JhunglamTrek : 8 Days
This is one of the most adventurous treks on an isolated route far into the mountains with many rivers to be crossed.It is a real wilderness experience for adventure seekers, and the best period for exploration is from August – October when most of the snow has melted and the roaring rivers are passable
DAY 01 Leave Leh by jeep to the starting point of the trek at Martselang 3600 m. En route we visit the first Palace of Ladakh at Shey followed by a visit to the famous Yellow Sect monastery of Thikse, which houses one of the biggest Buddhas known as the future Buddha. We visit Hemis, the biggest and the most famous Drukpa monastery of Ladakh, built in the early 17th century. After the visits we will drive to Martselang and start our trek to Shang Sumdo, a small village at 3700 m. Martselang is the entry point into the Hemis National Park in which we may see endangered high altitude animals like Snow leopard, Tibetan Wolves, the great Tibetan Sheep and Golden Eagle.
DAY 02 Today we trek through the gorge of Shang, ascending gradually and enjoying the magnificent colors, shapes and rock formations of the gorge. We will pass by the small village of Chogdo before arriving at camp at Lartsa (4600m).
DAY 03 A steep ascent leads us up to Kongmaru La 5200 m. From the pass we will see a breath taking view of Kangyatse(6400 m), Zanskar and the Karakoram ranges. Then we descend gradually to the summer pasture of Nimaling, where the villagers of Marka valley stay during the summer season with their sheep, goats and yaks. The campsite of Thachungtse (4000 m) is further down the valley on the bank of the Marka River .
DAY 04 After yesterday’s strenuous walk, today is easier as we walk through the remote Langthang valley, where few other tourists go. Only the villagers from Markha, who use this valley as a pasture ground for their sheep, donkeys, yaks and horses. From Thachungtse, we follow the valley down until it divides, cross the river and follow the valley to the left along the Langthang Chu River . The Langthang River has the tendency of rising during the day due to snow melting in the mountains and by noon it becomes a dangerous river to cross. An early start in the morning is therefore essential, as one has to cross the river several times. Yakrupal (4200 m) is a nice, green campsite where both the horses and we will have a good meal.
DAY 05 We will continue up the valley towards the pass of Zalung Karpo(5200m). From the top of the pass there is a spectacular view of the Zanskar range on the one side, while on the other, the highest plateau in the world appears, the Changthang plateau stretching far into Tibet . The only inhabitants of the Changtang are a nomadic and semi-nomadic people, living in tiny settlements with their animals and a small harvest of barley on which to survive. Descending down from the pass, several river crossings will follow and lead us to the right bank of the Changchu River and the camping site of Tilat Sumdo (3750m). At the crossroads of Tilad Sumdo, it’s worth exploring some of the secluded gorges nearby. If fortune strikes there are chances of seeing wildlife around, including blue sheeps and the rare snow leopard.
DAY 06 Today we’ll have more river crossings than any other day. The day starts with crossing the icy cold river of Changchu and entering into a beautiful narrow valley until a canyon. After several river crossings, the valleys narrows and crossing the river becomes much easier. Walking further leads us to a plait with stones opposite a cluster of spectacular rocky needles where two cold streams intersect. Camp at Charcharla base (4400 m).
DAY 07 Following the stream will reveal several impressive gorges. After the third narrowing gorge, leavingthe stream towards the left we finally ascend gradually to the top of Charchar la (4950m). From the pass we will have a fine view of the main Himalaya beyond Padum. We descend steeply along glacial steps to the base of the pass. After crossing a magnificent canyon towards the left as far as the intersection along the stream to the large river at the campsite of Zangla Sumdo, we’ll have a very beautiful campsite to relax for the night.
DAY 08 With many river crossings downstream into the Zulung valley, we sight the first Zanskari village amidst the greenery of barley fields. The trail goes gradually up as far as Zangla castle and then down for half an hour beyond the chortens (stupas), bringing us to the village of Zangla (3370 m). Until 1989, Zangla had its own ruler with control over the nearby villages of Honia, Chazar, Hanumil, Pidmo and Pishu on the far side of the valley. Zangla monastery has its legacy with the monastery of the Gelugpa sect.
DAY 09 Our day begins with crossing the longest hanging bridge over the Zanskar River . From Pishu the trail ascends gradually to the village of Rinam (3550 m), following the banks of the Great Zanskar River . Along the way, we’ll see the stunning monastery of Tongde. Thereafter we will arrive at Karsha (3600 m) and reinvigorate ourselves at the banks of the Zanskar River listening to the musical tune of the flowing water.Karsha monastery: Karsha monastery is one of largest monasteries of Gelug pa sect. It is on the hillside with imposing view of the entire valley. Most of the monks are from the surrounding villages. It is believed that the monastic site was founded probably around 10th century A.D. It is recommended to visit the monastery to get blessing.
DAY 10 We will follow the route to Pipiting village on the dusty road from Karsha to Padum (3531 m). Padum is the major hub for all the activities of the entire valley and the capital of Zanskar. Here all villagers gather on auspicious days. After arriving at Padum, we once again intermingle with civilization for a day, and it is time to a have a complete rest before preparing for the long drive back to Leh.
