Detailed Route
Killar to Zanskar via Chari Jote Expedition Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps
Standard RouteThis is the standard mountain pacing for this trek. Specific operators may add an acclimatization day or alter the starting point. Check individual operator schedules for their exact logistics.
Duration
10 Days
Total Distance
90 KM
Max Altitude
17,200 FT
Trek Type
linear
Day by Day Breakdown
Arrive Killar, Expedition Logistics
Arrive Killar via the dramatic Sach Pass drive. Complete SDM registration, meet guides and porters, final gear check. Stock all 10 days of food from Killar market. Rest day.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek Killar to Chari Nala Entry
Follow the Chenab river gorge trail and then branch into the Chari nala — the feeder valley that leads to the Chari Jote pass. Camp at the first suitable flat section in the lower nala.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Chari Nala Mid-Valley Camp
Ascending progressively through the Chari nala. The valley narrows and the glaciated peaks above begin to dominate the skyline. Camp at a protected flat section.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Acclimatization Day at 12,200 ft
Rest day for acclimatization. Short walk to 13,000 ft and return. Monitor all team members' blood oxygen with pulse oximeter. Mandatory physiological preparation for the sustained high altitude ahead.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
High Glacier Camp (15,500 ft)
The glacier camp preparation day. Strap crampons. Navigate through the crevasse field with rope team safety. Establish an exposed but protected camp on a moraine shelf at 15,500 ft.
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Staying At
SUMMIT DAY: Cross Chari Jote (17,200 ft)
Start 3:30am by headlamp. The approach to the col is steep glacier with a final exposed ridge section. The Chari Jote col is narrow and dramatic. Cross into Ladakh and begin the long descent on the Zanskar side. Camp well below the col on stable moraine.
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Staying At
Descend to Lungnak (Tsarap Chu) Valley
First full day in Zanskar. The landscape is utterly transformed — desert rock, ancient alluvial deposits, and the turquoise Lungnak river. The contrast with the forest Pangi valley is complete.
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Staying At
Trek Lungnak Valley Villages
Walk through the extraordinary Zanskar valley floor. Ancient Buddhist chortens, prayer walls, and small monastery settlements define the landscape. First resupply opportunity at Lungnak village.
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Staying At
Lungnak to Padum Approach
The final approach walk to Padum — the capital of Zanskar. The broad Zanskar valley opens dramatically. The famous Karsha monastery is visible on the cliff above. Arrive near Padum by evening.
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Staying At
Arrive Padum — Expedition Complete
Final walk into Padum. Bus or jeep service connects Padum to Kargil (and onward to Leh) by road. The expedition is complete.
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Staying At
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