Trekking Wild Zanskar - Darcha to Padum

Join us on the first half of our trek across Zanskar as we hike through roadless mountains and river valleys from Darcha to Padum. The video features our climb to the stunning pass, Shinkul La (5,100 m), our first encounter with Zanskari nomads, homestays in isolated villages, overnight stays in Phuktal and Mune monasteries, and more.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• adventure
• culture
• nature
• travel
• log
• Zanskar
• Jammu
• and
• Kashmir
• Phuktal
• monastery
• Shinkul
• La

[forkinpig]

Can you pls let me know what time of the year did you do this trek?

[contemporarynomad]

@forkinpig We did this trek from September 14 to October 4, 2008. This, however, was quite late in the season.

[govamith]

Great Video and lovely place. Is it possible to do Darcha to Padum and Padum to Lamayuru trek by staying in Homestay?

[contemporarynomad]

@govamith The trek took 21 days, and during that time, we camped 5 times. The rest of the time we stayed in homestays and monasteries. When we went in 2008 (quite late in the season), it wasn't possible to find a homestay every night, so we had to have a tent and food with us.

[Maatias58]

I've been there 24 years ago It seems to be yesterday. We did Padum Hemis afterwards, we visit Zangla "King" in Zangla a very informed man.

[andreastravels]

Great stuff!

[contemporarynomad]

@anneannicus

Hi Anne,

it's been a couple of year since we did the trek, so I don't know how far the road construction extends. The main reason why we did the Zanskar trek was the road being built into the area. Maybe, you should do a little online research to see where the road goes. Other than that, both halves were fantastic. From Darcha to Padum you have Pukthal, of course, which was great. From Padum to Lamayuru you have many passes to cross, which makes it a very rewarding challenge.

[contemporarynomad]

@anneannicus

Hi Anne, the complete trek including Pukthal took us 19 days. We did walk at least 8 hours a day, often even 11 hours. I don't think you could do it in 12 days. As far as I remember there are 9 passes, high ones, you have to cross.

Good luck! I know you'll enjoy it.

Thomas

You can also break up the trip - do either Darcha to Padum or Padum to Lamayuru if you don't have enough time.