Lamayuru Trek

Leh

We start our adventure in Leh. Stay and meals in Leh are not included in the trek fee, so you can choose your hotel or request us to book you into a guest house. You can opt for the Roads & Journeys pick up or make your own arrangements, but do let us know in advance. The first day is reserved for you to acclimatize to the Leh weather and spend some time around the town. If you choose to spend it with the Roads & Journeys team then we’d be glad to give you an early introduction to the rest of the team. It’s also a great time to poach us with any questions you have about the trek. Relax the night away.

Leh to Wanla

First, let’s pose for the customary group photo that is taken at the beginning of each day of the trek. Post this we begin our 3 hour drive to Lamayuru in a minivan organised by us. On the way we have a couple of scenic stops to make, like the Magnetic Hill where you experience a shift in gravity that is quite extraordinary. We also pass by Sangam, which is the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar River. The most notable stop, however, is the Lamayuru Monastery. It is one of the oldest and most celebrated monasteries in the country. We proceed to a little village called Wanla which is where we will be put up for the night in different homestays as the village is not geared to have a big group stationed in one. This is an experience in itself because you learn a lot about how the locals live, the food they eat, the homes they keep and the lifestyles they lead.

Wanla to Hinju 

If you feel up for it, you can start with a morning walk by the river. Once back at the homestay, fill yourself well with breakfast and gear up for the first day of the trek. We’ll be heading on a nearly 5 hour picturesque trek to another village called Hinju which is known for its 1-km stretch of barley fields. Enroute, you will come across many little stupas. There is an interesting unspoken tradition that says you need to walk around them from left to right and not cross them directly. You also get to experience a greener side to Ladakh, one that we rarely imagine when we think of the desert in the sky. There is a river bath awaiting those who don’t mind the near freezing water temperature

Hinju to Sumda Chenmo

We start the day after a satiating home cooked breakfast and begin our 6-hour trek to Sumda Chenmo, a 1000 years old village in the middle of the Zanskar valley. The highlight of the Day 4 trek is, undoubtedly, the awe-inspiring views of the Karakoram range and the stunning Stok Kangri, the highest mountain in the Stok range. We can view them when we trek to the Kongskil La Pass at 4950m. This is also the highest point of the Lamayuru Trek. Our day ends at Sumda Chenmo where locals have been encouraged to learn the art of weaving to earn their livelihood. Check into your respective homestay and relax before the toughest day of the trek yet.

Sumda Chenmo to Dung Dung Chan La Base

It’s important to start the day before 8 am because of the 7 hour uphill trek and 7 hour downhill trek back to the village. We make a steady climb up in order to avoid getting altitude sickness. You will pass by beautiful flora along the route, some which may have never encountered before. You will also get to experience trekking under the night sky. Look forward to the rewarding dinner at the end of the day.

Dung Dung La Base to Chilling

On last day of the trek, there are two options that trekkers can avail: 

– One is trekking up to the Dung Dung La base, which is a 10 hour trek back to Chilling. 

– Second is a mostly flat trail that takes you straight to the road head. This can be completed in 4-5 hours.

If you choose to trek to Dung Dung La base, you can expect a fairly straight climb which offers a beautiful view of the Stok Range in the east & the Zanskar Range in the south.

• Fly Back Home with a resolve to come back.
  

  .