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The Grand Traverse

Starts from Manali
Total Duration

22 days

Avg. Activity

7 hrs/day

Trekking

17 days

Max. Altitude

Shingo La (5,091m)

Good physical preparation recommended!
Overview

One of our oldest and most popular treks in the western Himalayas, this is an epic four-week journey that crosses from the lush, green foothills of the Kullu valley to the high-altitude desert of Ladakh. The relatively tough and challenging route requires stamina, but provides unforgettable experiences and a wonderful array of cultural and natural splendour.

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Best Months
Jul Aug Sep Oct
Highlights →

  • Ascend from subtropical foothills to cold, high desert

  • Zanskar valley, sandwiched between the Indus valley and the crest of the Indian Himalayas

  • Trek through the succession of isolated villages and see wonderful Buddhist monasteries

  • Climb through the moraine, ice and snow to Shingo La (5091m) the highest point

  • The magnificent high-altitude landscape of Ladakh
  •  
Route Map

The Grand Traverse

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Daily Itinerary →
  • DAY 01

    Arrive Delhi

    Arrive at Delhi by international flight. A KVT representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to the vehicle. Later transfer to hotel. Rest of the time free to relax at the hotel or independent activities. Optional half day Delhi sightseeing can be arranged at additional cost. (Meals: Nil)

    Overnight in hotel
  • DAY 02

    Depart Delhi, Arrive Kullu, Drive to Manali

    After breakfast departure to Delhi Airport for flight to Kullu. Meeting on arrival and drive to Manali - a beautiful township nestled in the picturesque Beas River valley. One can also fly in to Chandigarh and then drive to Manali (7.5 – 8.5hrs drive). Or else, you can reach Chandigarh by train and then drive to Manali. KVT can arrange transfers from Chandigarh airport or railway station at additional cost. NOTE: It is advisable to arrive a day earlier, which will help in better acclimatization. (Meals: Breakfast)

    Overnight in hotel
  • DAY 03

    Drive to Palamo (3450m), en-route Atal Tunnel

    This day we drive towards Darcha en-route crossing the Atal Tunnel - the newly completed 9.02 km highway tunnel which is the longest tunnel above 10,000 feet (3,048 m) in the world. We then follow the highway driving along the Chenab river till Tandi bridge, and later continue our drive to Darcha. We leave the highway and continue our drive towards Palamo, the starting point of our trek. We reach Palamo and camp for the night. (Driving Time: 3 - 4 hrs / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 04

    1st Day Trekking: Trek to Zanskar Sumdo (3810m)

    In the morning we begin our trek towards Zanskar Sumdo (‘Sumdo’ means confluence) our next campsite for the night. The trail goes through small rivers and we pass a spectacular gorge then we keep on walking towards Zanskar Sumdo and reach there. (Trek begins / Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 05

    2nd Day Trekking: Trek to Chumik Napko (4570m)

    Today morning after having breakfast we follow the trail which leads us to Shingo La (5091m). We start with a gradual ascent towards a small pasture land which we cross and walk for some more hours and reach the base camp Chumik Napko our campsite for the night. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 06

    3rd Day Trekking: Trek to Lhakhang (4270m), en-route Shingo La

    Early morning we start ascending towards the pass of Shingo La (5091m). From our camps the trail is a steep ascent and at some section we walk over glaciers and boulders. Finally we reach the pass from where we have breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks of the Great Himalayan range. From the pass the trail is a steep descent towards our next campsite Lhakhang, where we camp near the pasture land used by the shepherds for their flocks. (Trekking Time: 8 – 9 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 07

    4th Day Trekking: Trek to Kargyak (4050m)

    Today the trail is gentle as we walk in the valley most of the time and will be crossing river beds frequently. We leave behind the big and impressive Gombo Rangjon peak. We walk further through grazing meadows full of herbs and finally reach Kargyak village. It is the highest human settlement in Zanskar. We camp at this picturesque village for the night. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 08

    5th Day Trekking: Trek to Purni (3700m)

    In the morning after breakfast we leave Kargyak village and follow the trail which leads us to our next campsite at Purni village. We follow the trail which passes through few villages and finally reaching Purni village where we camp for the night. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 09

    6th Day Trekking: Visit to Phuktal Monastery, Trek to Galboh (3890m)

    Today we trek to the stunningly located Phuktal Monastery (3850m). The fantastic sight of this monastery perched on the mountainside will definitely impress everyone. From our campsite we follow the Tsarap River through a stunning gorge before reaching the gompa. We will return to camp and after lunch we will continue on the left bank of Tsarap River. Arrive at Galboh and camp here for the night. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 10

    7th Day Trekking: Trek to Raru (3880m)

    This morning we trek towards Raru. We follow the Tsarap River through beautiful canyon. The trail goes up and down many times as we pass through one of the fascinating village of Ichar before we reach Raru our campsite for the night. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 11

    8th Day Trekking: Trek to Shila (3650m)

    This is an easy day as the trail goes through the canyon and we follow the Tsarap River throughout the day. After an hour of walking we arrive to a small village of Mune dominated by an ancient Gompa of Gelukpa Order. Walk further for two hours and on the way we visit Bardan Gompa situated right at the bank of Tsarap River. Later we leave the trail and cross a bridge and walk through the green fields up to the village of Shila. There is an option to stop the trek here and drive to Kargil and further drive to Leh, with an en-route visit to Lamayuru monastery. (Trekking Time: 5 – 6 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 12

    9th Day Trekking: Trek to Karsha (3650m)

    Today morning we begin our day by crossing the bridge and head towards Padum the former capital of the ancient Zanskar Kingdom and now the administrative centre of Zanskar. We continue on a dusty trail towards the Doda River then we cross the bridge to reach Karsha Monastery dating back to the 16th century. It is the largest and the wealthiest of all monasteries in Zanskar Valley. We reach and camp at Karsha village for the night. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 13

    10th Day Trekking: Trek to Pishu (3400m)

    This day trek starts with a fairly easy but hot walk along the dusty banks of the Zanskar River. Just before Pishu we make a short detour to take a look at the longest hanging bridge in the Zanskar region, boasting an impressive 55 metre span. Then we continue towards Pishu where we camp for the night just below the village. (Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 14

    11th Day Trekking: Trek to Hanumil (3450m)

    Morning we have breakfast and will continue our trek along the left bank of the Zanskar River. The trail leads us on a large moraine plateau along the Zanskar River and after crossing the plateau we reach at the bridge at Pidmo village. We cross the bridge and from here it is another two hours walk to reach our next campsite at Hanumil village. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 15

    12th Day Trekking: Trek to Snertse (3800m), en-route Parfi La

    This morning we have breakfast and walk for an hour, later we cross the stream and start a steep ascent towards the pass of Parfi La (3950m) away from the Zanskar River. The pass marks the boundary between Zanskar and Ladakh; after crossing the pass the trail is a steep descent towards the Oma Chu River on the other side (a tributary of Zanskar River). Then we cross the bridge and walk up to a sandy slope to enjoy the magnificent views of the surroundings and then continue our trek towards our next campsite Snertse. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 16

    13th Day Trekking: Trek to Lingshed (3950m), en-route Hanuma La

    This day we have a long gradual ascent towards the summit of Hanuma La (4700m) through gorges. After hours of climbing we reach Hanuma La from where one will be blessed with the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Then we make a steep descent to the mountain and from here another climb to a small pass that marks the rim of the Lingshed Valley. We then begin an easy walk down to the village of Lingshed where we camp for the night near to the village monastery. (Trekking Time: 7 – 8 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 17

    14th Day Trekking: Trek to Singge La base camp (4300m)

    In the morning after breakfast we start a steep ascent towards the base camp of Singge La (5050m) after an hour we cross a pass and from the pass one can have a beautiful view of the Nierag Valley and the Zanskar River. Then we descend to the villages of Gongma and Skiumpata from where we follow a gradual path along the side of the mountain up to our campsite at the base of Singge La. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 18

    15th Day Trekking: Trek to Photoksar (4200m), en-route Singge La

    We begin our day with a steep ascent for hours to reach the pass of Singge La (5050m). From the pass we have some magnificent views of the glaciers, before we make the short descent into the wide expanse of the Photang Valley. From here the path is easy, with a gentle climb towards the Bumiktse La (4200m) followed by a descent into the village of Photoksar. The village lies enclosed between high mountain walls and lush pastureland, overlooked by an abandoned gompa in the hills above the village. (Trekking Time: 7 – 8 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 19

    16th Day Trekking: Trek to Shillakong base (4100m), en-route Sirsir La & Sniugutse La

    This morning after breakfast we start climbing up towards Sirsir La (4850m) the trail gets steeper and harder. From here a remarkable views over the surrounding mountains range can be seen. An easy descent brings us to the valley and again we start ascending towards another pass Sniugutse La (5050m). An excellent view can be seen on a clear day from the pass and then we descend to our next campsite for the night. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 20

    17th Day Trekking: Trek to Kanji (3850m), en-route Shillakong La

    Today the trail goes ascending towards our final pass Shillakong La (4700m). The pass offers breathtaking views over the surrounding range of mountains. An easy descent brings us to a small village of Kanji our campsite for the night. (Trek Ends / Trekking Time: 5 – 6 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

    Overnight in camp
  • DAY 21

    Drive to Leh

    Today morning after finishing breakfast we board the vehicles and drive towards Leh en-route visiting Lamayuru monastery- one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh region. The monastery is famous for its rich wall paintings, collection of thangkas, murals, scriptures and statues of different forms of Buddha and other deities. Afterwards we drive to Leh, and upon arrival we check-in to hotel. (Driving Time: 5 – 6 hrs / Meals: Breakfast)

    Overnight in hotel
  • DAY 22

    Depart Leh

    Morning we will be transferred to the airport for flight to Delhi. Upon arrival connect international flight back to home country.

    Trip Ends
  •  

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Ladakh and Zanskar Himachal and Uttarakhand The Himalayas Trekking Level 4
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