The old monastery trail
Shubham MansingkaShubham Mansingka|Guest Contributor|THINGS TO DO, LADAKH Updated : Jul 22, 2016, 05.21 PM IST
Shubham Mansingka
Shubham Mansingka is a full time traveller who has been to more than 15 states of India and zipped across Singapore, Thailand & Malaysia. He has extensively slow travelled across the Himalayas, Rajasthan, Goa, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, among other states.\nHis expertise lies in writing guides on offbeat destinations, food guides, trekking routes, adventure related content, budget travel guides and unique content on popular, touristy destinations. Other than Happytrips, he runs a very successful travel blog at www.Travelshoebum.com/.
This ancient monastery route is one that enables you to visit 3 of the oldest monasteries of Ladakh. Although short by Ladakhi standards, the 5-6 day trek from Lamayuru to Alchi is tough; winding across high passes and isolated valleys all the while offering superb panoramic views of the wilderness. The 3 monasteries are Wanla, the little known monastery at Sumda Chenmo, and the most famous Alchi—all purportedly established by Rinchen Zangpo in the 11th Century. The trail ascends to two sub 5000 m passes and is very hard to follow in places, so it is a pre requisite to have an experienced guide, ponies and enough provisions in case you lose your way.
Route: Lamayuru – Wanla – Hinju - Sumda Chenmo – Sumdachen - Stakspi La - Alchi
Landscape: Monasteries dotted on hillocks among green villages, incredible valley views.
Best time to go: Mid-July to Mid-October
Difficulty Level: Moderate-Difficult
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