Kanji Canyons *exploratory

A shorter glorious canyons and gorges, colours and textures trek, with highs and remote villages as well

We feast on the colours, textures, formations, and savage canyons of the jaw-dropping Zanskar Range. On the 2010 Zanskar trek I was again blown away by the powerful beauty of the region, and what better to see the best than explore around the Kanji region starting in a little-trekked but famous gorge with approx 1000m almost vertical walls? Continuing in a neat loop we take in remote villages and a handful of high passes with huge mountain panoramas, yes, a true feast!

The gorges and canyons are only easily traversable when the water levels are low, in late August and into sometimes chilly September.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 - Tuesday 21 August - arrive Leh 3400m

The trip starts in Leh today. We suggest you arrive a day earlier though, especially if you are unfamiliar with Leh.

2 - rest Leh 3400m

Time to relax or to explore, and the all important time acclimatizing.

3 - drive Shilla 3200m

We drive via Likir Gompa and stay at Shilla, the village at the end of the road, which is near Wanla and Lamayuru.

4 - trek Shillakong 4150m

Trekking! The gorge here is legendary, and we camp where we can to minimize the altitude gain.

5 - rest Shillakong 4150m

Lets explore while we acclimatize.

6 - trek Kanji 3850m

Our first pass is the 4720m Yongma La and drop to Kanji village.

7 - trek Kanji La Base Camp 4345m

A shorter day to put us at the pass base.

8 - trek Kanji Sumdo 4300m

Lunch on top of the 5270m pass?

9 - trek Pudzong Base Camp 4550m

10 - rest Pudzong Base Camp? 4550m

There are two routes to Dibling, lets see which appeals, and if we take the shorter route then we have a day exploring.

11 - trek Dibling 3850m

Glorious trekking to a very remote village.

12 -trek Lingshed Sumdo 3680m

We follow the Oma Chu or milk river, although at this time of the year it will be sparkling clear.

13 - trek Lingshed Gongma 4000m

Crossing the 4680m Barmi La, we camp after losing only a little atitude on the other side.

14 - trek Lingshed 4710m

Another day, another pass, the 4200m Chapskang La, and it is a short day to the village.

Highlights

+ stunning canyons and gorges

+ remote traditional Ladakhi villages

+ no other trekkers

+ glorious views

+ beautiful remote camps

Dates

21 Aug-9 Sept, 20 days

Cost - US$2680

* US$2450 if booked by 26 April 2012

Domestic flights NOT included; meet in Leh

Max 9 bookings

Leader

Jamie McGuinness

Nepal mobile: +977 98021 49789

on trek satellite SMS: +88216 21273393

Leh office and hotel

Rinchen

Wonderland Trek and Tour

Hotel Shaynam

Old Road, Leh

tel: +91 1982 255 990

Mob1: +91 94191 79154

Mob2: +91 99069 90444

Extra hotel nights: US$25 single, US$30 double

Our service includes

Hotel in Leh

Domestic flights as needed, local departure tax

Group transportation by private vehicle

Expedition-style trek:

all meals and hot drinks

roomy single tent (double for couples)

Our service excludes

Airport transfers and Delhi hotel, but we can advise

Meals in Delhi, Manali, Leh, insurance, India visa, international flights, equipment rental, alcohol and soft drinks, laundry, tipping and other items of a personal nature

15 - High Plains camp 5000m / Yelchung 3850m

There could well be a road over the Singge La, and we aim to mostly avoid it. Our first choice is a route without a real trail even, a new route over into the other valley over a 5000+m pass and we will camp near the top. The problem might be flowers that are poisonous to the horses, I kid you not. If this isn't possible then we will trek to a village just off the main route that sees virtually no trekkers but is well known to us, Yelchung.

16 - trek Manechen 4350m

If we stayed at Yelchung we cross the 4960m Singge La. Otherwise we descend in broad valleys. Regardless of our route, we will end up near Manechen.

17 - trek Photoksar 4200m / Machu 4000m

We traverse the splendid valley to the 4390m Bumiktse La and hopefully stay at Machu. We start early for this long but utterly spectacular drive.

18 - trek Askuta 3700m

Lets see where we get to. There is a trail in some parts, for the rest we trek the river hence needing September river levels.

19 - trek Sumdo, drive Leh

That canyon! We trek to the road and continue to Leh, perhaps stopping at Alchi along the way.

Day 20 - Sunday 9 September 2012 - depart

You are free to fly out today to Delhi - or to stay in Leh for an extra day or two... The Leh-Delhi flight should get you to Delhi before midday, but do note that on rare occasions it can be delayed a day by bad weather.