Leh- Lamayuru - Alchi Trail - 5 Days
This is a beautiful and interesting trek where we will come across some of the oldest and most famous monasteries in Ladakh, founded around 11th century by Lotsawa Rinchen Sangpo. Lamayuru, Wanla, and Alchi are too important to be missed because of their historical values. 124 Kms. west of Leh on the Leh Srinagar highway stands the dramatically located Lamayuru monastery. The trail goes along a stream below this awesome Gompa to Wanla village from where it continues over the Prinkiti La at 3700m / 12,410ft and the 5200m / 17,060 ft high Tar La. Excellent views and quaint villages on the route.
DAY 01 We drive from Leh in the morning towards Lamayuru (3 hrs) along the Indus River through Sham valley. After visiting the Lamayuru monastery, we pack our backpacks, watch the horses get ready and set off for our first day’s trek. After following the stream for sometime, we will gradually move up to the small pass of Prinkti La (3750m). We will then walk down a narrow gorge to the small village of Shilla , and the last 3 km will take us to Wanla (3250m).
DAY 02 Today we will follow the dusty road along the river’s left bank and arrive at the small village of Phenjilla (3410 m). From Phenjilla, we will follow the left side of the valley along a small stream for around an hour and arrive at the scattered Ursi village. We will walk a little further to arrive at our campsite.
DAY 03 The trail from the camp is clear but challenging as we will have to trek up and down a few times before reaching the Tarla (5250 m). Our hard labor will be rewarded with the splendid view of the mountains around. Climbing down is difficult due to a mass of fallen rocks strewn about. It takes 3-4 hrs for us to reach our campsite at the village of Tar.
DAY 04 From Tar, the path heads up along the mountainside to a small pass. We will have an easy descent to Man Gyu village, where there are traditional Ladakhi houses and an ancient monastery worth visiting. It is believed that the monasteries of the Mang Gyu and Alchi were built on the same day.
DAY 05 We will end our last day by walking down a very beautiful narrow valley covered with rosebushes all along the path. We will reach the village of Gera , where we’ll find our vehicle waiting to take us back to Leh. But before that we will visit the beautiful and famous monasteries of Alchi and Likir.
