TRIP FACTS
Region: Himachal / Kishtwar / Zanskar.
Duration: 13 Days.
Season: July to August.
Grade: Challenging.
Group Size : 10 Persons.
Maximum Altitude: 5490M .
Passes: Rohtang Pass (3978m) ,Poat La (5490m) & Penzi La (4400m).
Accommodations: 8 Nights In Camp / 4 Nights In Guest House or Home Stay.
Activities: 8 Days Hiking / 1 Day Explore / 5 Days Drive.
Meals: 12 Breakfasts / 13 Pack-Lunch / 12 Dinners.
Trip Begin: Manali.
Trip End: Zanskar / Ladakh / Manali.
INTRODUCTION
The Poat La (5490m) trek is a lesser known trek in the Indian Himalayas. The trek begins from the village of Gulabgarh on the J&K - Himachal Border. The areas has been closed for many years after the insurgency began in Kashmir and it was only recently 2009 when we restarted exploring the area with some of our climbing trips. The trek takes you into the lesser known Darlang valley. We cross through the Sapphire and Emerald mines of King Zorawar Singh and eventually after crossing the pass end the trek at the town of Padum in the Zanskar Valley.
HOW TO REACH MANALI
The nearest airport serving this beautiful hill station is situated at Bhuntar. Known as Kullu Manali Airport, it is at a distance of approximately 60 from Manali.
The road instead since there are some spellbinding picturesque views en route to be enjoyed. The destination has a good connectivity by road with cities like Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh and Shimla serving as pivotal points. A number of bus services including private services like the very comfortable Volvo ply frequently from Delhi to Manali.
The closest railway station is Chandigarh (315 km) or Pathankot (290 km). You can make your travel bookings till either of these two cities and then take a prepaid bus or a cab till Manali.
DAY 01 - MANALI TO UDAIPUR 2800M / 145KM, 7 TO 8 HOURS BY ROAD OVER ROHTANG PASS (3980MTRS.)
Drive along the Beas River through several villages to the Rohtang pass. From pass enjoy excellent view on mighty Himalayan peaks, Take down hill drive to Koksar, follow the Chandara River till Tandi and further to Trilokinath to visit the Shiva temple and Udaipur to visit a wooden temple dedicated to Mrikula Devi.
: Pack Lunch & Dinner.
: Guest House / Home Stay.
DAY 02 - UDAIPUR TO GULABGARH (3505M) 9 HOURS DRIVE.
Another long driving day. We will drive past the towns of Pangi and Killar to cross the Himachal Border and reach the town of Gulabgarh which is close to the Kashmir - Himachal Border.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner.
: Hotel / Guest House.
DAY 03 - TREK GULABGARH (2000M) TO CHISHOTI (2400M) 5 TO 6 HOURS TREK.
We set out from the town of Gulabgarh early and are a gradual long climb though some magnificent views all the way to the village of Chishoti.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner.
: Camp.
DAY 04 - CHISHOTI TO MACHAIL (2700M) 5 TO 6 HOURS TREK.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner
: Camp.
DAY 05 - MACHAIL TO DARLANG NULLA CAMP 1 (3300M) 6 HOURS TREK.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner
: Camp
DAY 06 - DARLANG NULLA CAMP 1 TO CHOMOCHOIR CAMP (4100 M) 7 HOURS TREK.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner
: Camp
DAY 07 - CHOMOCHOIR CAMP TO DARLANG CAMP BELOW THE PASS (4800 M) 8 HOURS TREK.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner
: Camp
DAY 08 - DARLANG CAMP BELOW THE PASS - CROSS POAT-LA AND CAMP ACROSS THE PASS ON THE OTHER SIDE AT CAMP 3. 9 - 10 HOURS TREK.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner
: Camp
DAY 09 - CAMP 3 TO SUMDO/ BARDAN GOMPA. 8 - 9 HOURS TREK.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner
: Camp.
DAY 10 - DRIVE TO PADUM (VISIT MONASTERIES). 3 - 4 HOURS.
Padum the ‘capital’ for Zanskar is little more than a large village. It has a sizeable minority Muslim population, mainly Baltis from the Kargil area, who have settled here since the mid-17th century Depart.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner
: Camp.
DAY 11 - EXPLORE ZANSKAR VALLEY.
Morning trek to Karsha located other side of Doda river, magnificently perched Monastery is of Gelugpa order dating from the XVth century. We visit Village to have the insight of their culture, evening back to Padum
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner
: Hotel / Guest House.
DAY 12 - PADUM TO KARGIL BY ROAD. OVER PENZI LA (4400 M). DRIVE 6 TO 7 HOURS.
Drive early, road leads through several villages, Spectacle view of Darung-drung glacier and the whole range of Zanskar from Pensila pass. Descending to Surru valley one can take a short visit to Rangdum gompa. Further drive through Surru valley following the suru river at the beneath of Nun- and Kun peaks dominating the entire valley.
: Breakfast & Pack Lunch.
: Hotel / Guest House.
DAY 12 - KARGIL TO LEH. VIA LAMAYURU, DRIVE 8 TO 9 HOURS.
We leave the Kargil and head toward Leh following the Indus valley, on the way visit famous Lamayuru monastery.
: Breakfast & Pack Lunch
: No
What is included in the tour
- The services of an educated Himalayan Yeti Adventure representative or escort / guide, well versed with native flora/fauna, topography & culture during the entire trek program.
- During the trek, all camping logistics and mules / porters/ to carry luggage. Participants will be required to carry only their day sacks with their daily essentials etc.
- Camping on twin sharing basis in 2-man tents, with foam mattresses, sleeping bags and kitchen tent, toilet tent etc.
- One Cook and camp helper/s with all necessary kitchen items, utensils etc.
- All transportation as per the itinerary, inclusive of transfers to the roadhead before the trek and transfer from the roadhead to your destination, after the conclusion of the trek.
- Boiled drinking water during the trek and warm water for personal ablutions in the morning.
- All meals during the trek program.
- Wildlife / environmental Permits and Levies, wherever required.
- All camping charges.
- Trek Briefing / debriefing & guides charges.
- Charges for following the global ‘Leave No Trace’ protocol.
- Insurance of the trekking staff
- Good medical / first aid kit with Oxygen Cylinders.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Any accidental, travel or medical insurance. It is advisable for the participants to get themselves comprehensively insured before the tour.
- Any expenses of a personal nature.
- Any and all evacuation charges (medical or otherwise), or hospitalization or physicians consultation charges. Your own insurance policy should also, ideally, cover this.
Insulated, waterproof boots are best. They have thick soles, rubber/leather uppers and insulation. Flip Flops/ Crocs.
Wool or synthetic socks with wicking liners promote warm, dry feet. (this item is to be bought by the clients themselves)
Layer your clothing so it can be adjusted to your activity level and the weather. Avoid cotton.
Base layer: Synthetics and wool retain warmth even when wet. Wear long underwears (top and bottem) that wicks away moisture, insulates well and dries quickly. Choose from microlight, lightweight or midweight versions based on the temperature and your activity level. A zippered top lets you adjust body heat as you stop and go. (this item is to be bought by the clients themselves, easily available in Decathlon Stores)
Upper Insulating layer: Polyester fleece makes a good insulating mid-layer since it retains heat when wet and breathes as you exercise.
Outer layer: A waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants keep you dry and fend off wind.
Down feather jacket: - Can be used while relaxing or walking outside in the camp area.
Hat, Gloves and Accessories.
Keep your head and hands covered to prevent loss of body heat and to protect from sunburn.
A wool or synthetic hat, headband or balaclava retains heat; a wide-brimmed hat or a ball cap can shade your eyes on sunny days.
Sunglasses and sunscreen will protect you from burning UV rays which are especially intense when reflected off of snow.
COTTON SCARF good for dust and to protect neck from sunburn ,WATER BOTTLE, HYDRATION BAG.
Head Lamp & spare batteries.
CAMERA dustproof cover and spare batteries and memory card, GOPRO IS JUST GREAT.
MONEY BELT or secure portion of bag.
PERSONAL TOILETRIES including lip cream, hand wash (alcohol-based), sunscreen and TOWEL.
PENKNIFE , JOURNAL, SKETCH PAD, PLAYING CARDS, BOOK, READING LIGHT, SEWING KIT, etc.
Small PADLOCK for stored bag.
Trekking Day Bag upto 65 to 85 Ltr.
