Villagers and Buddhist monks have followed the treks out of the Suru Valley for many generations and much of the trade between the Zanskar Valley and the Indus was alo carried out from Suru Valley only. For most people, the trek to Pannikhar to Heniskot or Lamayuru is an extension of the trek from Pahalgam in Kashmir. The trek can be completed from the end of June when the snow begins to melt on the highest pass; the Kanji La.

Day 1:         
Panikhar (3,350m) To Parachik (3, 550m)
(Average walking time 5 hours)

Day 2:         
 Parachik To Shafat (3,850m)
(Average walking time 6 hours)

Day 3:         
Shafat To Rangdum (3,980m)
(Average walking time 5 hours)

Day 4:        
Randgum (3, 980m) To Kanji La Base Camp (4, 250m)
(Average walking time 5 to 6 hours)

Day 5:         
Kanji La Base Camp To Camp
(Average walking time 7 hours)

Day 6:         
Camp To Kanji Village (3, 875m)
(Average walking time 2 to 3 hours)

Day 7:          
Kanji Village To Heniskot
(Average walking time 2 to 3 hours)

OPTION: KANJI TO LAMAYURU VIA YOGMA LA                
 

This option takes three to four stages to complete. From Kanji village follow the trail up the valley coming in from the east to camp below the Yogma la. This trek up the valley takes a couple of hours through the outlying fields and small settlements, which are occupied by the villagers during the summer months.

The climb on the next stage to the Yogma la is deceptively easy and affords good views of the immediate gorge country. The descent to the meadow below the pass takes a further 1 ½ hours. Camp here, or continue down to the Shilakong gorge, a further three to four hours, with steep descents in places.

On the third stage one descends through spectacular gorges where huge cliff faces block out the sun for all but a few hours each day. Along the valley floor there are plenty of river crossings, which can prove hazardous after a summer storm. The time taken to reach Shila village, at the foot of the gorges, can therefore vary greatly. On average it takes five to six hours, leaving time the same day to visit the Wanlah monastery.

On the final stage, the trail leads up to the Prinkiti la. This is a hot stage once the sun hits the narrow gully. From the pass it is a further hour down to the monastery at lamayuru.

GETTING AWAY           

If travelling from Heniskot to Leh, remember that most vehicles leave Kargil in the early morning, so one should be at the trailhead by 9.00 am to ensure one gets to Leh that evening. Getting to Kargil is more relaxed, as most vehicles don't reach Heniskot till 3.00 pm. Alternatively, if going onto Lamayuru, the drive from Heniskot over the Fatu la takes about one hour.

For extending trek out of Lamayuru, then one will have to backtrack over the Prinkiti la; then continue to Alchi or to the Markha valley to Leh. Alternatively, head to the Zanskar valley and Padum via the Singge la before returning by road to Panikhar and Kargil.