Hemis to Zangla via Junglam

Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days

Best Time: June to October

Description: The trek starts from Hemis monastery (one of the richest monastery in Ladakh). It enters in famous Markha valley and Zangskar via Junglam, which is open only for a month. In summer this route is closed due to water crossing and in winter heavy snowfall.

Day 01: Early morning LEH - HEMIS by jeep
Visit the Hemis Gompa and start trekking to Shang Sumdo: cross Martselang bridge, then ascent up valley along the river, crossing it several times before reaching Sang Sumdo.

Day 02: SHANG SUMDO - LATZA KONGMARU
The route follows through a stunning landscape of red rocks along the slope, then along river till Chuskyurmo (sour water),on through gorges of small rivers many of which need to be crossed before camp is made for the night at Latza below Kongmarula Pass.

Day 03: LATZA KONGMARU – KONGMARU LA (4800 MTS) - LANGTHANG CHU RIVER.
Before descending to a high mountain pasture at Nimaling (4700m), we must ascent steeply up to Kongmarula Pass (5150m), offering a beautiful view of the northern face of Kang Yatse Peak (6400m). From Nimaling up, cross a ridge, then descent to a beautiful valley, cross river, on up again, following a rocky slope up to Konga Ngonpo (5090m), then descend along a very steep route before reaching a campsite near Male.

Day 04: LANGTHANG CHU – ZALUNG KARPO LA (5200 Mts).
After crossing a large stream and a moraine, valley divides an hour later. Continuing to our right, the route goes up and down before reaching Zalung Karpo La. Camp on the other side of the pass.

Day 05: ZALUNGKARPOLA - TILAT SUMDO.
Start descending from the camp towards the main stream. After an hour arrive at Khamak Sumdo, a valley coming from the north (route directly north leads to Rabrang La, 5000m.) Follow the gorge, crossing a stream several times before reaching Tilat Sumdo along a rocky route.

Day 06: TILAT SUMDO - NORTH CAMP (4450M) OF CHAR CHAR LA (4950M).
Just after Tilat Sumdo camp, cross Khurna river, continue on its right bank, past couple side valleys. Four hours later as the valley narrows, break camp.

Day 07: NORTH CAMP CHAR CHAR LA - ZANGLA SUMDO.
Follow the narrow gorge, past several narrow side gorges, eventually leaving behind the stream. The route follows gently up to the top of Char Char La, 4950m. From top follow stream down to Zangla Sumdo.

Day 08: ZANGLA SUMDO - ZANGLA.
Continuing down from Zangla Sumdo along the stream, the trail reaches the wide expanse of the Zanskar Valley, with great views of the Zanskar River and the villages of Pishu and Pidmo on the other side of the river.

Day 09: Sightseeing around Zanskar
Visiting Zangla, Stongde and Karsha monasteries. O/n Camp.

Day 10: PADUM – RANGDUM. (110 Kms, 4 – 5 Hrs).
Drive to Rangdum. O/n Camp.

Day 11: RANGDUM – KARGIL. (130 Kms, 5 – 6 Hrs).
O/n Hotel.

Day 12: KARGIL – LEH. (232 Kms, 8 – 9 Hrs).
O/n Hotel.