KANJI TREK

From Honupatta over Nyigutse La, Yogma La and Kanji La to Rangdum

This spectacular high-altitude trek connects the Sham Valley with the remote Zanskar region, crossing three impressive mountain passes: Nyigutse La, Yogma La, and Kanji La. The route takes you through peaceful valleys, alpine meadows, traditional shepherd camps, and the picturesque village of Kanji before descending into Rangdum. Far from the popular trekking trails, this journey offers breathtaking Himalayan scenery, a true wilderness experience, and an excellent opportunity to explore one of Ladakh’s most remote and unspoiled regions. It is best suited for experienced trekkers who are comfortable hiking at high altitude.

Accommodation
In Delhi, we stay in a standard hotel with air-conditioned rooms. In Leh, accommodation is arranged in a standard hotel conveniently located near the local market and town centre, or in a comfortable family-run guesthouse. Wi-Fi is available in Leh; however, international mobile phones generally do not have network coverage in Ladakh.

Camping & Trek Support
The trek is operated on a full-service camping basis. Our experienced camp staff will handle all camp duties, including pitching and dismantling tents, cooking meals, and managing camp chores, allowing you to trek comfortably with only a day pack.

Most nights are spent wild camping in remote locations. Accommodation is in spacious two-person tents with enough room for kit bags. A separate dining tent is provided, complete with a table and folding chairs, along with at least one eco toilet tent (usually two) for evening use.

There is no running water at the campsites. Camps are set up near rivers or streams, and the camp staff will provide bowls of warm water for basic washing during the trek.

Worth Knowing
• In India, it is common for hotels to provide hot water only at certain times of the day to conserve energy. If your shower water is cold, please inform the reception so they can switch on the water heater.
• Toilet tents used during camping consist of a dug pit (prepared by our camp staff) inside a tent. Dirt or sand is provided beside the pit to cover waste after each use.
• Single rooms and single tents are available on request for an additional supplement, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.

Day 1: Leh – Honupatta (3–4 hrs drive)

Drive from Leh to Honupatta. Beyond the village, we reach a beautiful riverside campsite at around 4,000 m, where we set up our first camp.

Day 2: Honupatta – Nyigutse La Base Camp (4–5 hrs)

From Honupatta (4,000m), the trail heads southwest into a side valley. Passing through a narrow gorge, we reach a wide alpine plateau and continue to Nyigutse La Base Camp (4,650m), where we spend the night.

Day 3: Nyigutse La Base Camp – Nyigutse La (5,100 m) – Shillakong Valley (6–7 hrs)

The ascent to Nyigutse La starts gradually before becoming steeper. The final section climbs in a series of switchbacks to the 5,100 m pass, decorated with colorful prayer flags. We then descend the northern side into the remote Shillakong Valley, where we camp beside a mountain stream at approximately 4,500 m.

Day 4: Shillakong Valley – Yogma La – Shepherd Camp (4–5 hrs)

At 4,700 m, Yogma La is lower and easier to cross than Nyigutse La. Beyond the pass, we leave the trail to Kanji and traverse west across a steep grassy slope to a small saddle. From there, we descend into a secluded valley with wide grazing meadows and a traditional summer shepherd camp. A beautiful campsite beside a spring awaits us above the shepherd camp at approximately 4,500 m.

Day 5: Shepherd Camp – Khelesa (4 hrs)

From the shepherd camp, we follow the stream upstream before crossing it as the valley narrows. A gentle climb leads to a broad high-altitude valley, from where we continue downhill to the Khelesa River at about 4,000 m, where we set up camp.

Day 6: Khelesa – Kanji La North Base Camp (5 hrs)

Following the river upstream in a southwesterly direction, we reach the north base camp of Kanji La at approximately 4,300 m. We camp here, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

Day 7: Kanji La Base Camp – Kanji La (5,250 m) – Tipling River (7–8 hrs)

Today’s stage is the highlight of the trek. The climb to Kanji La (5,250 m) is steep and demanding, and snow or ice may still be present near the pass. From the summit, we enjoy magnificent mountain views before descending over rocky slopes and through a narrow gorge to our campsite beside the Tipling River (3,900 m).

Day 8: Tipling River – Rangdum (5–6 hrs)

Following the valley on a pleasant trail, we reach the hamlet of Tashidongze, where we join the road between Kargil and Padum. Opposite stands the small Rangdum Monastery (4,030 m). Our final camp is set up on the wide green meadows below Rangdum, offering spectacular views of the Nun–Kun Massif.

Day 9: Rangdum – Mulbek (approx. 6 hrs drive)

Drive through the beautiful Suru Valley to Mulbek (3,300 m).

Day 10: Mulbek – Leh (approx. 5 hrs drive)

Drive back to Leh via Namika La (3,700 m) and Fotu La (4,108 m)

For more information or detailed itinerary, please contact us:

Email: chosphel5@yahoo.com

Phone/WhatsApp: +91 9419983077

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