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Avelers Tour - Best of Himalayas

Darcha to Lamayuru Trek

18 Days

Darcha to Lamayuru Trek: A Trans-Himalayan Odyssey Through Remote Zanskar

The Darcha to Lamayuru trek is one of the most breathtaking and culturally rich trans-Himalayan trails in India, stretching across the remote valleys of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. This 18-day adventure begins in the lush surroundings of Manali and winds through the rugged terrains of Zanskar, following ancient trade routes, gushing rivers, alpine meadows, and dramatic mountain passes like Shingo La (5,190m) and Singge La (5,060m). Along the route, trekkers encounter some of the most isolated yet vibrant villages, where traditional Zanskari hospitality and Tibetan Buddhist influence come alive through ancient monasteries, colorful prayer flags, and peaceful homestays. From the mystical Phugtal Monastery carved into a cliffside to the serene landscapes around Karsha and Lingshed, every step is steeped in spirituality and wonder.

More than just a physical challenge, this trek is a profound cultural and spiritual journey that allows you to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in untouched Himalayan life. As you travel from Darcha to Padum and finally to Lamayuru, you witness the changing landscapes—from dense forests to high-altitude deserts—each offering a unique perspective on the region’s diverse ecology and rich heritage. Whether crossing wooden bridges over icy rivers or sharing stories with monks in ancient gompas, the Darcha to Lamayuru trek promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking raw adventure, deep solitude, and meaningful cultural encounters in one of the last remaining Himalayan frontiers.

Included

  • All Inner Line Permits & Trekking Fees
  • Accommodation in Homestays, Guesthouses & Camps
  • All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during trek
  • Experienced Trek Leader & Local Guides
  • First Aid Kit & Oxygen Cylinder

Trekking Tips

  • Best Time –September (no snow & clear weather)
  • High Altitude Gear –Warm clothing, trekking poles, sunglasses
  • Acclimatization is Key –Take it slow & stay hydrated
  • Limited ATMs & Network –Withdraw cash in Manali/Leh
  • Remote Trek –Be prepared for basic facilities & stunning landscapes

Tour Plan

  • Acclimatization & exploration in Old Manali, Hadimba Temple, Mall Road
  • Check gear & meet the trekking team
  • Overnight Stay: Guesthouse in Manali

  • Drive Distance: ~150 km (~6–7 hours)
  • Route Highlights:
    • ○ Cross Atal Tunnel, Keylong, Jispa
    • ○ Reach Darcha, the trek’s starting point
  • Overnight Stay: Camping in Darcha

  • Trekking Distance: ~10 km (~5 hours)
  • Trail Highlights:
    • ○ Follow the Bhaga River
    • ○ Pass through pine forests & rocky trails
  • Overnight Stay: Camping in Palamo

  • Trekking Distance: ~12 km (~6 hours)
  • Trail Highlights:
    • ○ Enter the remote landscapes of Zanskar Valley
    • ○ Cross multiple wooden bridges & glacial streams
  • Overnight Stay: Camping in Zanskar Sumdo

  • Trekking Distance: ~8 km (~5 hours)
  • Trail Highlights:
    • ○ Steep ascent to Shingo La Base Camp
    • ○ Stunning views of snow-covered peaks
  • Overnight Stay: Camping at Chumik Nakpo

  • Trekking Distance: ~12 km (~7 hours)
  • Trail Highlights:
    • ○ Cross Shingo La Pass, the highest point of the trek
    • ○ Long descent into Zanskar Valley
  • Overnight Stay: Camping in Lakhang

  • Trekking Distance: ~14 km (~6–7 hours)
  • Trail Highlights:
    • ○ Walk alongside the Tsarap River
    • ○ Visit Gombu Ranjan, a sacred rock resembling Buddha
  • Overnight Stay: Homestay in Kargyak

  • Trekking Distance: ~13 km (~6 hours)
  • Trail Highlights:
    • ○ Gentle descent through lush meadows & yak pastures
    • ○ Reach Purne village
  • Overnight Stay: Homestay in Purne

  • Trekking Distance: ~8 km (~4 hours)
  • Trail Highlights:
    • ○ Visit Phugtal Monastery, built into a cliffside
    • ○ Explore ancient monastic caves
  • Overnight Stay: Homestay in Purne

  • Trekking Distance: ~12 km (~6 hours)
  • Trail Highlights:
    • ○ Cross wooden bridges & small villages
    • ○ Interact with Zanskari locals
  • Overnight Stay: Homestay in Ichar

  • Trekking Distance: ~10 km (~5 hours)
  • Trail Highlights:
    • ○ Visit Mune Monastery, one of Zanskar’s hidden gems
  • Overnight Stay: Homestay in Mune
  • Trekking Distance: ~10 km (~5 hours)
  • Route Highlights:
    • ○ Reach Padum, the administrative capital of Zanskar
    • ○ Visit Karsha Monastery, the largest in Zanskar
  • Overnight Stay: Guesthouse in Padum
  • Explore Stongdey Monastery & Bardan Monastery
  • Interact with Buddhist monks & locals
  • Overnight Stay: Guesthouse in Padum
  • Trekking Distance: ~14 km (~6 hours)
  • Trail Highlights:
    • ○ Walk along the Zanskar River
  • Overnight Stay: Camping in Hanumil
  • Trekking Distance: ~12 km (~7 hours)
  • Trail Highlights:
    • ○ Cross Parfi La Pass (3,950m)
    • ○ Visit Lingshed Monastery
  • Overnight Stay: Homestay in Lingshed
  • Trekking Distance: ~15 km (~7 hours)
  • Trail Highlights:
    • ○ Climb to the base of Singge La Pass (5,060m)
  • Overnight Stay: Camping at Base Camp
  • Trekking Distance: ~14 km (~7 hours)
  • Trail Highlights:
    • ○ Cross Singge La Pass, with breathtaking views
    • ○ Reach Photoksar, a picturesque village
  • Overnight Stay: Homestay in Photoksar
  • Trekking Distance: ~10 km (~5 hours)
  • Drive Distance: ~15 km (~1 hour)
  • Route Highlights:
    • ○ Visit Lamayuru Monastery, one of the oldest in Ladakh
    • ○ End of trek in Lamayuru
  • Overnight Stay: Guesthouse in Lamayuru
  • Darcha to Lamayuru Trek (Zanskar Trek) – 18 Days Itinerary

    1. Location: Himachal Pradesh & Ladakh, India
    2. Maximum Altitude: 5,190m (Shingo La Pass)
    3. Difficulty: Challenging
    4. Best Time: July – September
    5. Trek Distance: ~200 km
    6. Accommodation: Camping & Homestays