Day 01: From Leh to Shang Sumo via Martselang (2½ hrs drive)

We will kick-start our trek by leaving Leh in a jeep to the starting point at Martselang, which is situated at an altitude of 3600 m. Along the way, we will make a stop at Shey, the first palace of Ladakh, before heading to the renowned Yellow Sect monastery of Thikse. This monastery is home to one of the biggest Buddha sculptures, known as the future Buddha. Our next stop will be Hemis, the most prominent Drukpa monastery of Ladakh, which was constructed in the early 17th century. After exploring these landmarks, we will continue our journey to Martselang, the entry point to Hemis National Park. Here, we may catch a glimpse of rare high altitude animals such as Snow leopard, Tibetan Wolves, the great Tibetan Sheep, and the Golden Eagle. Finally, we will begin our trek to Shang Sumdo, a charming village located at an altitude of 3700 m.

Day 02: From Shang Sumdo to Lartsa (6 hrs)

On the second day of our trek, we will traverse through the stunning gorge of Shang, gradually ascending and admiring the captivating colors, shapes, and rock formations of the gorge. We will pass by the small village of Chogdo before reaching our campsite at Lartsa (4600m).

Day 03: From Lartsa to Thachungtse via Kongmaru La (5200 m) (6 hrs)

We will begin the day with a steep climb up to Kongmaru La, which stands tall at 5200 m. Upon reaching the pass, we will be rewarded with an awe-inspiring view of the majestic Kangyatse (6400 m), as well as the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges. From here, we will descend gradually towards Nimaling, a summer pasture where the villagers of Marka valley stay with their sheep, goats, and yaks. Our campsite for the night will be at Thachungtse (4000 m), located on the banks of the Marka River, further down the valley.

Day 04: From Thachungtse to Yakrupal (5-6 hrs)

After a strenuous walk on the previous day, this day's trek will be relatively easy as we make our way through the remote Langthang valley, where few other tourists venture. The valley serves as a pasture ground for the villagers of Markha, who bring their sheep, donkeys, yaks, and horses to graze here during the summer season. We will follow the valley down from Thachungtse until it divides, cross the river, and then follow the left valley along the Langthang Chu River. As the snow melts in the mountains during the day, the Langthang River tends to rise and become dangerous to cross by noon. Therefore, an early start is crucial, as we will have to cross the river multiple times. Our day will end at Yakrupal (4200 m), a pleasant and verdant campsite where we will enjoy a delicious meal with the horses grazing nearby.

Day 05: Yakrupal Zalung Karpola 5150m Tilat Sumdo (5-6 hrs)

We will embark on a journey towards the Zalung Karpo pass, which is situated at a height of 5200m. The valley that we will pass through is enchanting, and as we climb higher, we will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Zanskar range. On the other side, we will see the vast Changthang plateau, which stretches far into Tibet.

The only inhabitants of this region are nomadic and semi-nomadic people, who live in small settlements with their livestock and a limited harvest of barley. As we descend from the pass, we will cross several rivers before reaching the right bank of the Changchu River. Our destination for the day is the Tilat Sumdo camping site, which is located at an altitude of 3750m.

While at Tilat Sumdo, it's worth exploring some of the secluded gorges nearby. There's also a chance of spotting some wildlife, including blue sheep and the rare snow leopard.

Day 06: Tilad Sumdo Base of Charcharla(Jung Lam) (8 hrs)

This day involves crossing more rivers than any other day. We will start by crossing the icy cold Changchu River and entering a beautiful narrow valley that leads to a canyon.

As we cross several rivers, the valley narrows, making it easier to cross. Eventually, we will arrive at a plateau with stones, which is situated opposite a cluster of spectacular rocky needles where two cold streams intersect. We will set up camp at the Charcharla(Jung Lam) base, which is located at an altitude of 4400m.

Day 07: Base of Charchar La Zangla Sumdo via Charcharla(Jung Lam) 4950m (4-5 hrs)

On this day, we will continue following the stream and encounter several impressive gorges along the way. After the third narrowing gorge, we will leave the stream towards the left and gradually ascend to the top of Charcharla(Jung Lam), which is situated at a height of 4950m.

From the pass, we will be rewarded with a stunning view of the main Himalayan range beyond Padum. We will then descend steeply along glacial steps to the base of the pass before crossing a magnificent canyon towards the left. Eventually, we will reach the intersection along the stream to the large river at the Zangla Sumdo campsite, where we will spend the night.

The campsite is exceptionally beautiful, making it the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a long day of trekking.

Day 08. Zangla Sumdo to Zangla Village (4 hrs)

As we make our way downstream, crossing the river multiple times, the first Zanskari village comes into view, nestled amidst the green barley fields.

The trail ascends gradually until we reach the ancient Zangla Castle, and then descends beyond the chortens (stupas), leading us to the picturesque village of Zangla (3370 m).

Once a princely state with its own ruler until 1989, Zangla still maintains its traditional charm and unique culture.

The Zangla Monastery is an important religious site and has strong ties to the Spituk Monastery of the Gelugpa sect.

Day 09. Zangla to Karsha (5-6 hrs)

We start the day by crossing the longest hanging bridge over the Zanskar River.

As we make our way to Rinam village (3550 m), following the banks of the Great Zanskar River, we pass by the impressive Tongde Monastery.

Our journey takes us to the charming village of Karsha (3600 m), where we can rest by the banks of the Zanskar River, listening to the soothing sounds of the flowing water.

The Karsha Monastery, one of the largest monasteries of the Gelugpa sect, is perched on a hillside, offering a breathtaking view of the valley below. Most of the monks here are from the surrounding villages, and it is believed that the monastery dates back to the 10th century A.D. A visit to this sacred site is highly recommended.

Day 10. Karsha to Padum (2hrs)

From Karsha, we will travel along the dusty road to Padum (3531 m), passing through the scenic Pipiting village.

Padum, the capital of Zanskar, is a bustling hub for all the activities of the entire valley. This is where the villagers gather on auspicious days to celebrate and exchange stories.

After a long journey, we can take a day of complete rest, enjoying the comforts of civilization before we prepare for the long drive back to Leh.

Day 11. Padum to Kargil: A Scenic Drive Along the Doda River

As we leave Padum, our journey towards Kargil takes us on a mesmerizing drive along the right bank of the Doda River. Our first stop is the Sani monastery, located just 6 km away, where we take a moment to appreciate the stunning beauty of the surrounding landscape.

As we continue our journey, we drive past Dhungri, Phay and Hamuling - quaint little villages that are scattered across the valley. The greenery of barley fields is a common sight, and the comprehensive green patch that covers the valley adds to the picturesque scenery.

We slowly leave the Zanskar valley behind and witness the Drang Drung Glacier beside the Penzila. The Rangdum monastery situated on a rock hill in the middle of the next valley is a sight to behold. Our drive takes us through the villages of Shakar, Parkachik and Panikhar, before we arrive at Thangbu village. Here, we get a chance to capture a stunning photographic view of the Nun (7135 m) and Kun (7080) mountains before finally reaching Kargil.

Day 12. Kargil Leh Via Sham valley: A Journey through Beautiful Monasteries and Villages

Our last travelling day before coming back to Leh takes us through the Sham valley, where we get to witness some of the most beautiful monasteries and villages in the region. We drive past the picturesque town of Mulbekh, which is famous for its 9-meter-tall Buddha statue, and stop to take a closer look.

As we continue our journey, we come across the beautiful monasteries of Lamayuru and Alchi, which have an enchanting and mystical aura surrounding them. The intricate murals and carvings at these monasteries are truly a sight to behold.

Driving further, we come across the charming village of Likir, known for its traditional Ladakhi architecture and its monastery. We also get a chance to explore the village of Basgo, which has a unique blend of Tibetan and Ladakhi architecture.

Our journey ends as we finally arrive at Leh, with our hearts filled with the memories of the beautiful landscapes, enchanting monasteries, and the warm hospitality of the local people.