Kanji to Zangla via Nerak
& Phuktal Monastery

Begin your trekking adventure on this manageable first stage. The trail winds through water gorges and past seasonal nomadic encampments, giving you your first taste of Ladakh's remote inner landscape. Your guide will brief you on trail safety and acclimatization as you make your way steadily up to the Kanji La Base Camp. Camp overnight and prepare for the highest pass of the trek.

Today you cross Kanji La Pass (5,150m) — the highest and most demanding point of the entire trek. A challenging three-hour ascent rewards you with sweeping views of the Zanskar mountain range and the dramatic twin peaks above the valley. After taking in the panorama, descend steeply for three hours to the Rangdum River. Camp by the river, enjoy a warm meal, and gather energy for the days ahead.

Cross the Rangdum River and hike along the right side of the valley for three hours before ascending to Pikdongla Pass (4,895m). From the pass, the beautiful Dipling valley unfolds below. A dramatic 3,000ft descent leads you into Dipling — a scenic campsite enclosed by rock walls. If you're fortunate, you may spot fresh wolf tracks along the morning trail. Overnight camp at Dipling.

Explore the lush, green Dipling village — known for its adherence to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) school of Buddhism, founded by Tsongkhapa. The trail passes through the village and crosses multiple river junctions — known in Ladakhi as Sumdo. Reach Sumdo (3,870m), the base camp for Barmila Pass, in approximately five hours. Camp overnight here.

Trek to Lingshed, one of the most remote villages in Ladakh, via Barmila Pass (4,680m). A three-hour climb to the pass offers aerial views of the snow-capped mountains and the Lingshed Monastery nestled in the valley below. A steep, careful descent leads through village fields and houses to the campsite at Lingshed (4,010m) — with the magnificent backdrop of the monastery illuminated at dusk.

A demanding day with two passes to cross — Murgumla Pass (4,310m) and Kiupala Pass (4,465m). The path begins from the monastery itself, passing ancient chortens. After crossing Murgumla, descend into the Kyumpata hamlet, then cross the river and climb to Kiupala. On the descent, discover the small hamlet of Youlchung, which becomes your campsite for the night — a true gem of the Zanskar interior.

One of the most challenging days of the trek — and one of the most visually rewarding. Leaving Youlchung's traditional stone houses, the trail ascends through a narrow gorge past rolling hillsides to Chuchokhuri La (13,140ft / ~4,005m). The descent involves a twisted, switchback path requiring careful footing. Below, a turquoise tributary meets the Zanskar River, crossed via an ancient wooden bridge — a moment that feels suspended in time. After reaching Nyerak Village, continue upward along a disused watercourse to your campsite at Labarla.

Today's trek crosses the Labarla Pass (4,925m) through steep cliffs and narrow ridge paths. Two striking white cliffs — appearing as if split by a giant axe — flank the trail. Beyond the pass lies a valley with a sparkling river and dramatic pinnacles. Further on, a remarkable animal-width canyon, 200 yards long with vertical sides, channels the river through pure rock. The descent concludes at Namtse Sumdo, where you'll camp alongside one of the trek's most dramatic mountain panoramas.

Cross the Namtse La Pass, hemmed by giant cliffs and a trail that demands careful, deliberate footwork. After 3.5 hours on the pass, descend and stop for lunch before approaching Honia — a captivating settlement of stone-built yak pens, deep gorges, and even a traditional wolf/bear trap. Welcome to Zanskar proper! The distant hum of a road signals civilization ahead. Camp at Honia and reflect on reaching the halfway mark of this extraordinary journey.

A shorter day offering a gentle descent into the Zanskar Valley to reach Zangla — a historic settlement known as the seat of the ancient Zangla Kingdom. The short but scenic walk provides breathing room after the demanding passes of the previous days. Rest and explore Zangla before the next stage of the journey begins. Overnight camp at Zangla.

Trek along a relatively flat trail through the Zanskar Valley to reach Stongday (Stongde). The monastery here — built in the 11th century, 18km north of Padum — is home to around 60 monks and offers panoramic views across the Rinam and Kumik villages near Padum. The final climb to the monastery is steep but brief, and the reward is an unforgettable evening silhouette against the Himalayan skyline. Camp near the monastery.

A well-earned rest day at Stongday. Use the time to explore the village, observe monks in their daily routines, taste local Zanskari cuisine, and simply absorb the tranquility of this mountain community. This cultural pause is an essential part of the journey — allowing both body and mind to recover for the challenging stages ahead.

Begin with a long, four-hour uphill climb to Stong De La Pass (4,850m). Wildlife sightings are common at this altitude — look out for blue sheep and mountain foxes. From the summit, descend to Doksa (literally "the shepherd's hut") — a nomadic encampment used by herders during the rearing season. Camp here with a beautiful view of the surrounding pastoral landscape.

One of the most memorable days of the entire trek. The trail descends along a valley with numerous glacial stream crossings — the ice-cold water refreshing and exhilarating in equal measure. Allow approximately four hours to cross the valley and its streams before climbing slightly to reach the scenic campsite at Shaling — a peaceful, picture-perfect spot surrounded by dramatic mountain walls.

Begin the morning with Himalayan views over breakfast. The trail descends to a river before arriving at Shaday Village — one of the most isolated settlements on the route. Cross a moveable bridge and wander through the village, where locals harvest potatoes and tend to their livestock, largely undisturbed by the outside world. Continue walking to Thangtak, a tiny family hamlet, and camp on the riverside.

This is the undisputed highlight of the entire expedition. From Thangtak, follow the Tsarap River as it leads you to one of the most extraordinary monasteries in Asia — Phuktal Monastery. Built into a cliff-face cave by Changsem Zangpo (a disciple of the founder of the Gelugpa sect) in the 12th century, Phuktal is an architectural and spiritual wonder. The monastery is still inhabited by around 70 monks. Snap snow leopards if you're fortunate — the valley is their prime territory. Tonight, uniquely, you will sleep inside the monastery.

The last full day of trekking. Follow the road connecting Phuktal to the Anmu Village, passing through the small, charming Cha Village. Arrive at Anmu Village and camp overnight — a reflective, emotional ending to the trail portion of this extraordinary journey.

A short three-hour drive to Padum, the administrative capital of Zanskar. En route, visit the Muny Monastery and Barden Monastery. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Padum — explore the market, interact with locals, or simply rest. Overnight in Padum.

A long but spectacular drive via the Penzi La Pass and the magnificent Drang Drung Glacier — one of the largest glaciers outside the polar regions. Visit Rangdum Monastery on the way and pause at the iconic Nun Kun Viewpoint to photograph the twin peaks. Drive through the picturesque Suru Valley before arriving in Kargil for the night.

Rise early for a final scenic drive back to Leh. Stop at Lamayuru Monastery on the return — viewing it now with fresh eyes after 21 days in the wilderness. Lunch at Khalatse, sampling traditional Ladakhi dishes. Arrive in Leh by afternoon, carrying memories that will last a lifetime. This 21-day journey is not just a trek — it is a transformation. Every hardship is repaid a thousandfold in beauty, culture, and the profound stillness of the Himalayan world.