). Chilling is a magnificent small village, where metallurgy is still practiced. It is said that the origins of its inhabitants would be from Nepal.

After breakfast, we start our trek from a narrow valley and follow a river. Along the way, we encounter aged Stupas & Mani stones. We then make a quick ascent towards the base of Dundunchen La, winding along a sinuous path. It is a short day, as we gain considerable altitude.
Walking time : 3-4 hours

This morning, we start with a steep climb for approximately 3 to 4 hours until we reach the summit of Dundunchen La (4800m), allowing us to enjoy an incredible view of the Stok mountain range up to Kangyatse and the Indus valley. After the pass, we take a gradual descent towards Lanak, the other base of Dundunchen La. We then arrive at a magnificent spot near a grove of willows and wild roses, then from the river, we climb for an hour gradually to the small village of Sumda Chenmo(3900m). Sumda Chenmo has an old monastery and a few dwellings, where you can see metalworkers practicing their trade.
Walking time : 5-6 hours

Today, we continue our ascent in the valley until we reach the small shepherd huts established at Sumdo Phu. From there, we still have a short hour's walk along the river. Upon arrival, we will set up our camp for the night, at 3,800m altitude.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours

We cross pastures where herds of yaks graze, and pass through the Konke La pass (4,900 m), another fantastic viewpoint over the Zanskar peaks and the Stok mountain range. We then lose altitude by taking a steep downhill path, before arriving at our camp (3,800 m), located in the pastures.
Walking time : 4-5 hours

Today, we descend to the village of Hinju, then into the Ripchar valley until the village of Phenjila. We then arrive in a beautiful but narrow gorge with colored rocks. We cross natural arches and a few bridges before reaching Sumdo, the meeting point of three valleys. We pass through the valley finding it to our right and follow the river for another two hours to camp in the village of Hanupatta. The latter, relatively larger than the others, contains Mani stones and Chortens. We camp near the river, a little beyond the village at 3,850m.
Walking time : 6-7 hours

After breakfast, we follow a pleasant path for about half an hour before gradually progressing for another 45 minutes until we reach two small settlements. From there, we climb gently for another hour and a half, admiring the captivating landscape of colored rocks and snow-capped peaks, as we pass by juniper bushes and wild roses. After reaching an irrigation pond, we leave the main Zanskar trail and take the one on the left side, crossing a small river before climbing a ridge. We walk along the right bank of the river to reach another small ridge and climb for another half hour to the summit, to enjoy a very beautiful view of the surrounding valley. We continue to climb gradually beyond the shepherd's huts to reach our camp at the base of Sniugutse La at 4,500m.
Walking time: 4-5 hours

Today, we can observe marmots and ibex. We follow the right bank of the river for about an hour, then we venture into a narrow gorge with jagged rocks, then climb steeply to the summit of the Sniugutse La (5100m). Prayer flags fluttering in the wind stand out against the superb view overlooking the Zanskar mountain. We then descend on a steep and winding trail for about 20 minutes before gaining altitude again for an hour. We cross another small stream and pass other shepherd's huts, and arrive at a river that we cross several times. After the last crossing, a final difficult ascent before we slow down in view of the camp located at the base of a pass (4767m).
Walking time: 4-5 hours

In the morning, we take a zigzag path to the summit of a pass (5390m). The trek is intense and will last an hour and a half. At the summit, your efforts will be rewarded with panoramic views of the colorful valley and surrounding photographs, including that of Tsomothang. An easy descent takes us to a beautiful spot near a spring, where we set up our camp at 5,300m.
Walking time: 4-5 hours

Today, trek to High Camp (5520m), meeting place for mountaineers attempting to climb Pic Tsomotang. We can admire the beauty of the glaciers and K2. Return to camp.
Hiking time: 6 hours

Today, we descend from the valley and follow a river that we cross several times until we reach the small village of Dumbur with its large prayer wheel. We then continue to the picturesque village of Kanji (3850m), where we get the impression of having returned to civilization due to the many shops and many passersby.

Today, the trek is pleasant, and if we are lucky, we may catch a glimpse of ibex and marmots.
Walking time : 5 hours

After breakfast, leaving the village behind, we pass through cultivated fields and follow the river which we then cross via a small wooden bridge. Then, we walk along the right bank of the Kong river which we must cross several times to reach a narrow valley inhabited by shepherds, before following a small path leading to Kanji La base camp. The camp is at 4,390m.
Walking time : 6 hours

Today, we take a steep and rocky trail to the summit of Kanji La (5250m). From camp, we climb steeply for approximately 2 hours until we reach a small ridge. Then, we walk across a moraine and rocky terrain to the base of the pass, from which we follow a narrow and steep path to the summit (the summit of the pass is likely to be snow-covered). Prayer flags dance in the winds and fantastic views of the Nun Kun massifs and the Zanskar mountains welcome us at the summit. From the pass, we will have a two-hour descent over rocky terrain to a narrow and dark gorge. We cross the river. Camping at Mapollan.
Walking time: 7 hours

This day takes us through meadows of alpine wildflowers. We follow a stream until we reach the road. We walk to Rangdum Gompa (3667m), situated at the top of a hill and covering a large area. The Rangdum monastery was founded in the early 16th century and currently houses around 40 monks. The entire monastery also has a small school. We descend to the road and continue a little further to a charming camp at Tashitongde where we end our trek.
Walking time: 5 hours

Another scenic day as we cross the Parkachik La pass with exceptional views of the Parkachik Glacier. We then venture into the most picturesque valley of Ladakh - the Suru Valley, which is also known as the Granary of Ladakh, because of its verdant hills scattered with flowers. The peaks of Nun (7135 m) and Kun (7087 m) form a magnificent backdrop over these lush pastures.

Overnight at the hotel in Kargil.

After breakfast, we head towards Srinagar via Dras, the second coldest place in India. We enjoy spectacular views of the famous Tiger Hill and other snow-capped peaks. After a stop in Drass, where our passports are checked at the military checkpoint, we continue our journey towards Zojila, a pass at 3,527m. Here, a noticeable change takes place: the colorful and barren mountain landscapes of Ladakh give way to the verdant hills of Kashmir.

After crossing Zojila, we drive to Srinagar via Sonamarg. Upon arrival, hotel check-in and relaxation for the rest of the day. In the evening, there will be a shikara (a small boat) on Nigee Lake. (optional).

Today, early morning transfer to Srinagar airport for your return flight to Delhi.

Arrival in Delhi and transfer to the hotel where we have the opportunity to freshen up.

Free evening to explore the local bazaars of the city.

In the late evening, we are transferred to Delhi international airport to take flights to your respective destinations.