Explore the Enchanting Red and Blue Lakes: A 4-Day in Zanskar
Red and Blue Lakes: Discover the Hidden Gems of Zanskar
In the heart of Zanskar, the charming village of Photoksar once flourished as a beloved stop on the legendary Zanskar trekking route. But with the construction of a new road, this once-thriving trekking hub has seen its allure fade, leaving its future in question. Once bustling with trekkers, Photoksar's economy now faces an uncertain future as tourism wanes.
In 2022, Himalayan Ecotourism took a bold step to breathe life back into Photoksar. Our goal? To reignite interest in this beautiful region by creating new, sustainable trekking experiences that would draw adventurers back. And we found just the destination—two hidden lakes, the captivating Red Lake and the serene Blue Lake, accessible only from Photoksar.
The Tso Marpo Trek: A Journey of Rediscovery
The Tso Marpo trek, leading to the stunning Red Lake, is an adventure that combines natural beauty with the thrill of discovery. While the trek is manageable for most, it does require proper acclimatization due to the high altitudes, and the river crossings make it a challenge to tackle before June.
Highlights of the Tso Marpo Trek
- Duration: 4 to 5 days
- Average Daily Trekking Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Elevation:
- Minimum: 3,170 meters
- Maximum: 4,907 meters
- Total Ascent: 2,300 meters
- Total Descent: 2,500 meters
- Difficulty:
- Stamina Required: 75%
- Technical Skill: 65%
- Overall Difficulty: 70%
A Trekking Itinerary to Inspire
The journey begins in Photoksar, where you'll start your ascent towards the mesmerizing Red Lake. The climb is gentle, but the adventure is marked by several river crossings that add an extra layer of excitement.
Best Time to Visit the Tso Marpo Trek
The best time to embark on this trek is from May to September when the weather is favorable, and the paths are accessible. For those looking for a winter challenge, consider the famous Chadar trek on the frozen Zanskar River in January and February, or seek out the elusive Snow Leopard in its natural habitat.
Join us on this extraordinary trek, where the beauty of Photoksar and its hidden treasures await, offering not just a journey through stunning landscapes but a commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism. Let the Red and Blue Lakes captivate your senses as you rediscover the magic of Zanskar.
Itinerary
Day One: Into the Wilderness Key Highlights:
- Duration: 4 hours
- Ascent: +650m
- Accommodation: Homestay
The Journey Begins: Our adventure kicks off at a cozy homestay, where we gather our energy and set out. Leaving the village behind, we cross the road connecting Lamayuru and Padum, stepping into the vast Himalayan wilderness. The trail follows a serene river flanked by rocky cliffs and distant glaciers. By lunchtime, we reach our basecamp near Pu Spang Chen Mo, where we set up camp. The afternoon is yours to explore the area. As night falls, we gather around a bonfire, soaking in the stunning starlit sky of Zanskar before retreating to our tents.
Day Two: The Red and Blue Lakes Key Highlights:
- Duration: 8 hours
- Ascent/Descent: +1300m / -1300m
- Accommodation: Tent
A Day of High Adventure: We start early for a challenging day ahead, leaving our main gear at the basecamp. The trail leads us to the striking Red Lake, its crimson waters framed by red mountains and glaciers. From here, a steep climb takes us to Manthang La Pass, the trek's highest point at 5,570m. The pass offers sweeping views of surrounding peaks and glaciers. We then descend a glacier towards the tranquil Blue Lake, but pause before reaching it to avoid glacier hazards. We return to the basecamp by the same route, ready for a well-earned rest.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Ascent/Descent: +500m / -500m
- Accommodation: Tent
Morning Glacier Trek: After breakfast, we set out to explore Kangri Mermer Glacier, trekking through picturesque meadows where yaks and pashmina goats may be grazing. The glacier is a two-hour hike away, offering plenty of time to take in its majestic beauty. We return to basecamp for our final night under the stars.
Day Four: Return to Photoksar Key Highlights:
- Duration: 3 hours
- Descent: -650m
- Accommodation: Homestay
Homeward Bound: We begin our descent back to Photoksar, savoring the memories of our journey through Zanskar’s wild and beautiful landscapes. The trek concludes with a return to the homestay, where our adventure began.