Iron Horses

Transferring by train and car from Delhi, we pass through the lush Kulu Valley and cross the Rohtang Pass to reach the start of our trek at Darcha. From here, we head north across the Shingo La (c.5100m./16000ft.) into the ancient kingdom of Zanskar, famous for its hardy inhabitants and starkly beautiful landscape.

Day 01: Delhi - Leh

Arrive Delhi. Assistance upon arrival and transfer to domestic airport to connect flight for Leh - 3500 Mts. meet upon arrival and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: Sightseeing of Shey, Thiksey and Hemis Monasteries

Fullday sightseeing of Shey, Thiksey and Hemis monasteries. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Sightseeing of Phyang, Saspol and Shankar Gompa

Morning sightseeing tour of Phyang & Saspol. Afternoon visit Shankar Gompa.

Day 04: Leh - Saspol (67 Kms. - 03 hrs)

After breakfast depart for Saspol. Lunch in camp. Afternoon visit Alchi monastery: originally a red hats monastery, and was founded in the 11th century. This is the oldest monastery in whole Ladakh. Return to camp. Overnight in camp.

Day 05: Saspol - Kargil (168 Kms. - 08 hrs)

Depart for kargil over two passes Fatu La - 4100 Mts. & Namikala -3750 Mts. Enroute visit Lamayury monastery: this monastery was built in 11th century by Rinchen Zankpo and belongs to yellow sect. Overnight in camp.

Day 06: Kargil - Rangdom (117 Kms. - 06 hrs)

Breakfast at hotel depart for Rangdom. We drive through rough & dusty road. We stop at Panikhar for passport check and proceed to Rangdom. Overnight in camp.

Day 07: Rangdom - Padum (125 Kms. - 07 hrs)

Depart Rangdom for Padum. Over Pansi La. Padum is the head quarter of Zanskar. Overnight in camp.

Day 08: Padum - Raru (05 hrs)

The trail follows the Tsarap Chu along the dusty foundation of jeep track through the villages to Mune. From here easy walk of one hour will take use to camp.

Day 09: Raru - Phebula (04 hrs)

Descend down to Lingti Chu and cross over through a wooden bridge and climb up to a small pass. Descend steeply to Main River valley and follow the right hand side of the river until we reach our campsite. Overnight in camp.

Day 10: Phebula - Purne

The trail goes through some impressive gorge. Descend down to the right hand side of the valley, which is the meeting point of the two rivers, Kargiah Chu. Overnight in camp.

Day 11: Purne - Phuktal - Purne (04 hrs)

Day excursion to Phuktal monastery, one of the most impressive in Zanskar. Phuktal was founded in the middle of the 15th century and belongs to yellow sect. Overnight in camp.

Day 12: Purne - Kargiah (07 hrs)

Re-cross the wooden bridge over Kargiah Chu & then steep ascends of one hour till we reach Yal. Descend down then trail continues through Testa & Kuru. The main trail continues for 5 Kms to Kargiah. The last village en-route to Shigo La. Overnight in camp.

Day 13: Purne - Phuktal - Purne (04 hrs)

The trial stays on the East Side of the Kargiah Chu. Cross-easy streams for times until we reach rocky path, where one can see Himalayan blue poppies. Cross the river Shingo & camp on the other side of the river. Overnight in camp.

Day 14: Base - Shingo La - Ramjak (08 hrs)

The climb to pass takes 03 hrs with the trail ascending steeply before traversing the main ridge below the pass. The descent traverses the glacier immediately below the pass. Crossing lateral moraine to a goat track near camp.

Day 15: Ramjak - Zankar Samdu (04 hrs)

From here the trail descends to the Barari river and further to the from here the Confluence of the river Zankar Samdu cross the river by rope bridge & further 20 minutes to camp. Overnight in camp.

Day 15: Ramjak - Zankar Samdu (04 hrs)

From here the trail descends to the Barari river and further to the from here the Confluence of the river Zankar Samdu cross the river by rope bridge & further 20 minutes to camp. Overnight in camp.

Day 16: Zankar Samdu - Palamo (04 hrs)

Immediately after leaving camp the trail passes through big rock boulders. Cross the small over wood log to reach camp. Overnight.

Day 17: Palmo - Darcha (03 hrs)

Cross the river over a stone bridge. Then down valley to Darcha. Overnight in camp.

Day 18: Darcha - Manali (08 hrs)

Depart for Manali passing through Keylong which is the head quarter of the Lahoul valley. We pass over Rothang la. Then descent down to Manali. Overnight at hotel.

Day 19: Manali - Chandigarh (10 hrs)

After breakfast leave Manali for Chandigarh. On arrival check in hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 20: Chandigarh - Delhi - Onward Destination

Transfer to railway station to board train for Delhi. Arrive Delhi, meet at station followed by combined city tour of old & new Delhi. Departure transfer for onward destination.