Tourism

                                                     Trekking

This is one of the ancient trekking routes of the region. The trek is demanding one as you have to ford mighty nullahs and cross a high pass the Shinkun-La, alti 5090 m.

KEYLONG PADUM OVER SHINKUN-LA

Keylong-Darcha, 28 kms By bus

2, 3 Halt at Darcha for acclimatisation and arrangements of mules etc.

Darcha-Palamo, 12 kms On foot

Following the left bank of Barsi river pass a spectacular gorge to reach the camping ground. Before reaching Palamo you have to cross a ford called Patanam phu.

Palamo-Ramjak, 16 kms On foot

Continue on the left bank until you reach, a second (major) ford. From this confluence go up the right bank. Sometimes, local people fix a Jhoola bridge across the ford. This bridge is unsafe and should be avoided. There are good bridle paths on either side of the stream, but are taxing. Good camp at Ramjak in small meadow, spring. A mountain hut Lakhang may also be seen during summers. From camp you have a very good view of the virgin Ramjak Peak.

Ramjak-Gumba Ranjan, 18 kms On foot

After climbing moderate slopes and crossing several easy streams, involving a trek of 4 hrs, the ground flattens out and the track zigzags through a moraine as far as the pass. Ice and fallen rocks make descent dangerous, especially for horses. After crossing a final firn, reach the famous yak meadows, cross several easy streams, then go down an escarpment towards a fiat area for camping. Offers nice view of peak Gumbaranjan. Ibex is often seen in this area.

Gumbaranjan-Kargyak, 13 kms On foot

Climb down a mess of fallen rocks and cross several streams. The descent to Kargyak (4100 m), becomes gentler once you have passed beneath the face of the Gumbaranjan peak.
Kargyak is the first village in Zangskar. The houses are made from sundried bricks, Adobe, and are flat roofed as in Lahaul. High altitude dry vegetation can be seen around this place.

Kargyak-Teta, 16 kms On foot

Follow the right bank for 2 hrs to reach table. Another half hour's walk brings you to a small village Tanze. A short distance from Tanze, cross the bridge to follow the left bank. Before village Karu, once again there is some climb but beyond Karu an excellent path gently leads to the beautiful village of Teta.

Teta was the seat of Teta Thakur during the reign of Zangskar king. There is a ruin of a fort believed to be of the king of Zangskar.

Teta-Purne, 9 kms On foot

Follow the left bank. Pass village Jal followed by steep descent towards a bridge which you cross to reach Purne. Leave horses in Purne and climb into the splendid gorges of Tsarap river. About 2 hrs. trekking brings you to a ledge which leads to the small plateau on which the famous Phulktul monastery is built. This gompa is "like a honey comb, cut into a rock under a giant grotto..." The gompa was founded by Gangsam Sherap. In the caves over the monastery there is a water hole Whose water level never changes. This gurgling Spring is out of bounds to women. You may also see the stone tablet left by the Hungarian historian Alexander Cosma de Koros who stayed at the gompa over the winter of t825-1826. The gompa belongs to the Gelukpas, the yellow hats.

Purne-Ichar, 16 kms On foot

From Purne go back down, cross the bridge and follow the left bank. The trail over hangs Tsarap and is hard going. Leave behind the villages of Cha, Kaydang, Hamuni and Surle. Then cross a big bridge to reach Ichar. Way to Ichar is difficult for trekkers and horses. Good campsite.

Ichar-Mune, 18 kms On foot

Gradually climb to a major tributary. Descent down to Reru. From Reru the trail becomes rich in flowers upto Mune. Camp opposite Mune gompa. One trek from this village leads to Pangi valley in Chamba.

Mune-Padum, 14 kms On foot

From the gompa climb down a steep incline to the main track. Two hrs. trek brings you to Bardan gompa a kagyud-pa gompa famous for its 180 cm high mani prayer wheel. From this place a dusty motorable road leads to Padum (3650 m)
Bardan gompa was founded by Shabdru, who also founded Hemis gompa in Ladakh and later went to Bhutan. Padum is the administrative headquarters of Zangskar. Palace of the king of Zangskar is in ruins destroyed by the Dogras

Trekking Routes