JUN LAM TREK

Embark on a scenic drive from Leh to Lingshed Village, covering approximately 260 km over 10 hours approx. The journey features breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, and high passes like Singe La and Sir Sir La takes you to Zangla Village( Campsite ).

Explore the Karsha and Stongdey Monasteries, which belong todifferent schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Zangla is known for its Lion-Shaped Palace and the presence of the royal family, which visitors may have the opportunity to meet.

Set off on a journey into a remote wilderness with no villages or settlements until you near the Indus Valley. The trail navigates through deep gorges and high mountain passes. After passing the ruins of a fort and stupas in Zangla, the trail enters a side gorge before descending. Approximately 1km to the right, you’ll encounter the first of several river crossings. The trail then winds through willow thickets for about 6km until the gorge opens into a wide valley known as Sumdo or Char Char la Base . Spend the night at a flat but non-grassy campsite at an elevation of 3800m.

The trail goes east into a dry, quiet valley and gradually climbs a series of rocky steps before leaving the valley for a final steep 200 to 300-meter climb to the Char-Char La pass, which stands at 4,950 meters. This climb is the first big
challenge of the trek, but it offers great views of the Zanskar and Himalayan Ranges. After enjoying the view from the pass, the trail descends and follows the Tilat Sumdo stream. At some points, the gorge is too narrow, and you'll need to walk through the stream. The campsite, at 4,000 meters, is
at the meeting point of two gorges and has been used by many migrating to Zanskar. It takes about 3hours to reach the campsite from the pass.

Trekkers rarely take this route, making it a special experience with remote
gorges, wet boots, and numb toes that thrill true adventurers. Reaching
Tilat Sumdo usually takes 8- 9 hours & water levels rise after 10 am. From
the camp, the trail leads for about 3 hours to a tributary confluence. Here, the gorge widens, but the frequent twists and turns of the river make it hard to know exactly where you are. After another 2 km, you'll reach the confluence with the Kharnak River, marked by prayer flags. Crossing the still waters, you'll arrive at the Tilat Sumdo campsite.

On this day, you continue navigating through the narrowing and widening gorges, just as remote and challenging as the previous days. The vastness of this wilderness becomes more apparent, and its beauty remains breathtaking. The day begins with a cold start as you wade through the Kharnak River, with water reaching your waist. Initially, you follow the gorge's course, frequently crossing from one riverbank to the other as the terrain requires. After about 20 crossings and 2-3 hours approx, you reach the confluence of the Kharnak River and the river flowing from Rabrang La. From here, a gradual ascent of about 3.5 to 4 hours brings you to a grassy, flat, and comfortable campsite at 4,680
meters. At this site, you may spot Himalayan Blue sheep, or Bharal, grazing the sparse vegetation above the camp.

A steady ascent from camp leads to the Rabrang La pass (5,200m), with impressive views of the Zanskar and Stok ranges. Descend to the
confluence of the Markha Valley, located approximately 2 km above Markha village.

Join the popular Markha Valley trail, encountering other trekking groups. A 4-hour walk from Hankar Village leads to Nimaling, with a gradual ascent and descent, providing views of peaks over 6,000m, especially Kang-Yatse I and II, Dzo Jongo East &West.

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Ascend from Nimaling to the Kongmaru La pass (5,150m) in under two hours. From the pass, enjoy glimpses of villages across the Indus Valley over 1,500 meters below. Descend through a spectacular gorge to Chokdo Village (4,000m), the last day of the Trek.