The Darcha to Padum trek through the wilderness of Zanskar provides a rare opportunity to see some breathtaking landscapes, especially at higher altitudes. It generally takes 9-10 days to complete this trek which involves crossing the Shingo La pass (16700 feet).

Darcha Padum Trek is a must go on trek. Sometimes it becomes difficult to control one's emotions and excitement in the build up to a trek. I have been planning a trip to Ladakh for the last couple of years. I always wanted to do a road trip on the famous Manali to Leh road. But that was not possible with family in tow. One option was for my family to travel by air, while I went by road at least one way. Travelling by road for two days alone would be very boring. A trekking partner for the road trip is necessary.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Manali
On arrival Manali transfer to hotel. Day free, evening walk around local market.
Overnight stay at the hotel

Day 2: Manali - Darcha - Palmo:
Morning drive to reach Darcha (3360 M) by covering appox 140 kms in 6-7 hrs. Stop at Rohtang Pass (3980 M) for photograph. Continue to reach Darcha and further to Palmo. Arrive and overnight stay in tents besides the river.

Day 3: Palmo - Zanskar Sumdo:
Morning after breakfast start trekking to reach Zanskar Sumdo (3750 M) by covering appox 14 kms in 4-5 hrs. You will cross the river by a trolley just before the camp. Overnight in tents.

Day 4: Zanskar Sumdo - Chumi Napko:
Morning after breakfast start trekkingf to reach Chumi Nakpo (4060 M) by covering appox 14 kms in 4-5 hrs. A steep climb just after the camp and climb down gradually upto Chmi Nakpo. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 5: Chumi Napko - Lakham:
Morning after breakfast start trekking to reach Lakham (4100 M) by crossing Shingo La (5100 M) by covering appox 16 kms in 6-7 hrs. The climb to the pass is not hard but climbing down is hard through the glacier. Arrtive and overnight stay in tents.

Day 6: Lakham - Kurgiak:
Morning after breakfast start trekking to reach Kurgiakh (4060 M) by covering approx 14 kms. Now you will find the difference in the features of the of the mountains as you are in Zanskar. Arrive and set-up camp for overnight stay.

Day 7: Kurgiak - Bepul:
Morning after breakfast start trekking to reach Bepul (3950 M) by covering approx 14 kms. Arrive and overnight stay in tents.

Day 8: Bepul - Purne:
Morning after breakfast start trekking to reach Purni (3700 M) by covering approx 12 kms. Arrive and overnight stay in tents.

Day 9: Prune - Phuktal Gompa - Prune:
Morning after breakfast start trekking for an excursion to Phutkal Gompa which is one of the most impressive gompas in Ladakh by covering approx 14 kms. In the afternoon return back to Purne for overnight stay.

Day 10: Prune - Mune:
Morning after breakfast start trekking to reach Mune (3650 M) by covering approx 12 kms. Arrive and set-up camp for overnight stay.

Day 11: Mune - Padum:
Morning after breakfast start trekking to reach Padum (3560 M) by covering approx 12 kms. Padum is the old capital of Zanskar. Arrive and overnight stay in tents.

Day 12: Padum:
Explore Padum. Overnight in Camp.

Day 13: Padum - Kargil:
Drive to Kargil through Suru Valley. Enroute visit Rangdum Gompa. Arrive and overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 14: Kargil - Leh:
Drive to Leh enroute visit Lamayuru Monastery, Alchi Choskor. Arrive & overnight in hotel.

Day 15: Leh:
In the morning, proceed for sightseeing tour of monasteries of Indus Valley. Visit the famous monasteries of Shey, Thiksay & Hemis. Overnight stay in hotel.

Day 16: Leh Departure:
After breakfast, check out from the hotel & drop at Airport for return journey with sweet memories of Ladakh Tour.