Duration: 5 days
Difficulty: level 4
Distance: 71 km
Max elevation: 5153m
Elevation gain / loss: +3962m / -4149m
This five-day trek is a great opportunity to discover remote villages and dramatic landscapes of Ladakh. There are two long and difficult days when crossing the passes on that itineary. The highlights include the gompas at Lamayuru, Sumda Choon and Alchi. This trek is an alternative to the Lamayuru to Alchi trek via Tar La.
Day 1: Lamayuru – Prinkti La – Wanla
Time: 3-4 hrs
Distance: 9.1 km
Elevation gain / loss: +369m / -592m
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visit the photogenic Lamayuru monastery
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walk along the stream and gradually up towards the Prinkti La
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walk down to the small village of Shilla and right after is the village of Wanla
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homestay possibility in Wanla
Day 2: Wanla – Hinju
Time: 6 hrs
Distance: 16.5 km
Elevation gain / loss: +639m / -0m
| – | follow the river bank and pass through farmhouses surrounded by green barley fields |
| – | homestay possibility in Hinju |
Day 3: Hinju – Kongskil La – Sumda Chenmo
Time: 8-9 hrs
Distance: 18.9 km
Elevation gain / loss: +1188m / -998m
| – | today is a long day to cross the Kongskil La, enjoy the panoramic views of Karakoram and Stok range from the pass |
| – | homestay possibility in Sumda Chenmo |
Day 4: Sumda Chenmo – Sumda Choon
Time: 4-5 hrs
Distance: 13.1 km
Elevation gain / loss: +417m / -525m
| – | the trail passes through grazing areas and streams, you need to cross the river several times |
| – | just above the Sumda Choon village is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh which was built during the early medieval period |
| – | homestay possibility in Sumda Choon |
Day 5: Sumda Choon – Stakspi La – Alchi
Time: 7-8 hrs
Distance: 13.7 km
Elevation gain / loss: +1350m / -2035m
| – | from the village follow the trail leading to the base of the Stakpi La and then there is a steep ascent to the pass from where you will have a great view of the mountains and Ladakh range |
| – | long and steep descent to the grazing area of Pullu and to Alchi |
| – | visit Alchi monastery, it is known for its interior murals which are great examples of Ladakh’s Indo-Tibetan art |
Getting to / from the trek
| – | it takes 3 hours to drive from Leh to Lamayuru (115 km) |
| – | it takes one hour and a half to drive from Alchi to Leh (70 km) |
