Spiti Ladakh Trekking
The old trade route to Ladakh and Tibet may have been tarmacked, but most of this remote and spectacular region is still only accessible on foot. Its trails, though well frequented in high season, are long, hard and high, punctuated by few settlements, so be ready for this unending exploration journey!
Trip Itinerary:
Day 1: The participants arrive in Manali.
Day 2: Manali - Kaza (3900m). Duration:
8 hours. The drive to Kaza takes one past Rohtang pass (3970m) and Kunzum La
(4551m). From Rohtang, the road descends in to the Lahaul valley to Gramphu,
from where the road forks towards Kunzum and Kaza. Till Batal, the road
continues through the rugged Chandra river valley. On the way, are great panoramic
views of the Bara Shigri glacier, one of the biggest in the Himalayas.
Day 3: Acclimatize around Kaza. Soak in a bit of Spitian culture with a visit to the ancient monasteries in Dhankar and Tabo. Towards evening, drive up to Kibber, the highest motorable village in the world and the ancient monastery at Ki. Camp for the night in Kibber.
Day 4: Kibber - Dhumle (4260m). Duration: 2 hours. On the first day of the trek, the trails descends through a gorge and arrives at the last village of the trek, Dhumle. You can see Parang La from here at a distance of about 500m.
Day 5: Dhumle - Thaltak (4560m). Duration: 5
hours. The trail now turns into a steep climb to take you to the next camp on a
meadow at Thaltak.
Day 6: Thaltak - Base of Parang La (5000m).
Duration: 6 hours. The trail takes you down a steep path down to the Parilungbi
gorge before ascending to the campsite. The majestic Parilungbi peak stands to
the South of Parang La. Look out for one of the rare sightings of bharal,
marmot etc.
Day 7: Base - Karsha Gonma (4930m) via
Parang La. Duration: 7 hours. The Parang La at 5600m is one of the highest
passes in Western Himalayas and offers some grand views. Descend from the pass
to Karsha Gonma which is at the head of the Para Chu valley.
Day 8: Karsha Gonma - Umna (4680m).
Duration: 5 hours. It's a relaxed walk after the strenuous pass. The only
challenge is a stream crossing before reaching the campsite.
Day 9: Umna - Rachu Lamo (4470m). Duration:
5 hours. It's an easy walk, the trail keeping next to the Para chu river most
of the way.
Day 10: Rachu Lamo - Chhumik Shirde (4300m).
Duration: 5 hours. The trail continues next to the Para Chu river. But the
campsite is set on the far bank and the day's challenge is to cross the river.
Day 11: Chhumik Shirde - Kyangdom(4350m).
Duration: 5 hours. The trek continues on the flat ground of the Changthang
plateau with some spectacular views along the way.
Day 12: Kyangdom - Tso Moriri (4450m).
Duration: 5 hours. Walking through the Para Chu valley, the valley suddenly
opens up and the landscape turns greener as you approach the lake. The valley
is famous for the wild life mainly comprising of Kyang (wild ass). Camp midway
on the lake's banks on the way to Karzok.
Day 13: Tso Moriri - Karzok (4267m).
Duration: 8 hours. Walk along the lake right up to the Karzok village. The day
might seem never-ending, because though Karzok looks near enough, it takes 8
hours to finally reach the campsite. But the walk is worth it with all the flora
and fauna that one gets to see.
Day 14: Karzok - Leh. Duration: 8 hours. A
vehicle will pick you up from Korzok and drop you to the guesthouse in Leh.
