Duration 25 days : 1 day UK-Delhi-Leh, 2 days acclimatization in Leh, 17 days of trek, 2 days in Leh, 2 days in Delhi, 1 day return UK.

Itinerary : The route passes through the fantastic wonderland of the frozen gorges of the Zanskar river, with nights passed in caves in the gorge. We climb on the left bank to the village of Chiupata, which sees very few people in winter, then over the Mugum La (4200m) to reach the great rocky cirque of the Lingshed and its monastery. Then we descend to the frozen river and cross the plain of central Zanskar to the monastery of Karsha, home of our guide Lama Sonam. After rest days we return along the frozen river via Nierak on the right bank.

This is a historic trek following the route taken for centuries by the Zanskarpas. A road through the gorge is under construction so it is recommended to do this trek as soon as possible !!!

Lama Sonam’s advice : Zanskar is totally isolated in the winter time, with this frozen river the only link to Ladakh and the outside world. Lama Sonam has 30 years of experience of this unique route and can guarantee you a warm welcome with the Zanskar inhabitants. We make our night stops in caves in the gorge, just like the local people; tents are not suitable as they freeze and in the morning as the frozen condensation falls from the roof of the tent you think it’s snowing inside !

Duration 22 days : 1 day UK-Delhi-Leh, 2 days acclimatization in Leh, 11 days of trek, 1 day rest at Karsha, 2 days by bus or jeep Leh – Kargil - Srinagar, 2 days on houseboat in Srinagar, 1 day in Delhi, depart following morning for return to UK.

Itinerary : The trek takes in 7 cols, the highest being the Senge La at 5000m. It is atrek on good paths through magnificent scenery, passing through Photoksar, Lingshed Monastery and Nierak village.

This is one of the most beautiful and famous treks in Zanskar, and justifiably popular.

Lama Sonam’s advice : The route via Nierak, which is less frequented and wilder than alternatives offers excellent chances of seeing the Himalayan ibex. The trek is best done between June and November, but preferably avoiding the busiest period 15 July – 15 August.

Duration 21 days : 1 day UK-Delhi-Srinagar, 2 days on houseboat in Srinagar, 2 days by bus or jeep Srinagar - Kargil - Karsha , 1 day rest at Karsha, 1 day Karsha - Padum - Mune, 9 days of trek, 1 day by bus or jeep Darsha - Manali, 1 day in Manali, night bus to Delhi, 2 days in Delhi, 1 day Delhi-UK.

Itinerary : The trek passes some very remote villages and the Lunak valley. The Shinkun La rises to 5090m.

Phuktal Monastery which seems to flow out of a cave in the mountainside is an unforgettable sight.

Lama Sonam’s tip : A variant is to go by the high Phirtse La (5440m), which has steep and sometimes icy slopes, but provides a superb view of the Zanskar valley. This route may b e preferred in the most popular trekking month of mid-July to mid-August, when it will be much quieter than the Shinkun La, but it is more committing !
The route ends at Kumjung Serai, where we can take a bus or jeep to Darsha.

Duration 21 days : 1 day UK-Delhi, 1 day Delhi-Leh and acclimatisation, 1 day acclimatisation at Leh, 11 days of trekking, 1 day rest at Karsha, 2 days in bus or jeep Karsha-Kargil-Srinagar, 2 days on houseboat at Srinagar, 1 day at Delhi, 1 day Delhi-UK.

Itinerary : A trek through remote, wild country with few villages, passing over four cols of which the highest is Karpo La (5200m). The path often follows river beds, so expect to get wet feet !

Follow traditional paths the Zanskarpa way, in plastic sandals !

Lama Sonam’s advice : The trek is not practicable before September as the rivers are too full. It’s possible to start from Stok (5 extra days of trekking) or from Shilling (2 extra trekking days) - which lets you visit the interesting villages of the Marka valley.

Duration 21 days : 1 day UK-Delhi, 1 day Delhi-Leh and acclimatisation, 2 days by bus or jeep Leh-Kargil-Karsha,1 day rest at Karsha, 1 day in bus or jeep Karsha-Stongde, 8 days of trekking, 1 day rest at Karsha, 2 days in bus or jeep Karsha-Kargil-Srinagar, 2 days on houseboat at Srinagar, 1 day at Delhi, 1 day Delhi-UK.

Itinerary : Stongde La at 5140m offers a steep, exposed path leading to the very remote village of Chade where we stay for a day, providing you with the opportunity to meet the inhabitants.

Afterwards we trek to Phuktal, with its magnificent monastery. This is an unforgettable trek through out of the way country, and Phuktal is especially impressive.

Lama Sonam’s advice : Very few tourists do this trek, the paths are only used by locals. It is best done late in the season, when you may be lucky enough to combine it with participating in one of Zanskar’s famous marriage ceremonies.

Duration 22 days : 1 day UK - Delhi, 1 day Delhi - Leh, 2 days by bus or jeep Leh - Kargil - Karsha, 1 day at Karsha, 11 days of trekking, 2 days Atholi - Srinagar, 2 days at Srinagar, 1 day Delhi, 1 day Delhi – UK.

Itinerary : This trek follows an ancient link between Zanskar and Kashmir, over the high Umasi La (5400m), with a bivouac on a wide flat glacier surrounded by magnificent snowy peaks.

The trek takes you from the high arid desert landscape of Zanskar to the lush forests of the Paldar valley, and from a remote Buddhist land to an originally Hindu valley and then to Islamic Kashmir.

Lama Sonam’s advice : Some of my extended family live in this valley, so we will be received like kings! The trek is not advisable if there is trouble brewing between India and Pakistan. You may be regarded with curiosity by the local inhabitants as the valley has only recently been re-opened to tourists following political troubles in Kishtwar.

Duration 19 days : 1 day UK – Delhi - Leh, 2 days acclimatisation at Leh, 11 days of trekking, 2 days at Leh with visits to monasteries in the Indus valley, 2 days at Delhi, 1 day Delhi-UK.

Itinéraire : The trek crosses two 5400m cols, the Digar La and the Lasimov La, and takes in the high isolated valleys of the Shyok and Nubra rivers.

A desert landscape where you can even find sand dunes !

Lama Sonam’s advice : You need excellent acclimatisation for this trek, as we have to spend one night at 4800m and anotherr at 5000m. A reward is to visit the characteristic Buddhist monasteries of this region.