From Cha, the trail first leads along the south bank of the Tsarap Chu (also called Lungnak River). After a bridge crossing and continuing for few minutes along the north bank, the dazzling image of Phugtal Monastery greets your eyes to sheer amazement.

The sight of the Phugtal Monastery never fails to impress any visitors. You will see a large cave above the Monastery, where holy men found it to be a perfect setting for meditation and spirtitual knowledge. It is one of the only Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh that can still be reached only by foot. The Hungarian historian Csoma de Koros stayed here over the winter of 1825-26 and translated the Buddhist texts from Ladakhi into English. Inside the Monastery is an inscription dedicated to him. The day ends here. There is a well-appointed campsite (3900m) just below the monastery.

From Phugtal Monastery, follow the path which is well marked but sometimes precarious. Crossing a small pass and then going down, continue the trail along the bank of the Tsarap Chu until you come to a side stream. At times the trail is precarious and elevated. Follow the trail along the southwest bank of the side stream until you reach Thangstak Monastery. Overnight stay at Thangstak.

This stage is quite easy. You will have to continue the trail up and down the valleys and gorges. Going to the valley floor, the valley narrows and you will reach three stupas that marks the entrance to the village. Visit the village of Shadey and camp overnight for good acclimatization before the challenging ascend to Stongde La pass.

Stongde La which is the next highlight of the trek is about 5 hours from Doksa. The trail crosses several streams and slowly ascends to Stongde La. Upon reaching the pass, the challenges that you have been facing is compensated by the overwhelming views over the Zanskar and the Ladakh ranges. After having a good rest, start the trail down which is easy. You will come across pasturelands and the trail heads down to Stongde Monastery perched above the main Zanskar Valley. Views from the monastery are quite impressive. Camp overnight at the village of Stongde.

From here the trail becomes quite challenging. The trail ascends along both the sides of the stream. So expect some river crossings. You will have to be mentally prepared and start the trail early in the morning before the water level in the stream rises after 12 pm. The first section of the trail crosses steep slopes and passes through a gorge. The trail continues along the river as it climbs the slopes of the valley, until finally dropping to the valley floor. Continuing further for 3 hours, you will reach Doksa. The villagers from Stongde have their summer encampments here where they tend to their animals. There are number of good campsites.