Stongde to Phuktal Trek
A five-day crossing from Stongde over the 5,150m Stongde La to reach the dramatic cliffside Phuktal Monastery.
This intensive 5-day route is one of the most culturally rewarding traverses in Zanskar. It begins with a formidable crossing of the Stongde La pass (5,150m), taking you away from the main Zanskar valley and into an isolated gorge system where few travelers venture. The days following the pass involve sustained river canyon walking, requiring dozens of cold water crossings as the valley narrows and deepens. The trail passes through the remote settlement of Shade—a village entirely cut off from the modern road network—before merging with the Tsarap River. The culmination of the trek is the arrival at Phuktal Monastery, a 12th-century gompa built directly into a massive cave halfway up a limestone canyon wall. It is one of the most astonishing architectural sights in the Himalayas. The return journey takes the newly repaired trail down the Tsarap river back to the Padum roadhead.
- Duration
- 5 Days | 4 Nights (Padum to Padum)
- Location
- Zanskar, Ladakh
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Season
- July to September
- Group
- Solo traveller to 8 travellers
Journey highlights
- Ascend the demanding Stongde La pass (5,150m) for panoramic views of the Zanskar range.
- Navigate narrow gorges requiring multiple river crossings.
- Visit Shade, one of the most isolated villages in the Himalayas.
- Stay overnight at the legendary Phuktal Monastery, built into a sheer cliff cave.
- Watch for snow leopards, blue sheep, and large nomadic yak herds.
Full itinerary
Stongde to Salangtaktak via Stongde La
The trek begins with an immediate, long uphill push to cross Stongde La (5,150m). While not technically steep, it is a demanding 4-hour climb. The summit offers magnificent views over the Zanskar valley. Descend easily past large yak herds to camp near a seasonal nomadic shepherd hut (Doksa) at Salangtaktak (4,277m).
Stay: Hotel Ibex Padum or similar
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Salangtaktak to Junction Camp
A memorable and physically demanding day navigating a narrow valley. You will spend hours crossing and re-crossing the freezing mountain stream (8-10 crossings). The route is exceptionally quiet, with chances to meet locals from Shade. After a short climb, arrive at a beautiful spring-water camp (4,256m).
Stay: Stongde La Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Junction Camp to Shade to River Camp
The landscape shifts. Follow the valley, crossing the river before arriving at the old bridge of Shade. Enter Shade village (4,212m), an extremely isolated settlement where locals are deeply tied to traditional farming and livestock rhythms. Descend past the tiny Thangtak monastery to set up camp by the river.
Stay: Shade Village Homestay / Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shade to Phuktal Monastery
Follow the trail as it meets the Tsarap River. This section is known as prime snow leopard territory. The path eventually leads to Phuktal (3,924m). Founded by Changsem Sherap Zangpo, the monastery clings impossibly to a massive cave in the cliffside. You will spend the night in the monastery.
Stay: Phuktal Monastery Camp / Homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Phuktal to Khangsar and Drive to Padum
The final day involves trekking out from Phuktal along the repaired trail to the roadhead at Khangsar. Meet the waiting vehicle and drive back to Padum, passing the villages of Anmoo, Ichar, and Raru, completing the expedition.
Stay: Hotel Ibex Padum or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Pricing and planning
₹58,000
- Indian private.: ₹58,000. Per person + 5% GST, based on 2 travellers unless final quote says otherwise.
- International private.: USD 1,350. Per person. Final quote depends on nationality, permits, season and crew plan.
- Premium private.: ₹78,000 / USD 1,850. 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 are the river crossings on Day 2?
The crossings are cold and frequent. Because the valley is narrow, you cannot avoid the water. Neoprene socks or good river-crossing sandals are mandatory, as is a high tolerance for cold glacial water.
Is previous trekking experience required?
Yes. Climbing immediately to 5,150m on the first day requires excellent fitness and prior acclimatisation in Padum or Leh. This route is challenging and remote.
Can this trek be planned for a solo traveller?
Yes. It can run as a private solo trek if the guest is already well acclimatised and comfortable with remote camping and river crossings.