Darcha Padam Trek

Darcha Padam Trek

Best time: End of June to October

Duration: 11 Days

Short description: Leaving from Padum, this classical trek leads through the splendid Lungnak Gorge with Bardan, Mune and Phukthal monasteries. Just one pass to cross over to Tartse Sumdo (Darcha) in Himachal Pradesh, on the Leh to Manali road.

Day 1: Manali to Darcha, 8 hours By bus or taxi.

Day 2: Darcha to Palmo, 4-5 hours
From Darcha follow the trek until the last hamlet and then a good footpath. Pass through a spectacular gorge.

Day 3: Palmo to Zanskar Sumdo, 5 hours
Continue on the left bank until reaching a second ford. Then go up the right hand valley. There is good path on the sides of the stream.

Day 4: Zanskar Sumdo to Chumig Nagpo
From the camp climb moderate slopes to the foot of Pass Shingoo-La. There are some small streams to cross, the ground flattens out and the path zigzags through a Moraine.

Day 5: Chumig Nagpo to Lakhang, 5 to 6 hours
Go across the Shingoo-La (5100 m)

Day 6: Lakhang to Kargyak
An easy descent towards Kargyak.

Day 7: Kargyak to Purni, 5 to 6 hours
A short distance beyond Tanze, a bridge links to the left bank - monotonous going across morainic terrain. A slight rise leading to Kuru, major settlement of livestock breeders.

Day 8 : Punre Phuktal – Purne, 5/6 hrs . Today you going to see one of the most beautiful monastery of the zanskar. Camp at Purne.

Day 9: Purni to Ammu , 4/5  hours, trek then drive to Karsha Camp at Karsha .

Day 10 : Karsha to Mulbeck drive of 8/9 hrs jeep.

Day 11: Mulbeck to Leh : en route visit Lamayuru and  Alchi monateries.