North of the Great Himalaya Range, amongst a tangled knot of jagged mountains, lies the once independent kingdom of Zanskar. Sandwiched between the Indus Valley and the main crest of the Indian Himalaya, this is a vast area what at over 3000 square miles, is larger then the Indian state of Sikkim. In its remote and inaccessible setting, well guarded by snowy mountain passes, zanskar has kept alive an archaic form of Tibetan Buddhism which |
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flourishes in a chain of far- flung monasteries, most of which occupy spectacular fortified locations, high on rocky ridges in isolated valleys. These isolated valleys are linked across high passes by a number of long established pathways, which also give access to the many picturesque villages of the hardy and cheerful Zanskari people.
Trans Zanskar Expedition in its scope and overwhelming in its sheer grandeur. Starting at Lamayuru gompa, the most ancient monastic site in all of Ladakh, we cross 4 high passes to reach Zanskar's capitol of Padum. From Padum, we continue ever deeper into the wonders of Zanskar, including a diversion to the famous Phugtal gompa. Our departure from Zanskar is over 17,000 foot Phirtse La to the vast plain of Sarchu.
Towards the western end of the Himalayas a series of continuous mountain ridges, comprising scores of 6000 metre (20000 foot) peaks, forms an effective barrier between the Indian provinces of Lahaul and Ladakh. Linking these contrasting mountainous regions is a trekking route that provides one of the great challenges of the Indian Himalaya. Transferring by train and car from Delhi, we pass through the lush Kulu Valley and cross the Rohtang Pass to reach the start of our trek at Darcha. From here, we head north across the Shingo La (c.5100m./16000ft.) into the ancient kingdom of Zanskar, famous for its hardy inhabitants and starkly beautiful landscape. En route, we encounter a succession of isolated villages and several wonderful Buddhist monasteries, notably at Phuktal, Lingshet and Lamayuru. As a finale to what is unquestionably one of the world’s classic trekking experiences, there is also time to explore the fascinating Ladakhi capital of Leh. |
