Kanji-Lingshed-Photoksar

On the first day, you drive from Leh to Kanji where you stay overnight. Kanji, a village with 20 families can be accessed through the village of Hemiskot which lies on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh highway. The village is situated at an altitude of 3.875 m, and is also the starting of Kanji la and Shilakong gorge treks. 

To start off the trek, you will be made to adapt the surroundings by walking South from Kanji through the Barkley fields from where you ascent to the base camp through the meadows.

After ascending, you will be made to take a long descent till you reach a rocky campsite which is the escape route to Rangdum gompa. 

The day passes while walking through a river that flows from Pingdon-la with an afternoon spent resting at camp.

Climb through the snowy path to Pingdon-la alias Pudzong-la which offers a picturesque view of the snowcapped Zanskar range. Move through the zigzag rocky path to the valley from where the 900 meters descent to a bushy area starts. Continue moving through the valley’s left side till you catch the sight of the river entering through your left. Continue for an hour till you reach village Dibling with Shangri-la setting, the most isolated village of Zanskar. The main monastery is just above this village and you can easily walk to see the figurines of deities of Buddhism. You will camp here for the day.

On leaving the village this morning, follow the newly built footpath through the narrow and rocky lane. This path will take you to a gorge with panoramic scenery where you will be surprised to see giant rocks and also the horses crossing the river. Cross the river either on foot or by climbing on a horse to be on the safe side. Enjoy the course passing through the beetling cliffs with choughs with pigeons soaring great heights. Here, while nearing Lingshed, you will be able to spot people and small markets.

On reaching Lingshed Sundho, enter a gorge coming in from the left to leave the valley of Oma Chu and walk up to the base of Barma-la. Here you will camp at 3.680 m. or may be higher at 3.900 m amidst the snowy mountains.

From here, it is just over three hours to the pass which encompasses an easy gradual path until the last 300 meters which is a little steeper. Move higher; carefully amidst the narrow slippery path of snow peaks till you reach the pass which is broad and engulfed with chorten and prayer flags. The path reaches from Padumand then drops down and gradually ascends to reach the monastery and the camp site. Here you will be able to use clean toilets and also get some stuff from the mini shops located nearby.

Get ready to climb two passes in a single day today. The day starts with an easy climb of 4 hours up to the first pass. On reaching the first pass Murgum-La 4.370 m (14.330 ft), you will have a wonderful view of the valleyof Nierag. From here start climbing towards the villages Gongma 4.000 m and Skiumpata 4.060 m from where you climb steeply towards the summit of the Kiupa-la 4.430 m (14.530 ft). Continue towards next pass Sengi-La 4.430 m (14.534 ft). 

Climb steeply for 2 hours to the highest pass from where the summit view of Sengi-La 4.900 m (16.070 ft) is spectacular. After a short slope leading to a broad valley, you will come to the second pass Bumiktse-La 4.200 m (14.430 ft) from where a descent takes you to Photoksar 4.130 m (13.550 ft).

From here, the car will pick you up to Photoksar. This is the nostalgic moment of the Tour when you have to bid adios to this beautiful place, knowing in your heart that one day you will come back here again. After early Breakfast, & transfer to Airport for your onward journey with memories of Your Festigo Journey.