LINGSHED - RALAKUNG - PHEY TREK

In the morning, Leh to Lingshed offers an adventurous experience through some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes in Ladakh. Covering a distance of approximately 260 to 280 kilometers, the journey typically takes 7 to 8 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. The route winds through picturesque villages such as Lamayuru, Wanla, and Photoksar, and crosses two high-altitude mountain passes—SirSir La and Singe La. Along the way, travelers can enjoy stunning views of rugged terrain, dramatic gorges, and traditional Ladakhi settlements like Hanupatta, Yulchung, and Nerak. The journey ends in the secluded village of Lingshed, with an overnight stay in a peaceful mountain camp.

Time: 3-4 hrs trek
Distance: 6.5km
Elevation: gain/ loss: +402m / - 315m
In the morning, visit Lingshed Monastery to receive blessings before starting our trek toLanak Base. The trail gradually ascends through picturesque meadows, crossing two small passes along the way. The trek will take approximately 4-5 hours. A hot lunch will be served en route. Overnight stay at the base of the pass(4200m)

Time: 8 hrs trek

Distance: 10.5km

Elevation: gain/ loss: +720m/-950m
We begin the day with a steady ascent toward Hanumila La Pass (4,720 m), with the first two hours being fairly steep as we climb out of the valley. Reaching the summit is a rewarding moment, as the pass offers an impressive 360° panorama of the surrounding mountains and vast high-altitude landscapes. From the top, the trail descends gradually into a broad valley. Along the way, we may need to cross several small, crisp mountain streams before reaching Snerste, a traditional campsite that was once a common overnight stop for local travelers crossing the region’s high passes. From Snerste, the trail continues with a gentle ascent of about 100 meters toward Jingchen, offering beautiful panoramic views of the valley. Afterward, the route gradually descends again, taking around two more hours to reach Jingchen village, where the valley widens and opens into a peaceful landscape. We end the day at Jingchen campsite (3,450 m) for the night.

Time: 5-6 hrs trek

Distance: 10.5km

Elevation: gain/ loss: +600m/- 550m
Jingchen is home to only one family who have lived in this remote valley for many generations, relying mainly on livestock for their livelihood. The trail from Jingchen to Sumdho is one of the more challenging sections of the trek. From Jingchen village, there are two possible routes to reach the campsite. The first route follows the Oma Chu River, requiring trekkers to cross the river approximately four to five times along the way. The second option climbs over two small passes, with an ascent of about 400–500 meters, before descending into the valley. From there, the trail continues upstream along the Oma Chu River for about 40 minutes until reaching the ruins of a small shepherd’s shelter. At this point, we must cross the Oma Chu River once. This crossing can be challenging, as the water current may reach waist (or hip) level. Guides will carry ropes and set up an anchor if necessary to ensure a safe crossing. After crossing the river, we continue trekking for another 20 minutes to reach the Palam Sumdho campsite.

Time: 5-6 hrs trek

Distance: 10 km

Elevation: gain/ loss: +400m/-350m
Today’s trail follows a gradual and relatively easy ascent, although the path is often faint and requires trekking upstream along the valley. We walk beside the stream, crossing small channels at several points while moving through a narrow gorge toward Ralakung Nagama. Along the way, there are many pleasant spots to rest beneath the shade of trees. Ralakung Nagama is a small village with about seven to eight families who depend mainly on agriculture and livestock for their livelihood. Both Ralakung Nagama and the nearby village of Phima remain unconnected by roads. Villagers rely on yaks and horses for transportation, while essential food supplies are delivered by the local administration from Phey Village in Zanskar. We set up our overnight camp near the village, surrounded by the quiet landscape of the valley.

Time: 4-5 hrs trek
Distance: 8.5km
Elevation: gain/ loss: +450m/- 300m
In the morning, if time allows, we will visit one of the local families in the village to experience their traditional hospitality. Here, we may have the chance to taste local tea, tsampa porridge, fresh milk products, and possibly even local barley beer if available. This visit also offers a meaningful opportunity to interact with the family and learn about their way of life in such a remote mountain village. Afterward, we continue trekking toward Ralakung Phima via Nagama La Pass (4,600 m). From the pass, the trail descends gradually to Phima village. Today’s walk is relatively short, around three hours. From Phima, there is an option to continue trekking for another 1–2 hours to camp near shepherd houses, which makes the next day’s approach to Ralakung Pass easier.

Time: 7-8 hrs trek
Distance: km
Elevation: gain/ loss: +980m/-480m
Ralakung Phima is another small and remote village, home to only four families. The trail from Phima to Ralakung Pass ascends gradually through wide alpine meadows. During the summer months, people from the Ralakung villages bring their livestock—especially yaks, sheep, and goats—to graze in these high pastures where there is abundant grass. Yaks in particular remain in the upper valley for about four to five months, grazing freely and returning only when snowfall begins in late autumn. The trail climbs steadily with a few stream crossings along the way, while the final section before the pass becomes slightly steeper. From Ralakung Pass, trekkers are rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. After resting at the pass, we descend for about two hours to reach the base camp 4700m.

Time: 4-5 hrs trek
Distance: 8.5 km
Elevation: gain/ loss: +m/-1000m
Today’s walk is relatively short, taking about 3–4 hours, and mostly descends toward the valley. The trail includes a few steeper sections and several small stream crossings before reaching Phey Village. From here, our vehicle will pick us up for a one-hour drive to Padum Town, the main town of the Zanskar region. Upon arrival, we transfer to a hotel where you can enjoy a proper shower and a well-deserved rest after the trek. If time permits, we may also visit some of the region’s important cultural sites, including Karsha Monastery, Zangla Fort, and Stongdey Monastery, offering a glimpse into the rich history and spiritual traditions of Zanskar.

Time: 4-5hrs drive
Distance: 120km
The drive to Phugtal covers approximately 60 km and takes around three hours through the scenic landscapes of the Zanskar Valley. Departing from Padum, the administrative and cultural center of the Zanskar region, the road follows the Lungnak Valley, passing small villages, cultivated fields, and dramatic mountain scenery. Padum serves as the main hub of Zanskar, with a small market, monasteries, and traditional houses, and it acts as an important base for travelers exploring the remote valleys of the region. Along the way, we will stop to visit Bardan Monastery, a historic Drukpa Kagyu monastery dramatically perched on a rocky cliff above the river, offering beautiful views of the valley. Continuing the journey, the road leads to Village, from where a short -10minute trek takes us to the remarkable Phugtal Monastery. Built around a natural cave, Phugtal Gompa follows the ancient tradition of scholars and spiritual teachers residing in caves for meditation and study. Its name, derived from the Zangskari dialect, is often interpreted as “the cave of liberation.” The monastery holds a rich legacy of meditation, learning, and spiritual practice. The total round-trip distance for the day is about 120 km. Overnight stay at Padum Hotel.

Time: 6-7 hrs Drive
Distance: 180 km
Elevation:
In the morning, after breakfast, we will say goodbye to our trekking team before beginning our drive back to Leh. We will follow the scenic route through the Zanskar Valley, stopping along the way to visit Bardan Monastery and Sani Monastery, two important Buddhist sites with rich religious and cultural heritage.
Around midday, we will arrive in Padum, where we will stop for lunch before continuing our journey towards Leh. In the afternoon, we will drive along the beautiful Zanskar River, passing dramatic mountain landscapes and remote villages. We will make occasional stops to enjoy the scenery and take photographs before reaching Leh in the evening.