Zalung Karpo La Trek

Day 1: Arrive in Leh
Day 2: Acclimatize and sightseeing
Day 3: Drive from Leh to Thinlepsa and trek to Markha
Day 4: Trek from Markha to Hankar
Day 5: Trek from Hankar to Twin Tigu Lakes & Return to Hankar
Day 6: Trek from Hankar to Langthang Chen
Day 7: Trek from Langthang Chen to Zalung Karpo La Base
Day 8: Trek from Zalung Karpo La to Sorra
Day 9: Trek from Sorra to Dat and Drive back to Leh
Day 10: Buffer Day

Plan your adventurous Zalung Karpo La Trek with us. We are providing the best trekking services. Our team will take care of you throughout the trek. We have experienced trek leaders and guides to help you in every step. The supporting staff will manage the comfortable stays and warm meals. We will tailor the best itinerary for your Zalung Karpo La Trek.

Himalaya Shelter also offers customized trekking plans. You set the date and we will curate the itinerary specially for your team. We also deal with smaller groups and work well to offer the best personalized trekking services. We can customize the stays, meals, and even pace for you. Book the Zalung Karpo La Trek with us and enjoy the trek at its best.

Zalung Karpo La has always been a crucial trail for the traders. It is a traditional route for the remote parts of Ladakh for centuries. It is the region between Zanskar and Changthang. The locals of this region are the Changpa people. Most of the Changpa people are shepherds. Their livelihood mainly depends on pashmina sheep rearing. They use these trails to migrate with their cattle to the grazing areas. 

Zalung Karpo La has been a crucial part for the tradition and culture exchange. Monks used to travel in these trails to spread Buddhism. It acted as a passage for religious and cultural knowledge. Other parts of Ladakh are crowded. But the Changthang region is still untouched and offers some of the most beautiful views.

• High-Altitude Pass

Zalung Karpo La is a mighty mountain pass that is located at 5200m. Crossing the pass is very thrilling. You will feel like achieving a goal while crossing it. The views from the top are also wonderful.

• Trek Difficulty

Zalung Karpo La Trek is a challenging trek. The terrain of the trek is rugged and rocky. The walk is not a long one though it remains a hard one. You might need to walk between 7-8 hours in a day. This hike is made harder by its elevation.

• Changpa Nomads

The Changpa community has existed in the Changthang region centuries ago. They are extremely simple human beings and mostly involved in goat rearing. These individuals move around migrating with their cattle. You can talk to them and learn more about their lifestyles.

• Changthang Plateau

The Changthang Plateau possesses the beauty of the actual Ladakh. You are able to feel the desert and the color valleys. The sky appears bluer and purer. The mountains are unending and they seem like heaven. There will be new yet even more striking sceneries on the trek every day.

• High-Altitude

The difficulty level of the trek increases due to the high-altitude. The Zaling Karpo La is located at an altitude of 5200m. This is considered as very high for a trek. People can get AMS over 4000m. Walking over 4500m can be very tiring. Your every step on the trek can feel heavy. 

• Weather Conditions

Predicting weather conditions at a height of 5000m is difficult. The weather can change any minute there. People trek to Zalung Karpo La in summer. But the temperature can drop rapidly even in peak July. There are less chances of rain but chilly winds near the pass can be hard.

• Long Walking Hours

The Zalong Karpo trek is not very long. But still you have to walk for 7-8 hours a day. The terrain is difficult and harsh. It is a remote area and you won’t find any rest points. There are no trees or shade. Trekking on a bright sunny day can be very tiring.

• Remoteness

This region of Changthang plateau is very remote. The trek is very peaceful but there are no facilities. Trekkers have to stay in tents as there are no guesthouses or other services. Even any kind of medical emergency or rescue can take time. Trekkers have to gear up for all kinds of situations.

Zalung Karpo La Trek In June And July

June is the early season for Zalung Karpo La Trek. During these days, the snow starts melting but you will still find a lot of snow near the pass. The trails open and the pass becomes accessible to the trekkers. In July, you can see small grass covering the pastures. 

Zalung Karpo La Trek In August

This is the best season to plan the Zalung Karpo La Trek. The trails become clear and dry. The temperature also remains warm and decent. This season might have many trekkers. The shepherds remain in the fields to graze their cattle. You may observe the nomadic life of Changpa people.

Zalung Karpo La Trek In September

The trek to Zalung Karpo La in September can be very peaceful. The pastures start turning golden and beautiful. Ladakh is probably the best region in India to witness Autumn. The orange-golden hues are very mesmerizing. However, the temperature starts falling and the nights can be very cold.

• Delhi To Leh: You can take a direct flight from Delhi to Leh. Or, you can drive via Srinagar-Leh or Manali-Leh highway. 
• Leh To Rumtse: Drive from Leh to Rumste via Leh-Manali highway. It will take around two hours. You can look for a local bus or shared taxi.
• Rumtse To Thinlepsa: This is a short 1-2 hours drive from Rumtse. You can take a shared taxi to Thinlepsa and start your trek towards Markha.

• Cross Zalung Karpo La

The Zalung Karpo La is standing at a height of 5200m. Crossing the pass is very adventurous. While crossing the pass, you will get the feeling of achievement. Every hard step towards the Pass feels worth it. The views from the Zalung Karpo La are mesmerizing.

• Interact With Changpa People

Changthang is a place that Changpa people have been residing in centuries. These people can be found with their cattle in the grazing lands. They are quite basic people and largely rely on goat rearing. The Changpa nomads are nomadic with seasons as they reside in tents and travel around.

• Enjoy The Landscapes

The landscapes of the Changthang region are very alluring. Every view looks like wallpaper. You will see dry deserts with endless mountain ranges. The colorful valley and blue sky are bewitching. You may also witness some rare animals like blue sheep, marmot, etc.

• Trek Peacefully

Zalung Karpo La Trek is a trek that is not over-crowded. The tracks are quite beautiful and quiet. This trek can be a good excuse to cut yourself from busy and crowded life. You will be far from the network and internet. The trek can be a digital detox for you.

Start with a good and spacious backpack (50-65L) with a rain cover. Now stuff all warm pieces of clothing such as a thermals, fleece jacket, down jacket and warm trekking pants. A nice windcheater should also be packed. Stuff now a few quick dry t-shirts because daytime can be hot. Take a woolen beanie, now, and gloves and buff. 5-6 pairs of trekking socks, 2 pairs of woolen socks. For footwear, pack good trekking shoes and a pair of sandals. A small (20L) foldable pack is also an option to make day hikes. Now pack all the toiletries you are going to need on the trek. A first aid box can also be prepared by taking basic medicines. Do not leave out sunscreen and sunglasses on the trek.

Travel Tips & Safety Guidelines

• Acclimatization

Get enough time to acclimate yourself before starting the trek. You should spend 1-2 days in Leh. It will help you to manage breathing thin air. No smoking, drinking, and being healthy. You may have some breathing and physical exercises of light intensity. In case you have nausea then inform your guide / trek leader

• Gear Up Properly

The Zalung Karpo La Trek is located at a remote location. You won’t find any shops there to buy anything. Pack all your gear carefully. Pack all your gear carefully. Even during summer, when you are trekking, always carry warm clothes. Dress up to manage any form of weather.

• Follow Trekking Etiquette

Always listen to your trek leader and local guide. It is a remote area and any kind of mistake can be dangerous. Stick to the team and follow the itinerary. Trek with a responsible company that respects nature. When conversing with the locals, respect them, never take photos / videos without seeking their consent.

Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.

Inclusion

• Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals.( INR 5000 per person extra for single sharing throughout the trek )
  On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek.
• Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
• Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
• Permission  -  Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
• Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification.)There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
• Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route Guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
• Cloakroom - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.

Exclusion

• Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
• Travel Expenses -  Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
  From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC.
• Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups. 
• Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 600 per bag per day.
• Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
• Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader. 
• Anything apart from inclusions

Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminium foil.

Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya.