Trekking from Darcha to Padum

nicakate

I want to trek from Darcha to Padum and I am currently in Manali and I can't find a travel partner, so I am considering doing this trek alone. I will go to Keylong to acclimatize and then to Darcha to get a horseman. From there I will either walk to Padum or all the way to Lamayuru. Am I crazy for doing this alone as a female?

AvidTrekker

People [fem] have done it before.... maybe two at a time, tho.

If you are feeling confident about yourself, just go ahead... why not? People at Darcha are supposed to be gentle & peace loving. Only guys exposed to city life might think of making a pass at you. Please post your experience on the "single woman" thread as it will surely help others.

All the best !!!

Happy trekking

what if sum'un told you "yes, you ARE crazy !! Will it actually affect your decision??

__________________
The Universe is an ellipsoid?... or a Spheroid?? If the sphere smiles... it becomes an ellipse. This IS Creation.

VSK Sharma

Hi,
The trek can be done Solo but you will have to get Horse along.
Single person can face problem anywhere.May be girls more.
On this trek be aware of the people specially Kids. You may loose equipment like Camera etc if you are not careful. Don't show around the equipment. I don't agree with Avid about Darcha.
Spend time there only if you have to.
Contact Rajiv Sharma for advise if you are in Manali and he is also around.You can get him at Mountaineering Institute.
Take horse from Manali itself. Its better. Contact KARMA CHEERING NEGI, the Horse Contractor. His numbers are 230258 and his cell is 98160 13258 (if is not changed). He is also avaliable around Bus Stand. He supplies large number of Horses and would be able to send your horse along with some other party. I think so.
Visit himalalayancamping.com for pics of the complete trek and also some info on the trek under ladakh.
Hope to hear about sucessful completion of the trek.
All the best
VSK

nicakate

Thanks for the information. I found the horseman association in Manali and started to book through them, but then I continued to talk to more people who suggested I take a local horseman from Darcha. Therefore the local horseman would be from the area and would possible know the trek better, but also he would not be another stranger in the Zanskar region. So, Friday I plan to head to Darcha and get a horseman and go on to Padum and hopefully Lamaruyu. Wish me luck!

landoormama

Hi , Just Keep Going and I"m sure you will make it. Now aJeep would go as far upto PALAHMO and there is traffic(trekkers) enroute also there are quite a few Chai Shops along the way upto Padum..
Cheers and Have Fun.

VSK Sharma

HI,
All the best for the trek.
You may not get any food before the Shingola, so find out the exect position from the shop at Zankar Sumdo whether any hotel is running till you reach the first village of Zanskar.
Enjoy the walk.
Bye
VSK