Rangdum-Phe Trek Via Dibling and Ralakung Village

No of Days

20 Days

Highest Point

Ralakhung La 5,220m, Pidzong La 5,030m

Grade

Demanding

Attraction

Drangdrung Glacier, Dibling Village, Zanskar Canyons.

This expedition is one of the most remote and untouched treks in Ladakh and Zanskar. Starting from the Rangdum plains, the trek crosses high passes like Pidzong La and Ralakhung La, leading you through the hidden villages of Dibling and Ralakung. You will witness dramatic river gorges, glacial landscapes, and the authentic nomadic lifestyle of the Zanskar region before concluding in Padum.

Rangdum-Phe Trek - Trip Detail
  • 01

    Day

    Arrival in Leh - Acclimatization
    • Arrive in Leh and transfer to the hotel. The entire day is dedicated to rest for proper acclimatization to the high altitude. In the evening, take a gentle walk to explore the local Leh market.

  • 02

    Day

    Monastery Tour: Shey, Thiksey, and Mato
    • Explore the rich cultural heritage of the Indus Valley. Visit Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Mato Monastery. In the evening, visit Shanti Stupa for a panoramic sunset view of Leh town.

  • 03

    Day

    Phyang, Likir, and Alchi Monastery
    • Drive towards western Ladakh. Visit Phyang and Likir monasteries before reaching the 11th-century Alchi Monastery, famous for its unique frescoes. Overnight stay in Alchi.

  • 04

    Day

    Alchi to Rangdum (Long Drive)
    • Departure at 8 am. Pass through Lamayuru and Mulbek (lunch stop). Reach Kargil by 3 pm and drive towards the foot of Ghangshalmo glacier. Arrive at Rangdum by 7:45 pm for overnight stay.

  • 05

    Day

    Rangdum – Pensi La and Drangdrung Glacier
    • A short drive to Pensi La (4,420m) to witness the magnificent Drangdrung Glacier and the Z3 peak area. This day serves as final preparation for the trekking days ahead.

  • 06

    Day

    Trek Commencement (16.3 km)
    • 6 hours trek. Cross the first river after 30 mins, entering the Kanji La valley. Walk through ledges filled with wild garlic and gentians. Tricky river crossing at 3 pm before reaching a red gorge campsite near the river.

  • 07

    Day

    Pidzong La Base Camp (4,530m)
    • 4 hours 20 mins trek. Follow the ledge to Kanji La gorge. After 3 hours of walking and a river crossing, ascend 10 minutes to reach the camp at 4,530m. Total ascent +383m.

  • 08

    Day

    Pidzong La to Dibling (3,850m)
    • 6.5 hours trek. A 3-hour climb to the pass at 5,030m. Descend to a lunch spot by the river, then cross the marmot plains to reach the remote village of Dibling by the river.

  • 09

    Day

    Dibling to Umang
    • Descend along the river to Lingshed Sumdo. Walk through a rough, rocky path with impressive views high above the river gorge. A superb section of the trek showing Zanskar's rugged beauty.

  • 10

    Day

    Umang to Ralakhung Sumdo
    • A demanding day with several shoulder crossings (up to 3,930m). Includes narrow, exposed paths and a 50m section where you must walk through water. Camp by the river.

  • 11

    Day

    Ralakhung Sumdo to Phinang Sumdo (3,660m)
    • Ford the Oma Chu river using ropes (water up to knees). Follow a rough path to the Ralakhung Thokpo junction with two more river crossings. 3 hours / 7.6km.

  • 12

    Day

    Phinang Sumdo to Ralakhung Nangma (4,130m)
    • Change valley towards the west to reach Ralakhung Nangma. A good grassy campsite surrounded by gentians, orchids, and white birches. The area features about 6 houses.

  • 13

    Day

    Ralakhung Nangma to Ralakhung Phima (4,290m)
    • 3-4 hours trek. A gradual ascent to a pass at 4,660m followed by a 1-hour descent to Ralakhung Phima, a tiny settlement with just 2 houses.

  • 14

    Day

    Ralakhung Phima to Ralakhung La BC (4,795m)
    • 2 hours trek. A gradual and easy climb to reach the base camp by the riverside. This camp is bumpy and known to be very cold due to the altitude.

  • 15

    Day

    Ralakhung BC – Ralakhung La – Phey Thokpo
    • Climb to the highest point at 5,220m. Descend through a dramatic canyon for 1 hour 15 mins. Continue a gradual descent to a grassy roadside camp near Phey. 6.5 hours / 17.6km.

  • 16

    Day

    Monastery Tour in Zanskar
    • Visit the prominent cultural sites of central Zanskar: Stongdey, Zangla Fort, Karsha Monastery, Chushikzal Nunnery, and the Zangla Nunnery.

  • 17

    Day

    Padum to Leh via Chilling Road
    • Drive from Padum back to Leh via the newly opened Nimmo-Padum road. The route follows the Zanskar river through Chilling, offering spectacular views of the gorge.

  • 18

    Day

    Leh Relaxation and Shopping
    • A free day in Leh to relax after the long trek. Explore the local markets for souvenirs, Tibetan handicrafts, and enjoy the local cafes.

  • 19

    Day

    Departure to Delhi and International Flight
    • Fly from Leh to Delhi. On Day 20, board your international flight from Delhi back to your home destination (Paris).

Important Information for the Rangdum-Phe Trek

  • Acclimatization: This trek involves multiple passes over 5,000m. Proper rest in Leh is mandatory.
  • River Crossings: Prepare for knee-deep fording. Bring appropriate river-crossing sandals and trekking poles.
  • Gear: High-quality sleeping bags (rated -15°C) and sturdy trekking boots are essential for the high-altitude camps.
  • Remote Area: Dibling and Ralakung are extremely isolated; ensure all personal medical supplies are packed.

The Daily Trekking Experience

A typical day begins with warm tea served at your tent, followed by a hearty breakfast in the dining area. While you carry a light day-pack with essentials like your camera and water, our ponies handle the heavy gear. We break for lunch at scenic spots, arriving at the next campsite to find your tents already pitched and refreshments waiting. Dinners are a social affair in the dining tent, where the guide briefs everyone on the next day's mountain passes and river crossings.

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