Darcha - Padam Trek

Best time: End of June to October

Duration: 10 Days

Short description: Leaving from Padum, this classical trek leads through the splendid Lungnak Gorge with Bardan, Mune and Phukthal monasteries. Just one pass to cross over to Tartse Sumdo (Darcha) in Himachal Pradesh, on the Leh to Manali road.

Day 1: Manali to Darcha, 8 hours By bus or taxi.

Day 2: Darcha to Palmo, 4-5 hours
From Darcha follow the trek until the last hamlet and then a good footpath. Pass through a spectacular gorge.

Day 3: Palmo to Zanskar Sumdo, 5 hours
Continue on the left bank until reaching a second ford. Then go up the right hand valley. There is good path on the sides of the stream.

Day 4: Zanskar Sumdo to Chumig Nagpo
From the camp climb moderate slopes to the foot of Pass Shingoo-La. There are some small streams to cross, the ground flattens out and the path zigzags through a Moraine.

Day 5: Chumig Nagpo to Lakhang, 5 to 6 hours
Go across the Shingoo-La (5100 m)

Day 6: Lakhang to Kargyak
An easy descent towards Kargyak.

Day 7: Kargyak to Purni, 5 to 6 hours
A short distance beyond Tanze, a bridge links to the left bank - monotonous going across morainic terrain. A slight rise leading to Kuru, major settlement of livestock breeders.

Day 8: Purni to Ichar, 5 hours
The trail that overhauge the Tsarap is tricky and hard going. Very good campsite, an interesting fortified village.

Day 9: Ichar to Mune, 5 hours
Cross back over to the left bank, then a gradual climb before coming to a major tributary. Gradual descent down towards Reru and after that a quiet, beautiful plain covered with flowers (in July).

Day 10: Mune to Padum, 5 hours
You can visit the Barden Monastery, a Kagyupa monastery famous for its prayer wheels that are 180 cm high.

From Padum to Kargil by bus/ jeep (approximately 250 km).
From Kargil go to to Leh.