Overview
Lamayuru To Chiling Tour Via The Dung Dung La
The old caravan route to Lamayuru diverges from the Kargil-Leh road at the Fatu-la. As one descends from the pass, one can appreciate the impressive line of Mani walls and contents, which lead down to the village.
OPTION: SUMDO CHINMU VILLAGE TO ALCHI VIA THE STAKSPI LA
From Sumdo Chinmu follow the trail down the valley past the base of the Dung Dung la. This entails following a rough trail, which crosses the river several times before it diverts to a side ridge to the north of the valley. The trail to Lamayuru then leads up and over to the village of Sumdo Choon.
(Note: Sumdo Choon ‘little village, Sumdo Chinmu ‘big village’)
At Sumdo Choon there is a small monastery affiliated with Alchi. Above the village, there is a trail leading to the base of the Stakspi la (4, 970m). On the second stage, there is a short, steep ascent to the Stakspi la and grand views of the Ladakh range.
Now the trail of Lamayuru To Chiling Tour descends quite steeply to a small grazing area and shepherds’ shelter and a possible campsite. (This is a useful camp spot if one is doing the trek in reverse out from Alchi.) It is a further three hours down to Alchi (3,200m), where there is a regular campsite cum restaurant close to the monastery. A further three to 4-km along the jeep track takes one to the Alchi Bridge and the main highway to Leh age.