Stongde to Phuktal Trek via Stongdela (Zanskar)

Detailed Day Wise Itinerary

• Day 1. Stongday to Salangtaktak (4277 m) via Stongdela ( 5150m) 6 hrs

  The day trek starts with the climb. It’s an uphill walk to cross Stongday-la. It is not so steep to climb stongde la. But it is long. It will take almost 4 hours to reach at the top. You will arrive at the top around at 1 Pm . Some times you will found snow at the top of pass depending on the weather. Today again there is a good of chances of seeing wild animals. From the top of pass you will found megnafic views.

  After you decend till the camp called Doksa. Doksa means the camp were the nomadic people settle for seasonally. On the way there are big Yaks belong the Stongde villagers. The decend to camp is easy with beautiful landscape. You will camp near a Doksa (shepherd hut).

  

• Day 2. Salangtaktak to Junction 4256 5.5 hrs

  This day will be one of the most memorable days of the trek. Because You have to cross the stream several times while walking along the valley. After twenty minutes walk from the camp you will start cross the stream. The water is so cold because of the weather as well as the narrow valley. In the valley are some up and down also. There are many plants also. You have to cross the stream for 8 to 10 times. You will be in the valley for four hours by crossing the stream side by side. After that you will climb up little and then continue to the camp. Today the camp is beautiful with spring water and nice scenery. In these route there are very less people and tourist, It is mostly possible to meet local people from Shade and Stongde. Overnight in the camp.

  

• Day 3. Junction to Shade 4212 mts 6 hrs

  Today again you will walk along the valley. Now you will see different landscape as before. You will walk by some up and down. At some part you have to walk along the bank of little river. You have to cross the little rive before Shade and continue by little climbing to main road. And you will also see very old moviable bridge of Shade. After 45 minutes walk from that you have to turn left to enter the beautiful shade village. At that point it look like artificial gate by rocks. After 15 minutes walk from tha you will arrive at Shade village. The village is very isolated in Himalaya. During these season people are busy in harvesting, collecting their potatoes, collecting the grass for animals. People are impress by seeing tourist because there are very people coming from outside. After that you will back to camp decending from Shade willage and you will see one family village with little monastery called Thangtak. Then you will continue to camp near the river. Overnight in the camp.

  

• Day 4. Shade to Phuktal 3924 mts 6 hrs

  This is the day you will visit the famous Phuktal monastery. Morning after breakfast you will cross the little river and continue to phuktal. Usually it is possible to see snow leopard in this ways. After 1 hour walk from the camp you will meet Tsarap river. You will follow the Tsarap river till Phuktal Monastery. On the way there are some up and down ways. The ways are good because it was repaired last year only. On the way you will find Shukpa whch is local incense. Phuktal Monastery is famous for its structure. It is built in a cave on the side of Soft Rock Mountain. The monastery is built by Changsem Sherap Zangpo, disciple of Gyalwa Tsongkhapa, the founder of Gelukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Overnight in the Monastery.

  

• Day 5. Phuktal to Khangsar drive to Padum 6 hrs

  Today is the last day of trek. You will trek till Khangsar vaillage. on the way there will be some up and downs. at Khangsar village your car will wait for you. And drive to Padum. On the way your will cross village like Anmoo, Ichar, Raru and Mune. Overnight Hotel.