Padum to Lamayuru Trek
A grand 10-day crossing from Zanskar to the Indus Valley over multiple high passes. The classic Trans-Zanskar route.
This is one of the classic great traverses of the Himalayas. The route begins in Padum, the heart of Zanskar, and crosses the rugged mountain folds that separate Zanskar from the Indus Valley, ending at the ancient Lamayuru Monastery. Over the course of 10 trekking days, the trail crosses several significant high-altitude passes, including the Hanuma La, Singge La, and Sir Sir La, each demanding physical endurance but offering immense panoramic rewards. The valleys between the passes hide remote farming settlements, ancient monasteries like Lingshed, and isolated gorge paths where Himalayan brown bears and blue sheep are occasionally sighted. Because Padum is deep in Zanskar, the expedition begins with a two-day overland drive from Leh (via Kargil or Suru Valley) to reach the trailhead, turning the journey into a comprehensive exploration of both the Zanskar and Ladakh regions.
- Duration
- 13 Days | 12 Nights (Leh to Leh)
- Location
- Zanskar & Ladakh, India
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Season
- Summer (June to September)
- Group
- Solo traveller to 8 travellers
Journey highlights
- Trek from deep Zanskar (Padum) back to the Indus Valley (Lamayuru).
- Cross major passes including Hanuma La, Singge La, and Sir Sir La.
- Visit Lingshed Monastery, home to 60 monks in a secluded valley.
- Experience remote homestay culture in high-altitude villages like Karsha and Photoksar.
- Conclude at the 11th-century Lamayuru Monastery, Ladakh's oldest gompa.
Full itinerary
Leh to Kargil
Begin the journey by driving out of Leh along the Indus River toward Kargil. This is the first leg of the overland approach to Zanskar, allowing for acclimatisation and a slow immersion into the landscape.
Stay: Hotel Grand Willow Leh or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Kargil to Padum
Drive into Zanskar via the Suru Valley. Pass the imposing Nun Kun massifs, cross the Pensi La pass, and drive past the massive Drang Drung glacier before descending into Padum, the administrative centre of Zanskar.
Stay: The Highland Mountain Resort Kargil or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Padum to Karsha (Trek Day 1)
An easy first day on the trail. Walk from Padum to Karsha across the valley floor. Spend the afternoon exploring Karsha Monastery, the largest gompa in Zanskar, home to over 120 monks and overlooking the central valley.
Stay: Hotel Ibex Padum or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Karsha to Pishu
Follow the trail along the Zanskar River. The terrain is mostly flat, moving through a stark, dry landscape before reaching the small settlement of Pishu. The walking time is around 4-5 hours.
Stay: Raru Trek Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pishu to Hanamur
Continue along the riverbank, passing through the village of Pidmo. This remote section of the valley is known territory for Himalayan brown bears and blue sheep. Arrive in Hanamur by early afternoon.
Stay: Pepula Trek Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hanamur to Snertse via Purfi La
The route begins to demand more today. Follow a steep path away from the main river up to the Purfi La pass. From the pass, descend to cross the Omachu river before a final push up to Snertse.
Stay: Pishu Village Camp / Homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Snertse to Lingshed via Hanuma La
A long, demanding 8-9 hour day. Follow the stream upward to Hanuma La pass. The summit offers panoramic views over the rugged, folded mountains of Zanskar. A long, zigzagging descent brings you to the beautiful village of Lingshed.
Stay: Hanumil Trek Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lingshed to Singge La Base Camp
Spend the morning visiting Lingshed Monastery, a significant Gelugpa institution in the region. Afterward, cross two smaller passes — Kyukpa La and Margum La — before setting up camp at the base of the mighty Singge La.
Stay: Snertse Trek Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Over Singge La to Photoksar
Ascend Singge La, one of the highest points of the trek, offering spectacular views of the trans-Himalayan ridges. The trail then drops steeply into the wide Photang valley, crosses the small Bumiktse La, and arrives at the dramatic village of Photoksar.
Stay: Lingshed Homestay / Trek Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Photoksar to Hanupatta via Sir Sir La
Leave Photoksar and make the steady climb to Sir Sir La pass. The descent from the pass leads down into a river valley, eventually arriving at the village of Hanupatta for the night.
Stay: Photoksar Trek Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hanupatta to Wanla
The landscape softens as the trail follows the river down. The barren rock walls slowly give way to lush green barley fields and larger farming settlements. Arrive in Wanla for a comfortable homestay.
Stay: Wanla Homestay / Trek Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wanla to Lamayuru
The final trekking day. Move through the gorge and slowly ascend to the Prinkti La pass. A short descent and river crossing brings you to Lamayuru. Visit the famous 11th-century monastery, sitting above the 'moonland' formations.
Stay: Namra Village Eco Hotel Lamayuru or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lamayuru to Leh
Drive back to Leh along the Indus River, completing the grand circuit. The 3-hour drive allows time to reflect on the immense ground covered on foot. Check into your hotel in Leh for a proper bed and hot shower.
Stay: Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Pricing and planning
₹1,25,000
- Indian private.: ₹1,25,000. Per person + 5% GST, based on 2 travellers unless final quote says otherwise.
- International private.: USD 2,850. Per person. Final quote depends on nationality, permits, season and crew plan.
- Premium private.: ₹1,70,000 / USD 3,850. 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
How difficult is the Padum to Lamayuru trek?
It is a challenging, multi-pass expedition. You must be prepared for 10 consecutive days of walking, crossing passes over 4,800m, and dealing with steep descents. High stamina is required.
Is this a private trek or a fixed group departure?
It is planned privately for your dates. We confirm guide, crew, homestays, camp logistics and Zanskar road access before payment.
What kind of stays should I expect?
Expect a mix of Leh/Kargil/Padum hotels, remote village homestays and trek camps. Comfort depends on the village infrastructure and season.