A slow Himalayan journey, guided from Zangla to Phuktal.

Leaving the village of Zangla, the trail immediately climbs toward the old king’s palace. From here, the valley opens beneath you, offering a first wide view over the village, the river and the mountains ahead.

Beyond the palace, pale, eroded slopes form vast “moon landscapes.” The path follows the river, crossing it multiple times and passing clear springs that emerge from the valley walls.

Camp is set beside the river — the first night under canvas, with open space and flowing water as the soundtrack.

The valley opens wider today, revealing long views toward distant ridgelines and rugged peaks. The walking stays steady and relaxed — ideal for settling into the rhythm of the trek.

Yaks graze on open plains, mountain goats move effortlessly along steep slopes, and with some luck you may notice subtle signs of rarer wildlife. This is snow leopard territory: silent, remote and wild.

Camp is reached near the river at Kong Lumche, with a snow-capped table mountain glowing softly on the horizon as the light fades.

A true climbing day. The ascent moves steadily toward a high pass around 5,100 meters — and then, unexpectedly, the terrain opens into green alpine plains dotted with hardy herbs and small flowers.

Marmots whistle across the grasslands while eagles circle high above. At the pass, silence feels complete: no roads, no villages — only open space in every direction.

The descent leads to a remote campsite beside a glacial river around 4,800 meters. For the brave: a quick, ice-cold dip you’ll never forget.

After the intensity of the previous days, the pace eases. The trail follows a wide river valley — a day to talk, reflect and simply walk.

Rock formations rise on all sides, sculpted into cinematic shapes. At times, the route leads directly through the river, blurring the line between path and water.

A steep shortcut climbs through green mountain vegetation to a viewpoint where the river disappears into a canyon, only to reappear downstream as the trail descends toward camp.

A steep climb sets the tone for the day — by now your legs move with confidence, and the rhythm of the mountains feels familiar. The first pass opens wide views across layered ridges and distant valleys.

A long traverse follows along a dramatic mountain flank, where shifting cloud shadows play across the slopes. The second pass marks the final effort before a gentle descent through an open, grassy field.

As a solitary stupa comes into view, the presence of Shadey feels near — a quiet, almost ceremonial arrival after days of high passes and open terrain.

Start early. It’s a long day, but mostly downhill — the body moves easily now, shaped by altitude and rhythm.

The trail crosses hanging bridges and passes old monasteries clinging to the rock. The landscape grows sharper and more surreal with every bend of the path.

Then Phuktal appears — built into a cave above the river, inseparable from the cliff itself. Reaching it on foot, after six days of silence and effort, gives the arrival a rare depth. The night is spent in a local homestay, where the journey gently comes to rest.