Region: Manali, Lahoul Valley, Kargil and Ladakh.
Total Duration – 09 Nights / 10 Days
Maximum Altitude – 5500 m/ 18000 ft
Grade – Extremely Difficult.
Best Season – Mid June to September
Accommodation – Hotel/Guesthouse; Organized Campsite
Food – On trek – All meals included
Kang La pass
Kang-la Pass is a high Altitude trekking which is less frequented, magnificent and highly challenging trek from one valley to the other. Kang-la Pass was formally used by the Lahouli peoples to cross into the Zanskar and Ladakh region. So it was discovered as a travel route by the local inhabitants earlier, which later on become the strenuous trekking route for rest of the adventurous world. It is the toughest and the most difficult trek which gives one the lifetime experience reaching at the height of 5,450m. This trek can be categorized into the expedition level too, cause of its day to day covered long distances and the terrain so unpredictable. The geography of the valley is changing very fast in the interiors of the Kang-la glacier. So it is not like normal routine trekking, it demands a great effort though it is not for the neophytes. It consists of the great plains of Than Patan to endless moraines, Glaciers and dangerous crevasses. It is kind of technical in a bit, but the gravity of the trek is so hard. This trek takes one from the lush green valleys of Mayar to arid and deserted valley of Zanskar. This trek is so remote and unexplored that one could see by his own while treading on the route.
The Kang-la Pass trek starts from the little town of Udaipur to the interiors of Mayar Valley. Mayar valley owns an ancient culture, architecture and lifestyle, which is influenced by the Hinduism and Buddhism. This influence of religions can be found all across the valley. Mayar valley is a lush green valley with rich Himalayan flora and fauna. It is ideal place for studying Himalayan herbal plants and fauna. The trekking route at initial is pleasant with flat green lands, which becomes harder as the moraine slants and multiple chilling rivers encounter. The moraines are so vast and endless till the Kang-la Glacier and beyond. Climbing on the long glacier fields amidst the mighty snow capped peaks arouses an amazing feeling of devotion and love to the Nature. The Kang-La Glacier is stretched about 10-13 km on the each side of the pass with dangerous crevasses on the top and below. This part of the trek needs technical assistance by roping up the pack. The Kang-la glacier is melting so fast that the crevasses are getting broader and deeper each year. So all the safety measures are must at some point. After crossing over the pass is the downhill on glacier with crevasses then scree and keeps on slanting till the campsite. Now the trail is again flat but with less vegetation of the Himalayan Herbs such as ‘Thyme’. Sun is hard and wind is dry as we enter the Zanskar valley. One might get a chance see the grazing Yaks, Marmots, Musk Deers and Ibexes. This aridness on the trail continues whole in the region. Our last point of this trek is Bardan Gompa., famous for its 180cm. high Mani Prayer Wheel. At Bardan Gompa our treks ends and drive to Leh via Kargil starts. Overall the trek is comprehensive with pleasant memories.
How To Reach Manali
Distance by road:-
Manali is well connected to Delhi. Take an overnight bus from Delhi and you will reach Manali in 12 ‐ 14 hours(approx 540 KMS). Tickets can be booked online at www.redbus.in or www.hrtc.gov.in Tip : Since Delhi Manali is a long journey most Volvo private buses leave Delhi between 5 pm and 6 pm. The last govt bus leaves at 8.30 pm from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Volvo buses charge between Rs.1,000 to 1,400 per sector from Delhi to Manali and vice versa. Manali to Delhi: Like the onward journey, buses leave from Manali to Delhi between 4 and 5 p.m. Your tentative arrival at Delhi may be anywhere between 6 a.m and 10 a.m. Plan your onward journeys only post noon giving enough buffer for bus delay.
Nearest Railway Station:-
Nearest Railway station is Ambala (350 kms) and Chandigarh (310 kms). Tip: Regular Volvo and Buses are available from Chandigarh to Manali in the evening. Volvo buses charge between Rs.800 to Rs.1,200 per sector from Chandigarh to Manali and vice versa.
Nearest Airport :-
Nearest Airport is Bhuntar is 60 Kms. Bhuntar, which is 52 km away from Manali, is the nearest airport. Taxi services are available from Bhuntar to Manali, which costs about Rs.1000‐ Rs.2,000. Bhuntar is well connected to Delhi by air. The airliners that take you to this Airport are Indian Airlines, Kingfisher airlines, MDLR Airlines and Jagson Airlines, operating flights from Delhi and Chandigarh to Kullu.
Things to Pack:-
Trekking Shoes: You need good trekking shoes with good grip & ankle support. Do not carry sport shoes.
Clothing: You need to have warm clothes with three-layer jackets, fleece or down feather jacket. Carry 1 or 2 full sleeves t-shirt. For lowers carry cotton pants suitable for trek. Do no carry jeans or shorts for trekking.
Thermals: Carry top and bottom thermals.
Socks: Carry 2 - 3 pair of sports socks along with woolen socks to be worn at night.
Headlamp/Led Torch are mandatory
Sunglasses: To protect from sunlight in snow you require UV rays protected sunglasses.
Woolen Cap and Gloves are also necessary as the climate will be cold. Carry waterproof gloves as they get wet in snow.
Lunchbox & Water bottle: Every participant should carry lunch box and water bottle of their own.
Raincoat/Ponchos: At high altitudes, snowfall and rain are quite common and it’s mandatory to carry a poncho so that one doesn’t get wet.
Mandatory Documents:a)Registration Form
b)Medical Certificate (signed by a registered MBBS doctor)
c)NOC form (by trekker)