The Darcha Padum Trek, also known as the Padum to Darcha Trek, is a challenging and adventurous trek in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, specifically in the remote region of Zanskar. This trek takes you through some of the most rugged and pristine landscapes in the Himalayas, and it’s known for its isolation, stunning scenery, and unique cultural experiences. Here’s an overview of the Darcha Padum Trek:
Route Highlights:
Darcha:
The trek typically begins in Darcha, a small village in Himachal Pradesh. Darcha serves as the starting point for trekkers and is a gateway to the Zanskar region.
Darcha to Padum:
The trek takes you through challenging terrains and high mountain passes. You’ll cross numerous streams, steep ascents, and descents. The most notable passes include Shingo La and Singge La, both of which are at high altitudes.
Remote Villages:
Along the way, you’ll pass through remote villages such as Chika, Ramjak, Lakong, and Tanze. These villages provide opportunities to interact with the local inhabitants and experience their unique culture and way of life.
Stunning Scenery:
The trek offers breathtaking views of the rugged Zanskar Range, deep gorges, and pristine landscapes. You’ll be surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, and you’ll encounter glacial landscapes and barren terrains.
Zanskar River:
The Zanskar River, known for its azure blue waters, flows through the Zanskar Valley. The trek often follows the river’s course and provides magnificent views of the valley.
Cultural Encounters:
Interact with the Zanskari people, who have a distinct culture and lifestyle. You may have the opportunity to visit monasteries and experience the region’s unique religious traditions.
Challenging Terrain:
The Darcha Padum Trek is known for its challenging terrain and weather conditions, with some portions of the trail subject to heavy snowfall, especially during the winter. Trekkers need to be well-prepared and experienced.
Altitude Acclimatization:
Due to the high altitudes encountered during the trek, it’s essential to acclimatize gradually and be aware of altitude-related health risks.
Duration:
The trek typically takes around 10 to 15 days to complete, depending on your pace and the specific route chosen.
Best Time to Trek:
The best time for the Darcha Padum Trek is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is more favorable and the mountain passes are relatively accessible.
The Darcha Padum Trek is considered one of the most challenging and remote treks in the Indian Himalayas. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the pristine landscapes and culture of the Zanskar region. Due to the isolated nature of the trek, thorough planning, appropriate gear, and possibly a local guide or trekking company are recommended to ensure a safe and rewarding experience.
What to Expect
The trek tour provides you the magnificent of the Greater Himalayas range of Ladakh and Zanskar. The absolute stunning trek tour by Bharat Darshan will cover the places of far off locations deeply rooted with its original culture and heritage and the glorious views of mighty Himalayas. You will come across the glacier streams guggling through your way decorated with Thangkas and paintings. Visit to the ancient monasteries of Rangdum, Padum and Phugtal you will find yourself in some another world or planet as if time stands still.
Arrival at Chandigarh Railway station pick up and transfer to Manali. Upon arrival hotel check in. Later time to relax and or walk on the mall. In the evening you will be briefed about the trek dos and don’ts and tips of survival and motivation to get going during. Dinner and overnight at Manali, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Hotel /Similar
After an early breakfast proceed for sightseeing and visit to Hadimba Temple by walking and later hiking and sightseeing near and around Manali options like Lamadug and Hamta Circle. Return by late evening for dinner and overnight stay at Manali.
Accommodation: Hotel/Resort
Early morning at dark leave for Keylong the district headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti. The day we will pass through Atal Tunnel the structural marvel of modern India offering an incredible experience. En route we will come across the mini tribal villages cross the Chinab the confluence of two mighty river of Lahaul and Spiti Chandra and Bhaga. Reach Keylong, by later evening a Buddhist town later we will visit the famous Kardang Monastery to get even furthermore acclimatized. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel/Resort
Leave early morning to Darcha via Jispa village and the famous Jispa Monastery lies about 30 kms from Keylong. Upon arrival we will starts of first day trek to Palamo located at an altitude of 3825M. After about 5 hours of easy trek we will reach to our campsite welcomed by already present staff sip a cup of warm tea/coffee with snacks. As you move towards Palamo you enter into the Zanskar as you enter Palamo you are welcomed with great viewing meadows. An overnight stay at the Camp.
Accommodation: Camping
After breakfast trek along the views of the beautiful surroundings that start glowing with the first rays of sun. begin with gradual climbing of the mountain on the left bank until we reach our second camp site. An overnight stay at the Camp.
Accommodation: Camping
After onset of sunrise leave for Chumik Nakpo the follow the stream which has to be cross carefully reach your camp site located on the base of nest day climb. Dinner and overnight stay at camp.
Accommodation: Camping
After breakfast leave for wonderful Shingo La pass with relaxing surrounding views. A relatively tiring trekking journey rewarded by your patience once you arrive at camp site. As you climb further high you leave pass the green belt and reached to Shingo-La 5090 m where you will be welcomed by glaciers and meadows and streams. Reach Lakhang camp beside small stream in next 3 hours and enjoy a night stay at the Camp.
Accommodation: Camping
Get ready with your refreshment and leave for another wonder day. After crossing the stream, you follow your path towards right of the stream. On the way and rocky terrain, you need to be very careful and mind your every moves. After about an hour you trek and starts descending towards the first village of Zanskar Kargyak. Reach your camping site in Zanskar and in the evening we will take you to the village for one-to-one interaction. Another night stay at the Camp.
Accommodation: Camping
Post breakfast we will leave for our next destination which is Purne. Purne is also a very important place because of Phugtal Monastery a famous cave Monastery. Walk and follow the left side of Chorten (Stupa) and recite as “Om Mane Padme Hum”. After the village, we will continue on the right bank with an easy walk and reach Tanze, which is a small village with a Gompa (monastery) after few minutes of walking further crossing a small bridge, we will reach to Kuru village which is a major village of livestock breeders. Continue further and reach beautiful Testa village. Further descending and ascending we will reach Yal. From here, we will take steep descent towards a large bridge, which we after crossing reaches to Purne. Overnight Camp.
Accommodation: Camping
Today we will visit to Phuktal Gompa, the gompa is on the cliffside of a mountain with natural caves and spring water known for its unique healing applications> The Phugtal Monastery a 11th century monastery and is like a honey climb cut into rock under a graphic limestone cave. It belongs to the Gelupas (Yellow Cap). We will be going up the right bank of the Tsarap River in to the splendid gorges and after crossing a bridge we will walk up for few more minutes where a ridge leads to a small plateau sprinkled with Chorten and religious banners. From here, we will witness the most spectacular sights in the Zanskar regions. After visiting Phuktal Gompa, we will return by the same route to Purne for an overnight stay at the Camp.
Accommodation: Camping
After breakfast leave Purne pass through the frequent small canyons of pudding stones. We will pass a bit above a hanging bridge that leads to the village of Cha and two hours later, we will reach Kheydang, a small village in a poplar grove. Finally, we will reach to Phibula. An overnight stay at the camp.
Accommodation: Camping
After breakfast leave Purne pass through the frequent small canyons of pudding stones. We will pass a bit above a hanging bridge that leads to the village of Cha and two hours later, we will reach Kheydang, a small village in a poplar grove. Finally, we will reach to Phibula. An overnight stay at the camp.
Accommodation: Camping
After a long trek today, we will reach a large bridge that will leads to Ichar village. Henceforth we will have to steep descending and after a steady climb reach our campsite of Raru. Our camp here will be set near extremely wonderful lake. Overnight stay at Camp.
Accommodation: Camping
After breakfast leave for Padum the final destination of your itinerary leaving Phibula and marching ahead to a beautiful plain covered with flowers and visit to the monastery of Mune. After steep descen reach the main track path and after two hours of trekking we will arrive at Burdan Gompa, a Kargyudpa Monastery famous for its prayer wheel. Upon arrival we will be visiting to several beautiful villages on the right bank of Tsarap River and then a dusty trail will take you to the sub headquarter of Zanskar regions, Padum. An overnight stay at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
The day is free to visit Karsha and nearby places. An overnight stay at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast leave for Randum upon arrival visit to Rangdum Monastery a rustic off location surprises us as how one can leave happily. Dinner and overnight in tent.
Accommodation: Camping
After breakfast leave for Kargil enroute view of the largest glacier of Ladakh after Siachen Glacier in the Karakoram range which is 23 kms long and located at an altitude of 4780 M. Further leaving the amazing scene proceed towards Kargil and follow the Suru River on the way you have the view of Nun Kun Twin Peak the height of Nun is 7135 M and Kun 7022 M. Upon arrival Kargil night stay at hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast leave for Leh enroute Balti Heritage House and Museum, Mulbekh Chamba Statue and Fotu La the highest point on this route. Further proceed and reach to Lamayuru visit to Lamayuru Monastery Complex. Enroute visit to Likir and Alchi Monastery and confluence of Indus and Zanskar River. Continue and also take a brief stop at Magnetic Hill and Pather Sahib. Reach you final destination Leh. You are bound to retire for the day.
Please share your details here.
