Kanji Padum Trek

Kanji to Base Kanji La (4,500m) – 4hr trek along moraines and scree slopes, camping below the pass with twilight views of snow-capped ridges.

Cross Kanji La (5,250m) to Rusgog Dho (4,400m) – 8hr challenge: steep ascent over loose rocks, panoramic Zanskar vistas, then long descent to grassy campsite by a glacial stream.

Rusgog Dho to Pikdong La Base (4,350m) – 5hr hike through wide valleys dotted with marmot burrows, preparing for tomorrow’s pass beneath towering rock walls.

Pikdong La to Dibling (4,100m) – 6hr traverse: climb switchbacks to the wind-swept pass, then descend into Dibling’s meadows where wildflowers bloom in summer.

Dibling to Lingshed Sumdo (3,900m) – 5hr walk along the Tsarap River, entering Zanskar’s cultural zone with first glimpses of Lingshed’s terraced fields.

Lingshed Sumdo to Lingshed Village – 6hr climb past chortens and mani walls to the 11th-century monastery, where monks welcome trekkers with butter tea.

Lingshed to Snertse via Hanuma La – 7hr grind up barren slopes to the pass, then zigzag down to Snertse’s campsite under jagged peaks.

Snertse to Hanumil via Purfi La – 5hr journey: cross the pass early, then follow the Zanskar River to Hanumil’s whitewashed houses and poplar groves.

Hanumil to Zangla – 5hr riverside walk to Zangla’s crumbling palace, once home to Zanskar’s kings, with optional visit to nearby nunnery.

Zangla to Leh – 8hr drive via photogenic Kargil Road, stopping at Lamayuru Monastery before descending back to Leh’s bustling streets.