Rangdum to Padum Trek
A nine-day traverse through the heart of Zanskar. Cross four high-altitude passes, navigate river gorges, and visit ancient remote monasteries.
This 9-day trek is a comprehensive journey through the rugged and deeply isolated landscapes of the Zanskar Valley. Starting from the sweeping plains of Rangdum, the route crosses four major mountain passes—Pidzongla (5,025m), Barmila (4,660m), Hanumala (4,716m), and Parfila (3,911m)—before culminating in Padum, the historical capital of Zanskar. The trail moves through a sequence of dramatically shifting terrains. You will walk beneath towering rock walls, wade through cold glacial rivers, and traverse narrow cliffside footpaths. Along the way, the route visits some of the most culturally significant settlements in the region, including the deeply remote village of Dibling and the dramatically positioned monasteries of Lingshed and Karsha. This expedition requires strong endurance for long daily ascents and river crossings, but rewards trekkers with unbroken views of the Zanskar range, encounters with traditional Ladakhi agricultural life, and an authentic immersion into one of the Himalayas' least-visited corridors.
- Duration
- 9 Days | 8 Nights
- Location
- Zanskar Valley, Ladakh
- Difficulty
- Moderate to Challenging
- Season
- July to September
- Group
- Solo traveller to 10 travellers
Journey highlights
- Cross four distinct mountain passes, including the 5,025m Pidzongla.
- Visit the 14-house village of Dibling and its Yellow Hat temple.
- Explore Lingshed Monastery and the cliffside Karsha Gompa.
- Wade through glacial rivers and walk the banks of the Zanskar River.
- Trek through ancient villages like Pidmo, Pishu, and Rinam.
Full itinerary
Rangdum to Sumdoo (Junction)
The journey begins near the isolated Rangdum Monastery. Today serves as a gentle introduction, walking steadily alongside a small river through wide, open pastures. The trail offers excellent chances of spotting marmots and other high-altitude wildlife before arriving at the river junction camp.
Stay: Sumdoo Junction Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Sumdoo to Dipling via Pidzongla Pass
A challenging ascent to the highest point of the trek. After walking up the valley, the trail climbs toward Pidzongla Pass (5,025m). The summit offers sweeping views of the surrounding snow peaks. From the top, a long descent past dramatic rock towers leads down to a beautiful camp near the stream outside Dipling village.
Stay: Dibling Valley Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dipling to Lingshed Sumdoo
The day involves multiple river crossings. You will pass through the tiny, 14-house village of Dibling, taking time to visit its traditional Yellow Hat temple. Continuing on newly built footpaths, the trail features exposed sections and requires wading through cold glacial water before arriving at the base camp for Barmila.
Stay: Lingshed Sumdoo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lingshed Sumdoo to Lingshed via Barmila Pass
A sustained morning climb leads to the broad, flag-draped saddle of Barmila Pass (4,660m). The view from the top reveals the sweeping valley housing Lingshed village. A long, hot descent follows, eventually requiring a final climb up through the village fields to reach the camp near Lingshed Monastery.
Stay: Lingshed Village Homestay / Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lingshed to Snetse via Hanumala Pass
Leave Lingshed via a steep, zig-zagging ascent to Hanumala Pass (4,716m). The strenuous climb is rewarded with an expansive Himalayan panorama. From the pass, the trail drops sharply back down into a deep gorge, crossing a wooden bridge to reach the riverside campsite at Snetse (Zingchen).
Stay: Snetse Riverside Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Snetse to Hanamul via Parfila Pass
Follow the river downstream to a prominent stupa, marking the start of the climb to Parfila Pass (3,911m). This lower pass offers your first commanding views of the mighty Zanskar River. The descent leads into the tree groves of Hanamul village, providing a softer, greener environment for the night's camp.
Stay: Hanamul Village Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hanamul to Pishu
The terrain eases significantly as the route follows the right bank of the Zanskar River. Pass through the agricultural village of Pidmo, walking across wide pasturelands grazed by yaks and dzos. The day ends at a beautiful campsite in the village of Pishu.
Stay: Pishu Village Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pishu to Karsha
A flat, relaxing walk through the heart of central Zanskar. Pass through Rinam village as the wide Zanskar valley opens up before you. The day finishes near Karsha, home to the largest monastery in Zanskar. The evening is spent exploring the gompa and enjoying views across the valley toward Padum.
Stay: Karsha Village Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Karsha to Padum
The final, short leg of the journey crosses the Zanskar River and passes through the settlements of Ufti, Pibiting, and Skidsherak. Arrive in Padum (3,567m), the administrative capital of Zanskar, where the trekking expedition concludes.
Stay: Hotel Ibex Padum or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Pricing and planning
₹92,000
- Indian private.: ₹92,000. Per person + 5% GST, based on 2 travellers unless final quote says otherwise.
- International private.: USD 2,150. Per person. Final quote depends on nationality, permits, season and crew plan.
- Premium private.: ₹1,25,000 / USD 2,950. 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
Are the river crossings dangerous?
The crossings, particularly on Day 3, are cold but generally manageable. Water levels depend on snowmelt, so crossing early in the day is advised. You must bring dedicated river-crossing shoes or neoprene socks.
How difficult are the four mountain passes?
The passes are strenuous due to altitude rather than technical difficulty. Pidzongla (5,025m) and Hanumala (4,716m) involve long, steep ascents. A high level of cardiovascular fitness and proper acclimatisation are required.
How remote is this route?
Very remote. The route crosses isolated passes and villages between Rangdum and Padum, so weather, crew logistics and exit options are checked before confirmation.