Junglam Trek
A rare and demanding 15-day route connecting Hemis to Padum via the Junglam corridor. Only accessible for a short window each year.
The Junglam route is an old, demanding corridor that connects the Markha Valley directly with Zanskar. It is an expedition-grade trek. Due to intense water crossings in summer and deep snow in winter, the route is typically only open for a brief window between mid-August and October. Beginning near Hemis, the trek climbs over Kongmaru La and Zalung Karpo La (5,200m) before plunging into deep gorges. It requires crossing the same glacial rivers dozens of times, navigating narrow canyon walls, and sleeping in high, isolated camps. The route finally emerges in the wide expanse of the Zanskar valley near Zangla and Padum. This is not a trek for beginners. It is for those who understand sustained physical effort, accept the unpredictability of river levels, and want to experience one of the most rugged, seldom-walked routes in the Indian Himalayas.
- Duration
- 15 Days | 14 Nights
- Location
- Ladakh & Zanskar, India
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Season
- Late Summer to Autumn (Mid-Aug to Oct)
- Group
- Solo traveller or private expedition group
Journey highlights
- Trek the rare Junglam corridor linking Ladakh to Zanskar.
- Cross three major passes: Kongmaru La (5,150m), Zalung Karpo La (5,200m), and Chhar Chhar La (4,950m).
- Navigate deep, narrow river gorges requiring multiple daily river crossings.
- Emerge into the remote Zanskar Valley and visit Zangla and Padum.
- End the expedition with the spectacular overland drive from Padum through Kargil to Leh.
Full itinerary
Arrival in Delhi
Arrive at Delhi airport, where our team will transfer you to your hotel. Rest and prepare for the flight to the mountains.
Stay: Bloomrooms Aerocity Delhi or similar
Meals: Not included
Delhi to Leh (Complete Rest)
Take the morning flight over the Himalayas to Leh (3,500m). Upon arrival, check into the hotel. This entire day is strictly dedicated to rest and acclimatisation. Do not push your body. In the evening, an easy walk in the Leh market is permitted.
Stay: Hotel Grand Willow Leh or similar
Meals: Dinner
Leh Local: Shey & Thiksey
A gentle day of local exploration. Visit the 17th-century Shey Palace, former summer capital of the Ladakhi kings, and the striking Thiksey Monastery, known for its massive Maitreya Buddha and sweeping valley views.
Stay: Hotel Grand Willow Leh or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Leh to Hemis — Trek to Shang Sumdo
Drive to Hemis, Ladakh's wealthiest monastery. After visiting the gompa, the trek begins. The trail crosses the Martselang Bridge and moves gently up the valley, crossing the river several times before reaching the first camp at Shang Sumdo (3,700m).
Stay: Shang Sumdo Trek Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shang Sumdo to Kongmaru La Base
The route moves through a striking landscape of red rock slopes. Follow the river, pass Chuskyurmo, and navigate smaller river gorges. The day ends at the base of Kongmaru La pass (4,800m), preparing for tomorrow's climb.
Stay: Kongmaru La Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Over Kongmaru La to Langthang Chu
A steep, demanding ascent to Kongmaru La (5,150m) offers massive views of the north face of Kang Yatse (6,400m). Descend through the Nimaling pastures, cross a ridge, and follow a steep, rocky trail to a campsite near Male in the Langthang Chu valley (4,375m).
Stay: Langthang Chu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Langthang Chu to Zalung Karpo La
Cross a large stream and a moraine field. The valley divides, and the route pushes up and down before climbing Zalung Karpo La (5,200m). From the top, the Zanskar range and Rupshu valley unfold. Camp on the far side of the pass.
Stay: Zalung Karpo La High Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Zalung Karpo La to Tilat Sumdo
Descend toward the main stream, arriving at Kharnak Sumdo. The route enters a gorge. You will cross the stream repeatedly, negotiating a rocky and narrow path until arriving at Tilat Sumdo.
Stay: Tilat Sumdo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tilat Sumdo to North Camp
Cross the Khurna River immediately after camp. Continue along its bank, passing side valleys. As the gorge narrows significantly, set up camp for the night at 4,450m beneath the approach to Chhar Chhar La.
Stay: North Gorge Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Over Chhar Chhar La to Zangla Sumdo
Follow the narrow gorge further in, eventually leaving the stream to climb steadily up to Chhar Chhar La (4,950m). From the summit, follow the descending stream all the way down to Zangla Sumdo.
Stay: Zangla Sumdo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Zangla Sumdo to Padum
Continue down along the stream until the landscape suddenly widens—you have reached the Zanskar Valley. The views open to the Zanskar River and the villages of Pishu and Pidmo. Meet the vehicle at Zangla and drive to Padum.
Stay: Hotel Ibex Padum or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Zanskar Exploration
A day to rest and explore Zanskar’s cultural depth. Visit the cliffside Dzongkhul Monastery, Sani Castle, Stongdey, and the large Karsha Monastery that overlooks the valley.
Stay: Hotel Ibex Padum or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Padum to Kargil
Begin the overland return journey. Drive from Padum toward Kargil, passing the Drang Drung glacier, Pensi La pass, and the Suru valley. Stop at the giant Maitreya Buddha rock carving at Mulbekh before reaching Kargil.
Stay: The Highland Mountain Resort Kargil or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kargil to Leh via Lamayuru
Drive back to Leh on the Srinagar-Leh highway. Stop at the ancient Lamayuru monastery, famous for its lunar-like landscape, and Rizong Gompa, a strict meditation centre. Arrive in Leh by evening.
Stay: Hotel Grand Willow Leh or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departure
Transfer to the Leh airport for the morning flight to Delhi, completing the expedition.
Stay: Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Pricing and planning
₹1,55,000
- Indian private.: ₹1,45,000. Per person + 5% GST, based on 2 travellers unless final quote says otherwise.
- International private.: USD 3,250. Per person. Final quote depends on nationality, permits, season and crew plan.
- Premium private.: ₹1,95,000 / USD 4,350. Per person estimate; final pricing is confirmed after dates and rooming.
- Luxury / expedition.: On request. Custom quoted for premium hotels, upgraded camp comfort and private support.
Inclusions
- Private departure planning with route briefing, altitude pacing and permit guidance.
- Experienced English-speaking mountain guide and local trek crew.
- Town hotel nights, trek camps and village homestays as mentioned in the day-wise stay plan.
- Meals on trekking days, plus breakfast and dinner in town stays unless noted otherwise.
- Pack animals or porter support for common camping equipment and one soft duffel per guest.
- Trailhead transfers and route support as per the confirmed private itinerary.
Exclusions
- Flights, train tickets or long-distance arrival travel unless specifically included.
- Lunches in town areas, beverages, snacks and personal expenses.
- Personal trekking gear, sleeping bags, down jackets and trekking poles.
- Travel insurance, medical evacuation cover and any rescue costs.
- Tips for guide, cook, porters, drivers and local support staff.
- GST or government fee changes unless mentioned in the final quote.
Questions before you book
Why is the trekking window so short?
The Junglam route follows narrow river gorges. In early summer, the snowmelt makes the rivers dangerously high and impossible to cross. In late autumn, heavy snow blocks the passes. It is only viable from roughly mid-August to October.
How many river crossings are there?
Expect dozens of crossings per day in the gorge sections. You will spend a significant amount of time walking in freezing glacial water. Proper river-crossing footwear and high physical endurance are mandatory.
Who should attempt the Junglam route?
This is best for experienced trekkers who are comfortable with long remote days, cold river crossings, expedition camps and limited evacuation options.