Trek in the Indian Himalayas and Spiti Valley: Please Help

From Darcha it would be rather quick going to Spiti without having to go to Leh, because I would find quick transportation to Keylong and then directly to Spiti without having to descend to Manali. But this option would not allow me to trek the most scenic area in Zanskar... so I guess I will have to forget about Spiti. It's a pity, because I was in the area last year and missed it...

Is the trek from Padum to Darcha (or through the Tsarap river) really underwhelming as compared with Padum - Lamayuru?

I will try to find more trip reports on the 2 different parts of the trek, hopefully along with photos that can help me make my mind.

Thank you, again, sirius. Huge help!

Cresti, don't torture yourself...

Just accept that you cannot get easily from Kargil to Darcha, take a look at Google Maps. Only way would be through Leh. From Darcha to Spiti Valley it takes 2 days, partly on scenic and good, partly on scenic and terrible roads. I stayed one night at the turn-off from the Leh-Manali-road to Spiti valley, it was not too exciting, a few huts, restaurants, tyre repair service. When the bus came next morning, it took a full day to get to... I even forgot the name of the village, but it was somewhere in Spiti valley, with all the backpacker hostels etc.
This is the Himalaya, and it takes ages to get from one place to another. You've been there before, so you know it... No high-speed trains, no motorways...

Of the 3-week Zanskar trek the better part is undoubly the first half, to Padum, starting in Lamayuru (or doing it the other way round). There are a few possibilities to avoid part of the road that has been built. I promised to email this to another person, if you're interested, pm me your email address, then I can send it also to you.

And, yes, you will be there in the main tourist season, if you want to go on your own, doing mainly homestays and camping, no problem, but if you want to look for a guide with pony to carry the luggage, you might have to count on 1 - 3 additional days, because there might be no-one available just when you get there (Lamayuru or Padum, for example)

As I wrote in the post before, try - no matter how - to get more time. 2 weeks are next to nothing up there for doing some real trekking...

thank you, sirius. it all makes sense.

Thank you so much, Sathya. Your reports are outstanding!

Lamayuru to Dacha was spectacular (refueling and getting more food in Padum; there's a campsite there). It was the coolest thing ever, especially the Lamayuru to Padum bit, on account of all the mountain passes. Beautiful views!

thank you!

opt 1) Padum to Phuktak trek 5 Days
Either you can trek from( Garashea )12km ahead of Raru village as now the road is available till this point. if you start from there then it will take 2 day to reach Phuktal on the way you have to stay either in Purney or Khangrar these places are almost the same as it is very near almost 5 minutes walking distance both provide home stay.
and then you will be needing one day to explore and see phuktal so atleas you need 4-5 days for this trek

opt 2) Darcha to Padum 9 days
You can start your trek from Darcha but now days people start their trek from Palamo which is almost one day ahead of darch because of road is all ready constructed. And from there you can trek crossing Shingo la pass and then getting into Kargak village and then to Phuktal and then to Garasheaor till Raru. this trek is very beautiful in the first phase of the trek you will be able to enjoy Nature and its beautiful Landscape and in the second phase of the trek you can enjoy the Rich Buddhist Culture and people and also land scape.
Opt 3) Padum to Sarchu 10 days
This is totally wild if you want to experiences the wilderness of the valley and Beauty of the Land Scape then you should opt for this trek as it will lead you into River Crossing, Climbing High Passes, and the Beauty of the Isolated Village like Shadey .... and some oasis too. on the way you will be visiting Phuktal Monastery also .

I hope so you find this informative

Absolutely!

Thank you so much for your input.