Lamayuru to Darcha Trek – Trek No 22
Trip Overview
Overview
The Lamayuru to Darcha Trek is also a challenging and awe-inspiring trekking adventure that takes you through the rugged and mesmerizing landscapes of the Indian Himalayas. This trek, stretching over approximately 210 kilometers, is renowned for its stunning vistas, diverse terrain, and unique cultural experiences. The journey begins in Lamayuru, a picturesque village in Ladakh also known for its ancient monastery and moon-like landscape. From Lamayuru, trekkers embark on a journey through high-altitude desert terrain, passing through quaint villages, dramatic canyons, and sprawling meadows. The trail gradually ascends, offering stunning views of towering peaks and rocky cliffs. As trekkers traverse through the Zanskar Range, they also encounter challenging passes like Prinkiti La, Sirsir La, and Shingo La, each presenting a different level of difficulty. These passes often challenge trekkers with steep ascents and descents, but the breathtaking vistas and the sense of accomplishment upon crossing them make it all worthwhile.Beyond Peaks and Passes: Exploring Ladakhi Culture and Scenic Wonders on the Lamayuru to Darcha Trek
The trek also takes adventurers through remote villages like Photoksar, where they can experience the traditional Ladakhi way of life and interact with the friendly locals. The rich Buddhist culture prevalent in the region is evident through visits to ancient monasteries and encounters with monks, adding a spiritual dimension to the journey. Throughout the trek, travelers witness the ever-changing landscape, from arid desert-like expanses to lush green valleys. Crossing rivers and streams, traversing narrow gorges, and camping beside pristine alpine lakes are some of the memorable experiences along the route. One of the highlights of the trek is reaching Darcha, a small village in the Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh. Darcha marks the end of the trail, where trekkers can relax and reflect on the incredible adventure they've just completed. From Darcha, adventurers typically return to Leh, reflecting on the challenging yet rewarding journey through the rugged terrains of the Himalayas.Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, the Lamayuru to Darcha Trek is a true adventure for those seeking a physically demanding trek that rewards with stunning natural beauty, cultural immersion, and a sense of accomplishment. It's a journey that showcases the grandeur of the Himalayas and provides an opportunity to delve into the unique cultures and landscapes of this remote region.Trip Highlight
- Scenic Flight from Delhi to Leh to Delhi.
- Visit one of the Highest Airport of the World: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport of Leh, India.
- Trek on of the most isolated regions in India
- Traverse through Colourful mountains, two huge alpine lakes and plenty of wildlife all add to the surreal beauty of this trek.
- Experience basic luxuries in the wilderness.
- Views of Pasture Land Overgrazed by herds of sheep, goats and yaks on the plains of Changthang and pothang Valley.
- 8 high passes above 4000m includes Bumiktse la (4200m), Kiupa la (4400m), Sir Sir la (4850m), Hanumur la (4950m), Sinkul la (4980m) and soon
- Mesmerizing View of Moon Landscape at Lamayuru.
- Explore Lingshit, Phuktal and Karsha Monastery: One of the Oldest Monasteries in Ladakh
- Interaction with locals and insight into their lifestyle
- Home to numerous species of wildlife including the wild Ass Kiang, Himalayan Marmot, Snow Leopards, Tibetan Antelope, and Himalayan Ibex and Birds like Horned Lark, Seed-eating Finch, Brown Headed Gull, Brahminy duck and The Bar Headed Goose.
- Shop for souvenirs and handicrafts in Delhi’s bustling markets
- High Chances of Altitude Sickness during the Trek
- Requires High Level of fitness and experience for higher altitude
Itinerary
Upon arrival Leh airport, pick-up and transfer to hotel. After tea/coffee rest in hotel to get acclimatization. Evening walking walking tour in Leh bazaar. Overnight at hotel.
Sightseeing of Liker monastery and the world famous Alchi Choskor shrines on the first day drive till Lamayuru, where overnight stay in camp or guest house is arranged a day before before starting the trek.
The trek begins early with a short walk for about 20 minutes towards east to cross the stream from a point of a Stupa. Another stream leads you southwards and then east up to the Prikiting La (3700 m). After crossing the pass you get down to a river in Shillakung valley. Take the right trail along a Stupa and Mani wall. Cross the river to get the campsite passing through the houses near the second bridge and a tented restaurant.
After crossing the river and a stream walk along the road eastward. The trail splits into two, one leads towards Alchi village and another to Sumda Chenmo. There is a bridge to cross before walking again along the road for some distance. Soon with crossing another bridge, a difficult trail entering into Hanupatta gorge has to be negotiated with great care, especially challenging for heavily laden ponies. One more bridge to cross (ignore the second one) to get to a stupa, following which, gorge opens up into the valley of Hanupatta.
The day 5 involves crossing streams and walking along these before climbing the Sirsir la (4850m). After crossing the pass a stream leads to the campsite in the Photoksar village.
On the walk down the village keep the stream on your left, and you approach a few Pulu (herders’ shelters). Cross the stream to move towards the base of Singay la. The base, which is the campsite for the day, is not a very long walk from the herders’ shelters.
Climb up the Singay La pass (5050m), and on the way down a trail leading to left goes to Yulchung Nerags village. Take the right trail to get to Kyukpa la (4430). After crossing Kyukpa la pass take the right trail to the same direction down to a hamlet. Cross the stream and walk upwards to Margo la (4500m). The Lingshet village is reached after the descent of the pass. The campsite is near the school and there is a monastery is above the village on the left hand side.
Walk down the stream through the fields and an easy ascend starts after crossing the stream. At Hanuma la (4800m) has the first and good view of Lingshet valley. Walking down along a stream leads you to the campsite before the village next to a tree.
The day’s journey begins with crossing the stream and leaving it on the left to walk upwards. After a curve start walking up to the stream, cross the bridge and then a steep ascent takes you to Parfi la (3950m). Walking down to the Zanskar River and the trail along it leads to Hanamur, which has herders’ shelters. The campsite is close to the fields along the River. is near the field and the river. The village Hanamur has only two houses.
Walk along the Zanskar River passing through Pidmo village before getting to the camp.
Continue walking along the Zanskar River towards Karsha passing through Rinam village. The campsite for the day is below the majestic monastery perched on the mountain. Before retiring for the day, visit to this huge monastic heritage with many monks is worthwhile.
The day also has in store for you visits to religious monuments in Pibiting village and in Padum, which is also headquarter of Zanskar region. Check in Hotel Ibex and visit Sani and Stakrimo monasteries after having lunch. Night stay in the hotel with good basic facility is refreshing.
Day 13 is spared for a complete rest before proceeding further. Visits to historical monasteries of Stakrimo and Sani would be worthwhile during the day before your lunch at your leisure.
All through the day’s trek is walking on the road in parallel to and upstream the Lungnak River. On the way perched on a hill is the Bardan Gompa seemingly protruding from the river and then Mune village is reached. The campsite is close to a bridge.
There are many up and down traverse along the river after crossing it to get the Pepu la pass close to a stream. The campsite is near the teashop.
Cross the stream and walk up to the next bridge near Tantse. Cross the Lungnak River and walk towards north for Purne, where you have to camp
Walk towards Phugtal Monastery and walk back to the Camp at Purne. Overnight stay in the Camp.
Walk towards south and cross the same bridge. Walk southward through a valley to get the camp.
Walk towards Kargyak and the camp site is just across the bridge. Overnight stay in the camp.
Again walk along the river and the ascend starts after a few miles walk. Reach Shinkunla (5090m) top and other side of the pass is little bit difficult. Arrive at Ramjak after passing by Chumik Nakpo. The Campsite is near a Mani wall.
Walk towards the same direction along the stream and after sometime cross the river to get to a teashop. The campsite is after crossing the bigger stream.
Today is the last day with short walk passing through the villages of Chika and Rarik, from where the motor able road starts and it takes you to Darcha Sumdo.
Early morning transfer to Leh airport to catch flight to Delhi. Tour Ends
Departures & Availability
The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.
Check Available Dates
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All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.
Price include
- Road transportation from Leh to Leh by car.
- Accommodation in tents on twin share basis during trekking.
- All meals (Day 1 Lunch to Day 18 Lunch)
- All camping gear including tents and sleeping mattress. Kitchen, Dining and toilet tent
- Permits and Entrance fees.
- Good English speaking guide, cooks and porters, mules.
Price Excludes
- Accommodation and Meals in Leh.
- Personal Insurance.
- All alcoholic beverages and personal expenses.
- Good down sleeping bags can be provided at an additional cost of Rs.200 per day.
Gears And Equipment
Trip Information
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.
Lamayuru to Darcha Trek Route Map
Gallery
FAQS
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Traveler Reviews
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