Lamayuru – Chiling Trek

Highest point: Konskit-la (4950mtrs.)

Dundunchen-La (4700m)
Season: September
Grade: Moderate 

The sham valley  in the lower part of Ladakh, is celebrated for its beauty and richness during the harvesting season. According to legend, Lamayuru was once a lake, which miraculously disappeared by the hand of Lotsawa Naropa. The monastery at Lamayuru built in the 10th is one of the oldest in Ladakh, and belongs to the Kargyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. This trek offers not only view of the many natural beauties of Ladakh, but also some of its most famous monasteries and the traditional life style of the natives.

DAY 01: Arrive in Delhi 

DAY 02 Leh arrival: 

Arrive at Kushok Bakula airport Leh situated at 3200 mtrs altitude. Meet our representative at the airport who will transfer you to your hotel in Leh city 3 to 4 km. On arrival, the hotel will welcome you with a warm drink. To allow your bodies to acclimatize to the high altitude, the first full day will be dedicated to rest. There will be an easy walk in the evening to show you Leh bazaar. Overnight in the Hotel.

DAY 03 Around Leh:

Visit the Shanti Stupa on the hill top where you can see a spectacular view of Leh town, Khardongla pass and Stok Kangri peak. Then a visit to Tsemo Castle on top of a cliff facing Leh town – Here lies a three storey tall statue of Maitreya Buddha and below is Namgyal Palace – Built by 16th century ruler Singay Namgyal, which was damaged during Kashmir – Ladakh war. Overnight at the hotel in Leh

DAY 04 Around Indus:

Today we will take you for a Fullday driving tour to some of the most important and beautiful monasteries and palaces. All located along the Indus River, we will travel by car to see places like Shey Palace, the former summer Palace of the Ladakhi kings, Thiksey Monastery, home of one of the most beautiful statues of Maitrey Buddha, and Hemis Monastery, the largest and the richest monastery in Ladakh. In the evening you will return to Leh for your own leisurely evening. Overnight at the hotel

DAY 05

Leh -Lamayuru (3450 m) to Wanla (3200 m) via Prinkiti-La (3720 m), 4 hours An Early morning drive to Lamayuru (120kms) visit the famous monastery you cross a stream and climb the first pass. After a gradually climb across the mountain side you reach a small valley which follows as far as the first pass Prinkiti-La 3720 m (12140 ft). The pass is crossed after a gentle and short climb. Go down into a narrow gorge until reaching the village of Shilla. Cross the river over a bridge and then take the right bank as far as the next village Wanla. Wanla is a pretty village with a gompa high up on crag and makes a pleasant place to stop.

DYA 06

Wanla (3200 m) to Konze-La base camp, 5 hours Another 3 hours walking and you reach the village of Shills. Go along the Yapola river for another 2 hours until reaching the village Phanjila (3300 m). The valley gets more and more beautiful the higher you walk up, with its thick growth of willows and dramatic views back to rock pinnacles on the skyline. You pass the village Hinju (3750 m) and camp at the foot of the next pass.

DAY 07

Konze-La base camp to Sumda Chenmo (3900 m) via Konzke-La (4900 m), 6 hours It is a strenuous climb to the Konzke-La 4900 m (16.080 ft), but you’re rewarded with views all the way back to the last pass Prinkiti-La 3720 m (12140 ft). During the summer month shepherds from Hinju cross the Konzke-La so that they can graze their livestock in this valley. The trail passes some of their huts and enclosures where they make butter, curd and cheese. You may see the cheese spread out on the ground to dry. It is dried into small white nuggets which then keep for years; very little is eaten fresh. From the summit of Konzke-La it’s a long descent to pastures. The path gets close to the river. Several good campsites are at the edge of the river. Continue on the left bank along the mountain side to Sumda Chenmo (3900 m) (12795 ft.). This isolated village shows few signs of change and the villagers are still largely self-sufficient.

DAY 08

Sumdha Chenmo (3900 m) to Dundunchen-La base camp, 3 hours After Sumdah the path becomes more difficult to follow until reaching shelter formed by rocks. Shelters and pastures are on the half way up to the Dundunchen-La 4700 m (10.660 ft).

ADAY 09

Dundunchen-La base camp to Chilling via Dundunchen-La (4700m): 6 hoursIt is a steep climb up to the third pass on this trek. There are fantastic views from the top of Stok Kangri (6153 m) and Kang Yatse (6400 m). From the top it is a long and tiring descent to Chilling.
The inhabitants of Chilling 3250 m (10660 ft.) are the only ones who work with metals such as cooper, tin, silver used for the making pots or tea spots.

DAY 10

Transfer to Leh airport for onward journey with a sweet memory from the Himaaya, Fly to Dleh

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