The Anmo to Serchu trek, also known as the Anmo to Sarchu trek, is a thrilling adventure through the remote and rugged landscapes of the Indian Himalayas. Here are some highlights you might experience during this trek:
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.
Drive by car from Padum till the very end of the road (in 2012 it was up till only Anmo). An early start might offer you more time for sightseeing of the gompas on the way like Bardan and Mune. At the end of the road, you’ll meet the horses and you’ll start from the left side of the river. The path leads high along the river through small villages/houses. You’ll finish the first trekking day in the district main quarter of Cha, a bigger village at 3.900 m. You can choose if you want to put up the tent or prefer one of the comfortable homestays to experience a little more of the life of the villagers.
(If you want, you can add a day here trekking to Phuktal with its famous Gompa and walk back to Purne, walking-time around 4 hrs. In total, giving enough time to explore the monastery as well. The walking-time for the next day will be 1 hr lesser from here)
Get down to the bridge, cross the river and climb up again. The path will lead you high above the river through the villages of Yal, Testa und Kuru. It is a nice and easy walk. Just before Tangtse there is again a small bridge to cross the river. Tangtse is a village located at around 4.000 m with 4 x 3-4 houses close together and huge fields around. There is an empty gompa high above th e village.
Continue on the same side of the river for the next 1-1.5 hours. You’ll reach Thabley, which consists of 2 houses. There you’ll enter a gorge ascending up into the mountains. Stay mostly on the left side, but sometimes you’ll have to cross (when there’s not much water, it’s easily done by jumping). Then you’ll leave the gorge on a high trail leading over ridges and back to the river at Zinchen at 4.600 m. You can either pitch your tent there or go a little higher, but there are only small spots for 2-3 tents.
Get up early in the morning since the trek towards and over the pass is quite long. Just keep on following the river up till you reach a nice place to take a rest and then descend down the pass. The climb is a little steeper until the top of the 5.582 m high pass, Phirtse-la. There you’ll have a spectacular view of the surroundings. Find a proper path to descend slowly downwards until you reach a broader valley called Churmik Marpo at 4.750 m. Camp there.
Follow the river down on the left side. You’ll see many marmot-holes, but very rarely one spots these shy animals. Before the river runs through a small gorge, you’ll have to cross it either on horseback or walk through the water. Continue on that side until the river flows into the bigger Lingti-River at Kham Kherab. There you’ll have to cross again. Kham Kherab is at 4.470 m and from here on, it is more or less like flat walking with only short ascents and descents. There are plenty of camping-possible sites along the Lingti-River. We suggest you go to Umlung at 4.440 m.
You continue walking on the right side of the Lingti-River (in the Olizane-map there is a path on the other side, too, which is wrong). On reaching the junction you could decide to have a long way to Killang Serai or you could continue just to Sarchu. There you’ll meet the Tsarap River, which has to be crossed and after that you’ll reach Sarchu at 4.300 m with a lot of Dhabas that offer food and night-shelter. From here, you can continue by road either to Leh or Keylong.
The drive from Sarchu to Leh is a spectacular journey through the rugged and mesmerizing landscapes of the Indian Himalayas. Starting from Sarchu, a high-altitude camping site nestled between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, the route offers breathtaking views of towering mountains, deep valleys, and barren expanses. As you embark on this drive, you’ll traverse through diverse terrain, including high mountain passes and winding roads carved along the cliffsides. One of the highlights of the journey is crossing the formidable Tanglang La Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, standing at an elevation of over 5,300 meters (17,480 feet) above sea level. Along the way, you’ll pass by picturesque mountain villages, shimmering alpine lakes, and Buddhist monasteries perched atop rocky outcrops, each adding to the enchanting scenery. The drive is not only a visual feast but also a test of endurance as you navigate through the high-altitude terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. Finally, after several hours of exhilarating travel, you’ll arrive in Leh, the vibrant capital of Ladakh, where you can unwind, explore the local culture, and reflect on the unforgettable journey through the heart of the Himalayas.
The final departure from Leh to Delhi typically involves a journey back from the remote Himalayan region to the bustling capital city of India. Here’s a detailed description of what this journey might entail:
After bidding farewell to the enchanting landscapes of Leh, travelers usually begin their departure day by checking out from their accommodation in Leh and heading to the Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. This airport, located about 3.5 kilometers from the city center, serves as the primary air gateway to the region.
Upon reaching the airport, travelers proceed through security and check-in procedures, ensuring they have all necessary travel documents, including boarding passes and identification. It’s essential to arrive at the airport well in advance of the scheduled departure time to allow for security checks and boarding procedures.
As the departure time approaches, travelers board their flight bound for Delhi. The flight from Leh to Delhi typically offers stunning aerial views of the majestic Himalayan peaks, including glimpses of snow-capped mountains and rugged terrain below.
During the flight, passengers have the opportunity to relax and reflect on their unforgettable experiences in Leh and the surrounding Himalayan region. Many travelers take this time to review photographs, journal their memories, or simply enjoy the scenic views outside their windows.
Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, travelers disembark from the aircraft and proceed through the airport’s arrival procedures. This includes collecting luggage from the baggage claim area and clearing through customs and immigration if applicable.
After exiting the airport, travelers have several options for transportation to their final destination within Delhi or onward travel to other parts of India. This may include arranging for a taxi or rideshare service, utilizing public transportation such as the Delhi Metro, or coordinating with a pre-arranged transfer service.