Day 01: Leh to Shang Sumdo via Martselang (2½ hrs drive)
Your journey starts in Leh, the capital of Ladakh. After a brief stop at Shey Palace and Thiksey Monastery, you'll visit Hemis Monastery, the most significant Drukpa monastery in the region. From here, the trek begins at Martselang, and you’ll hike to Shang Sumdo, a quaint village at 3,700 meters, where you’ll camp for the night.
Day 02: Shang Sumdo to Lartsa (6 hrs)
Today, you’ll trek through the Shang Gorge, with its incredible rock formations and stunning landscape. The trail gradually ascends as you pass by the small village of Chogdo before arriving at your campsite in Lartsa (4,600 m).
Day 03: Lartsa to Thachungtse via Kongmaru La (6 hrs)
A challenging day awaits as you climb up to Kongmaru La Pass (5,200 m), which offers stunning views of Kang Yatze and the Zanskar Range. The descent leads to the Nimaling pasture, where villagers from the Markha Valley graze their livestock. The day ends at Thachungtse (4,000 m), where you’ll camp by the Markha River.
Day 04: Thachungtse to Yakrupal (5-6 hrs)
This day’s trek is easier, taking you through the remote Langthang Valley, where villagers bring their animals to graze in the summer. Early in the day, you’ll cross the Langthang Chu River multiple times before reaching Yakrupal (4,200 m), a peaceful and scenic campsite.
Day 05: Yakrupal to Tilat Sumdo via Zalung Karpola (5-6 hrs)
After an early start, you’ll trek towards Zalung Karpola Pass (5,150 m). From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Zanskar Range and the vast Changthang Plateau. After descending, you’ll reach Tilat Sumdo (3,750 m), a campsite along the banks of the Changchu River.
Day 06: Tilat Sumdo to Base of Charchar La (8 hrs)
Today, the trail follows the river and narrows as you cross multiple streams. After a long but scenic trek through a gorge, you’ll arrive at the Base of Charchar La Pass (4,400 m), where you’ll set up camp.
Day 07: Base of Charchar La to Zangla Sumdo via Charchar La (4-5 hrs)
A challenging day begins as you cross the Charchar La Pass (4,950 m), which offers incredible views of the Himalayas beyond Padum. The descent takes you to Zangla Sumdo, a beautiful campsite by the river.
Day 08: Zangla Sumdo to Zangla Village (4 hrs)
As you follow the river downstream, you’ll see your first glimpse of a Zanskari village, nestled among barley fields. The day ends at Zangla Village, once home to Ladakh's royal family.
Day 09: Zangla to Karsha (5-6 hrs)
You’ll cross the longest hanging bridge over the Zanskar River on your way to Rinam Village. The trek ends at Karsha Village, home to one of the largest monasteries in the region.
Day 10: Karsha to Padum (2 hrs)
A short and scenic walk brings you to Padum, the administrative center of Zanskar Valley. You’ll have time to rest and explore the village.
Day 11: Padum to Kargil (7-8 hrs drive)
After leaving Padum, the drive takes you along the Doda River, passing through Sani Monastery and several scenic villages. The day ends in Kargil, a historically significant town in Ladakh.
Day 12: Kargil to Leh via Sham Valley (8-9 hrs drive)
On your final day, you’ll drive through the Sham Valley, visiting the monasteries of Lamayuru, Alchi, and Likir. The journey ends in Leh, where you can reflect on the incredible adventure you’ve just completed.
