Below is a detailed day-by-day itinerary for the Lamayuru to Darcha Trek. Each day offers something new, whether it’s a tough climb, a peaceful village, or a spectacular pass.
Day 1: Leh – Phanjila via Lamayuru (5 hrs drive)
Description: The journey begins with a scenic jeep ride from Leh to Lamayuru, taking around 5 hours. En route, you will witness famous Ladakhi monasteries such as Likir, Alchi, and the majestic Lamayuru Monastery. After exploring Lamayuru village, you will continue the drive to Phanjila, where the trek officially begins with an overnight camp.
Day 2: Phanjila – Hanupatta (5-6 hrs trek)
Description: Your first trekking day starts with a gentle walk through narrow valleys. The trail gradually leads into a breathtaking gorge with rock walls towering over the Zanskar River. The day ends at Hanupatta village, where you will set up camp beside the river, surrounded by rosebushes and green fields.
Day 3: Hanupatta – Photoksar via Sir Sir La (6-7 hrs)
Description: Today, you’ll face your first major challenge by ascending the Sir Sir La pass (4850m). The climb offers panoramic views of the Zanskar range. After descending from the pass, you’ll reach Photoksar village (4200m), known for its lush green fields and traditional houses.
Day 4: Photoksar – Base of Singe La (5-6 hrs)
Description: The trail continues through Bumiktse La (4200m), with ever-changing scenery of the Photang Valley. You’ll camp at the base of the Singe La pass, enjoying the beautiful night sky.
Day 5: Base of Singe La – Gongma via Singe La (6-7 hrs)
Description: A challenging day awaits as you ascend the Singe La pass (5090m), also known as the Lion Pass. The final push is steep but the views from the top are awe-inspiring. After descending, you’ll camp near the village of Gongma.
Day 6: Gongma – Lanang via Lingshed (6-7 hrs)
Description: You will hike through the village of Lingshed, home to the Lingshed Monastery. The serene village is surrounded by green barley fields, providing a peaceful rest stop before continuing toward Lanang.
Day 7: Lanang – Zingchen via Hanumur La (6-7 hrs)
Description: Today, you’ll conquer the Hanumur La pass (4950m), offering spectacular views of the Ladakh Range. Afterward, you’ll descend towards Snertse and camp in Zingchen.
Day 8: Zingchen – Hanamur via Parfi La (4-5 hrs)
Description: The journey continues across the Parfi La pass (3950m), descending to the banks of the Zanskar River and into the village of Hanamur.
Day 9: Hanamur – Pishu (4-5 hrs)
Description: A more relaxed day along the Zanskar River leads you to the picturesque village of Pishu, where the surrounding landscape opens up.
Day 10: Pishu – Padum (6-7 hrs)
Description: This day takes you to Padum, the capital of Zanskar. On the way, visit Karsha Monastery, one of the largest Gelukpa sect monasteries in the region.
Day 11: Padum – Raru (6 hrs)
Description: Leaving Padum, you’ll follow a jeep road through small villages like Shila and Bardan. The trail then leads along the Tsarap River to reach Raru for the night.
Day 12: Raru – Pepula (5-6 hrs)
Description: Today’s trek descends sharply to the banks of the Tsarap River, where you will continue to your camp in Pepula.
Day 13: Pepula – Purne (5-6 hrs)
Description: A more adventurous day as you cross small rivers and climb steep sections to reach the village of Purne.
Day 14: Day Hike to Phuktal Monastery (4 hrs)
Description: A highlight of the trek, this day takes you to the stunning Phuktal Monastery, built into the cliffs. The monastery is a spiritual site with a sacred spring and an inscription to Cosma de Koros, a European traveler.
Day 15: Purne – Tetha (2 hrs)
Description: A shorter day’s walk leads you to the charming village of Tetha, with views of vast plateaus and fertile land.
Day 16: Tetha – Kargyak (5 hrs)
Description: You’ll cross a bridge below Tanze and trek to Kargyak, the highest permanent settlement in the region.
Day 17: Kargyak – Lakhang (4-5 hrs)
Description: The trail follows lush yak-grazing pastures and passes Gumburanjan, a towering rock monolith before arriving at Lakhang.
Day 18: Lakhang – Ramjak via Shinkul La (7-8 hrs)
Description: This day includes crossing the Shinkul La pass (4980m), offering stunning views of the Himalayan Range. The trail descends sharply into the valley before reaching Ramjak.
Day 19: Ramjak – Palamo (4-5 hrs)
Description: You will trek through boulder fields and past meager grazing pastures to reach Palamo.
Day 20: Zanskar Sumdo – Darcha
Description: The final day of trekking leads you to Darcha, crossing a bridge over the Darcha River. From here, you’ll find transportation to either Leh or Manali.
