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Padum to Martselang  09 Days

The Landscapes of Ladakh has been compared to the bleak surface of the moon.  Images of the barren lunar vistas are similar to those obtained of this trans-Himalayan region.  But its ecosystem is remarkably Vital.  The trail takes you through a stretc remote even by lofty Ladakhi standards. Because of his isolation, it is an excellent place for viewing wildlife.  With not less than sixty river crossing, the trek also provides moment of great adventure.
 

Duration :

09 Days

Day 01
Reach Padum by road from Kargil or the train from Darcha.  A short drive on a dirt track takes you to Zangla, the erstwhile capital of Zanskar, thirty-five kilometers away from the headquarters. The trail climbs through the village to the right bank of the Zangla stream and ascends into the valley.  Clumps of willow bushes are found.  With no permanent trail on either bank, you have to ford the stream at least twenty times.  In around five hours you reach the campsite of Zumlung Sumdo (12,400ft / 3,780m).

Day 02
The climb begins just after the confluence on the left of the valley.  A two-hour ascent takes you to the point where the switch backs begin and a three hour climb takes you to Charchar La (17,094 ft / 5,210 m), marked by a chorten.  The descent from the pass takes you on a gradual slope till the trail meets the Zumling stream.  In litle short of an hour the river enters a deep gorge. The gorge is so narrow that the ponies have to be unloaded. The hill across the side stream is an excellent spot for viewing the ibex.  Another animal not very difficult to sight is the blue sheep.

Day 03
Follow the Zumling downstream after leaving camp.  The hills on either side are covered with willow; that makes it difficult to move on the trail, forcing you to cross the river occasionally.  As zumling is the fast-flowing river, use a rope to cross the stream.  In six hours, reach the confluence of Zumling with the Khurna.  Cross it to reach the Campsite of Tilut Sumdo (12,500 ft / 3,810m) on a ledge just above the camp.

Day 04 & 05
Follow the Khurna upstream on its right bank.  The trail shifts to the left bank within forty-five minutes as the river comes down to hit against the mountain and swerves left.  The crossing is difficult.  Cross back to the right bank in another forty-Five minutes and after a thirty minute walk, leave the Khurna to enter a side valley.  The trail climbs steeply through the gorge and it's a bit of a scramble when it disappears.  But the valley starts widening and after two hours, the trail reaches a fork where two streams meet.

Day 06
Leave camp early to cross Zalung Karpo La later in the morning. The trail climbs up the valley as it curves right and reaches the confluence of the streams descending from the Rubarung and Zalung Karpo Passes. The trail over the former goes into the Markha Valley.  Following the trail, going into the valley on the right, you reach switch backs climbing to a huge slope.  Avoiding the trail going down from the pass, take the ridgeon the left for fifteen minutes to reach some prayer flags.  Descend steeply on the trail, following a stream on its right bank till it meets another small stream.

Day 07
An hour after leaving the camp you reach a mane wall where the trail bifurcates. Take the one going up, climbing steeply to the west ridge of the Kang Yurze with cairns and flags that mark the Konka Wangpo La at 16,667 ft / 5,080m, and descend to a valley.

Day 08
Long switch backs take you to the top of Kangmau La (16,706 ft / 5,200m), the Pass of Red Clay.  There are ochre and maroon-coloured hills around.  The Eastern Karakorams are clearer from this point, with the Saser Kangri's summit dominating the range.  A sharp descent takes you down to the head of the Martselang Stream - another great area for viewing blue sheep.

Day 09
A short walk along the Martselang stream takes you to Indus's banks.  Alternatively vehicles can be brought up to Sumdo for the drive to Marselang over a rough road.  You have fared well on atough road.  You have fared well on a tough trek and maybe seen some rare wildlife too.      Important Facts of This Trek

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