This is one of the classic hiking tours of the region. It is advisable to spend 2 to 3 days at Darcha or Manali to become acclimatized.

Day 1: Manali to Darcha, 8 hours
By bus or taxi.

Day 2: Darcha to Palmo, 4-5 hours
From Darcha follow the trek until the last hamlet and then a good footpath. Pass through a spectacular gorge.

Day 3: Palmo to Zanskar Sumdo, 5 hours
Continue on the left bank until reaching a second ford. Then go up the right hand valley. There is good path on the sides of the stream.

Day 4: Zanskar Sumdo to Chumig Nagpo
From the camp climb moderate slopes to the foot of Pass Shingoo-La. There are some small streams to cross, the ground flattens out and the path zigzags through a Moraine.

Day 5: Chumig Nagpo to Lakhang, 5 to 6 hours
Go across the Shingoo-La (5100 m) Day 6: Lakhang to Kargyak An easy descent towards Kargyak.

Day 7: Kargyak to Purni, 5 to 6 hours
A short distance beyond Tanze, a bridge links to the left bank - monotonous going across morainic terrain. A slight rise leading to Kuru, major settlement of livestock breeders.

Day 8: Rest day & a visit to Phuktal Monastry, 5 to 6 hours
Phuktal Monastery is one of the most spectacular sights in Zanskar. Phuktal belongs to the tradition of the Gelupas (Yellow Hats). The spring that gurgles deep in the cave is still out of bounds to women.

Day 9: Purni to Ichar, 5 hours
The trail that overhauge the Tsarap is tricky and hard going. Very good campsite, an interesting fortified village.

Day 10: Ichar to Mune, 5 hours
Cross back over to the left bank, then a gradual climb before coming to a major tributary. Gradual descent down towards Reru and after that a quiet, beautiful plain covered with flowers (in July).

Day 11: Mune to Padum, 5 hours
You can visit the Barden Monastery, a Kagyupa monastery famous for its prayer wheels that are 180 cm high.

Day 12: Padum to Karcha, 4 to 5 hours
From Padum head towards Pipiting and then a dusty plain towards River Doda.

Day 13: Karcha to Pishu, 5 hours
Before Pishu, make a little detour to see the longest hanging bridge over Zanskar (55 m), it leads towards Zangla.

Day 14: Free day
Visit Zangla, old capital of Zanskar.

Day 15: Pishu to Hanumil, 5 to 6 hours
Continue along the left bank. Easy going some times along the river and at times across the Moronic Plateau.

Day 16: Hanumil to Parfi-La-Nyste, 6 to 7 hours
The path leads away from the edge of Zanskar, up to the plateau, then to the foot of the pass Partila (3900 m), a wonderful look out.

Day 17: Nyste to Lingshed, 7 hours
Go across the Hanuma-La (4700 m). An easy decent towards Lingshed (3800 m).

Day 18: Lingshed to Foot of Sengge-La, 7 hours
Easy climb of 1 hour to the Murgum-La (4100 m). A gentle descent towards Village Gongma (3840 m), then to the base of Sengge-La.

Day 19: Singge - La Base to Photoksar
A rather steep climb to the Segge-La takes from 1.5 to 2 hours (5000 m) and then a short stop leads into a broad valley. Descent towards Photoksar (3750 m), a splendid village.

Day 20: Rest at Photoksar

Day 21: Photoksar to Hanupatta, 7 hours
From the village a gentle climb up to a large chorten (1 hour). After that a long ascent to the Sir-Sir-La.

Day 22: Hanupatta to Wanla
You have to cross Phenji-La (3 hours), a little walk beyond Village Wanla.

Day 23: Wanla to Lamayuru
It is the last day of trekking route. After crossing the 10th pass Printiti-La (3400 m), it takes 3 hours to reach Lamayuru. After that drive 124 km to Leh and 106 km to Kargil.