Destination
India
Region
India
Trip Grade
Grade 3: Hard/challenging
Accommodation
Hotel
Total Distance
500km
Start / End Point
Delhi/Delhi
Durations
25 Days
Max. Altitude
5,309 m (17,417 ft)
Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Group Size
above 1 pax
Best Season
All season
Activity per day
8 hr
Transportation
Hiking/Drive/flight
Trip Highlights
The Darcha-Lamayuru trek's highlights include dramatic Himalayan landscapes, passing through remote Zanskari villages, visiting ancient Buddhist monasteries like Lamayuru and Phuktal, and crossing several high-altitude passes such as Singge La and Hanuman La. The trek also offers cultural immersion through homestays, opportunities to observe unique wildlife, and the challenge of navigating a rugged, off-the-beaten-path terrain that demands endurance and mental toughness.
Stunning Himalayan Vistas:-Experience incredible panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and the rugged grandeur of the Himalayas.
Diverse Landscapes:-The trek traverses a wide range of terrains, from barren, rocky cliffs to lush green meadows, offering excellent photography opportunities.
High-Altitude Passes:-Conquer multiple high passes, including Singge La, Kyukpa La, and Hanuman La, each offering spectacular views and a significant physical challenge.
Gorges and Rivers:-Walk through deep gorges and cross rivers, adding an adventurous element to the trek.
Wildlife Spotting:-Encounter unique wildlife such as the wild ass (kiang), marmots, and various bird species.
Remote Zanskari Villages:-Visit isolated villages and get a deep insight into the traditional lifestyle and culture of the hardy Zanskari people.
Ancient Monasteries:Explore and experience ancient Buddhist monasteries like Lamayuru ("Moonland"), the historic Phuktal Monastery carved into a cliff, and Karsha Monastery.
Homestays:-Experience local hospitality and culture by staying with local families through homestay arrangements.
Physical Endurance:-The trek is a demanding test of stamina and mental toughness, requiring high physical fitness and proper acclimatization due to the rugged terrain and high altitudes.
Solitude and Tranquility:-This off-the-beaten-path trek offers a sense of solitude and tranquility compared to more commercialized treks in the region.
Fossil Hunting:-In certain riverbeds, you can go hunting for fossils, a tangible connection to the area's ancient geological past.
Leh's highlights include the iconic Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa, offering great city views, as well as the serene Thiksey Monastery. Adventure lovers can journey to Nubra Valley to see Bactrian camels and experience river rafting, or tackle the Khardungla Pass. Other key attractions are Pangong Lake, the solemn Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, and the informative Hall of Fame
Manali's highlights include the spiritual Hidimba Devi Temple, the adventure hub of Solang Valley, the panoramic Rohtang Pass, and the ancient Manikaran hot springs, along with the engineering marvel of the Atal Tunnel. Visitors can also explore Old Manali, enjoy the natural beauty of the Beas River and Jogini Waterfall, and experience local culture at the Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art.
Darcha's highlights include its scenic beauty with a gushing river and snow-capped mountains, its role as a crucial gateway for trekkers and bikers on the Manali-Leh route, and the vibrant cultural experience with its traditional villages and Lahauli people. It's also a vital administrative and infrastructure point, serving as a checkpoint and the origin for treks into the Zanskar Valley.
The main highlights of Lamayuru are its ancient Lamayuru Monastery, a prominent 11th-century Drikung Kagyu Buddhist site, and the unique "Moonland" landscape with its otherworldly geological formations resembling lunar craters. Visitors can also experience the spiritual ambiance, explore stunning mountain scenery, hike the surrounding trails, and potentially witness the annual Yuru Kabgyat Festival.
Trip Overview
Darcha Lamayuru Trek Tour-25 Days
Offterd by :Good Karma Trekking
Located on the bank of Bhaga river, Darcha in Lahaul at an elevation of 3,360 meters is a small village that is mostly inhabited by the Himalayan tribes. It is well mentioned in the book ‘Rough Guide to India’ as “a lonely cluster of dry-stone huts and dingy tent camps”. The popular Darcha Lamayuru trek is a journey that connects the remote terrains of Himachal Pradesh with the ancient hues of Indo – Tibetans in Lamayuru at Ladakh. The trail passes through a wide barren landscape and cascade of snow fed ranges, high altitude mountain passes and quaint villages. Further, it embarks upon the beautiful vicinity of alpine lakes where one can get acquainted with the wild whispers of several Himalayan wildlife, which includes migrating birds endangered animals. Interestingly, this rugged trekking tour to Lamayuru from Darcha will also travel across different high passes including Shingo la 5,090 at meters, Parfi la at 3,950 meters, Hanamun la at 4,800 meters, Sengge la at 5,060 meters, Sirsir la and Prinkti la. The trekking routes also require crossing magnanimous rivers like Chandra, Bhaga, Tsarap, Doda, Zanskar and Indus. The Darcha Lamayuru trek goes deep into the far-flung monasteries and gompas and the major attractions are the Sani Gompa, Mani Gompa, Bardan Gompa, Karsha Gompa, Lingshed Gompa and Lamayuru Gompa.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive at Delhi airport, where our executive will meet you. Check in the hotel for overnight stay.
In the morning, enjoy the sightseeing for half day. This journey will include Red Fort (Built in 1648 by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan), Shantivan and Raj Ghat (Cremation Sites of Jawahar Lal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi), Akshar Dham Temple, India Gate (War Memorial Arch), and then in evening, set off for Manali by AC Luxury Volvo Coach. Overnight Journey.
Reach Manali by morning. Arrive at hotel for taking rest. Explore the Mall Road in evening. Enjoy the scrumptious dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.
Drive to Darcha after enjoying the breakfast. The route will take you across Rohtang Pass (3980 meters), which is a doorway to spectacular regions like Spiti, Lahaul, Pangi and Zanskar Valleys. It is the 8-hour drive through Lahaul Valley. The dinner and overnight stay will be at the camp Darcha.
Hotspots Rohtang Pass
Themes Hill Stations & Valleys
Start for the trekking to Pa-Lahmo after having the breakfast. On the way to Leh, Darcha is the last village that comes en route. Darcha to Padum Trek starts from this village. Our trekking journey begins from this day. At starting, it is an easy trek for 3 to 4 hours. Keep following the track until you reach the final village and then good footpath. You will cross a magnificent gorge. Enjoy the dinner and overnight stay in tent Palemo.
Themes Trekking
Continue trekking on the same trail and follow the tack on the left side of the river that passes through rock-strewn path with big rock. The trail also crosses the streams two or three times. Reach Zanskar Sumdo (4000 meters). It is a good ground for camping. Have the dinner and overnight stay in the camp.
Themes Camping, Trekking
You will trek high up on the mountainside today. Firstly, cross the river by a hanging bridge and they ascent steeply for about an hour and then pursue the trek on a slender valley until you arrive at Ramjak, which is a small paddock. From then on, you will move to Chuminakpo (4800 meters). Have the dinner and overnight stay at the camp Chuminakpo.
Themes Hill Stations & Valleys
Ascending the crisscross trail through the moraine and snow up to till you reach small grassland. Further down close to the river, Lukung (4400 meters) is the area where you will camp for dinner and overnight stay Lukung.
Themes Trekking
It is a easy and long trekking on up and down trail. Transverse the bridge to go on another side of the river and go after the path with the mass of fallen boulder. We will cross numerous streams on the way also transverse through the face of Gumboranjom Peak. Reach Kargyak Shi and have dinner and overnight stay in the tents Kargyak Shi.
Themes Trekking
It is a long day that includes 8-9 hours of trekking. Continue to the right side of the river along the easy track after having the breakfast. Some of the villages that come en route are Tanze, Table, Jal and Kuru. Kuru is the prominent hamlet of livestock breeders. Ascend up the steady gradient in the Jal Village and then gentle dip down towards a good bridge to reach Purne (3650 meters). The dinner and overnight stay will be in tents in Purne.
Themes Trekking
On this day, we will visit Pughtal Gompa, which is one of the oldest monasteries in Zanskar and it is marvelously positioned. Passing all the way through a slender valley and the wonderful gorge, we cross the bridge and come to a small plateau speckled with chortens and sacred banners. From here, we see one of the most extravagant spectacles of the Pukhtal Monastery erected in a cave. The monastery belongs to the folklores of the Gelugpas (Yellow Hats). The monastery is like a honeycomb, shaped into a cock under a huge grotto, and has 70 monks as well. In the caves over the structure, there is a water hole whose water level not at all recedes, even after taking out any quantity of water from there. This water is said to have remedial powers. Thereafter, we will be back to Purne and further trekking up on the left bank of Tsarap River after passing the bridge. Turn up at Gyalbokh village. Dinner and overnight stay will be in tents Gyalbokh village.
Themes Hill Stations & Valleys, Trekking
Numerous difficult stretches comes on the way that are tough for horse and mules. A steady ascent before reaching small plateau and the steep dip down towards Raru village. Have the dinner and overnight stay in the tents Raru village.
Themes Hill Stations & Valleys, Trekking
There is motorable road that makes trekking down easy. We will arrive at Mone, a small village, after trekking for an hour. Explore the Gompa at Mone. After trekking for two hours there is Bardan Gompa, located on the mountain plateau. Reach Padum (3650 meters). Padum is the capital of Zanskar where two rivers Tsarap and Doda confluence to form Zanskar river. The dinner and night stay will be in tents Padum.
Themes Trekking
This day is free to take rest. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Head towards Pipiting from Padum, pursue the dusty plains towards the Doda River, and arrive at the bridge. Pass the bridge and reach Karsha Monastery that date backs to 16th century. Thereafter, on trekking down on the plain path, you will reach Rinam. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Themes Trekking
We will trek through the easy trails on this day. The track is often dusty and hot through the banks of Zanskar River. There is a small shelter formed by the boulders. Reah Pishu by following the trail and have the dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Themes Trekking
Move on the left bank of Zanskar River. It is an easy trail along the river. Reach Hanumil by trekking for 5 to 6 hours. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Themes Trekking
The path from Hanumil leads to Zanskar River. Ascend up to Parfi La (3950 meters) and then gradual slope until arriving at Oma Chu River. We will cross the bridge and further ascend to 500-meter sandy gradient to reach the sheepfolds of Snertse. Enjoy the hearty dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Themes Trekking
From Snertse, it is a long steep climb towards Hanumi La (4877 meters). Get to the top of Hanumi La and then gradual descent about 1 kilometer. Thereafter, climb around 400 meters up along the mountainside. After this, cross a small pass to descend down to Lingshed (3800 meters). Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Steady one-hour ascend to Murgum La (4200 meters), and then pass an escarpment, move along the gradient. Steep descend towards the villages of Skiumpata and Gingma. Gentle scale to Kiupa La (3850 meters) and then steady ascend along the mountainside to reach the foot of Shinge la.
From here, there is a one to two hour gentle climb to Shinge La (5050 meters) and then coming down to a wide gorge. Thereafter, there is a steep climb towards Bhumiktse la (4200 meters) and move downhill towards Photoskar (3750 meters). Photoskar is a wonderful village. Enjoy the tasty dinner and overnight stay in tents.
It is a steep ascend to large Chorten and then a long climb to Sisir La (4990 meters). Thereafter, there is a simple descent to river and Hanupatta Village (3450 meters). Have the dinner and overnight stay in tents.
On this day, we will trek down the gradient until arriving the ravine and bridge at the confluence of two rivers. Some easy and some strenuous stretches of fallen boulders will come until Phenji La. From here, it is trekking motorable track up to Wanla (3245 meters). Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
It is the last day of our trekking. We will cross the Shila Village and transverse Prinkti La (3726 meters) in order to each Lamayuru. Explore the monastery and then drive to Leh (3500 meters). Enjoy the dinner and overnight stay in hotel.
Transfer to airport after having the breakfast in morning. Take the flight for Delhi.
Cost Includes
- Accommodation and meal according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Overnight stays in mountain Tent
- Meals according to the itinerary
- All permirs fees
- All mentioned transfers
Cost Excludes
- Flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for Souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
