WANLA/SUMDO TO PHOTOKSAR RECCE REPORT
On the 5th of Feb 2022 the alternative Chadar phase of reconnaissance/ recce from Sumdho to Photoksar was started. Following are the members of LMGA team for the recce to Sumdho to Photoksar trekking trail.
Members Participated
- Mohd Ali (LMGA GUIDE)
- Stanzin Nantak (LMGA GUIDE)
- Thinless Angchok (LMGA GUIDE)
- Tsewang Gailston (LMGA GUIDE)
- Jigmet Tsering (LMGA GUIDE)
- Thinles Angchok (LMGA GUIDE)
On the 5th of Feb 2022 the alternative Chadar phase of reconnaissance/ recce from Sumdho to Photoksar was started. Following are the members of LMGA team for the recce to Sumdho to Photoksar trekking trail.
Day1: Sumdho (3314m) to Askuta 3499m) Via Rebongkhang dho 3401m)
Along the frozen river, with mountains on both sides, the path between Sumdho and Rebongkhang has a few washout sections that need climbing up and down to pass the broken section trail. The trail from Rebongkhang to Askuta, doksa passes via a wooden bridge to the right and continues for another 2 kilometres to a location noted for its askuta wood, which provides adequate room for camping and small stone settlements during the winter. The difference in elevation between Sumdho trekking point and Askuta camp is approximately 185m.
DURATION: Approx 4 hrs
OVERNIGHT: Askuta 3499m.
Day2: Askuta to Photoksar4107m via Machu3791m
It was another modest hike.
Continuing down the trail from Askutadoksa and remaining on the right side valley after 4 kilometres in the straight valley, we came to an intersection where a trail from Singee la intersects. We searched for good locations to cross the river. After crossing the river, the hike to Photoksar village takes about two hours. The elevation difference between Askutadoksa and Photoksar is approximately 316 metres).
DURATION: Approx 5 hrs
OVERNIGHT: photoksar
Day3: Summary and details: Same trail back to Askuta doksa
The trail descends steeply from the village alongside the Photoksar river in about an hour to the intersection where a path links up with the singee la, and then another two and a half hours to reach Askutadoksa.
The difference in elevation (316m)
DURATION Approx 4hrs
OVERNIGHT: Askuta
Day4: Easy trek :
The final day is a rather easy and brief hike to the conclusion point. The trail was identical to the one we took up. The trek to Sumdo took three hours, followed by a return journey to Leh.
DURATION Approx 3 hrs
OVERNIGHT LEH
Recommendation:
The trail from Sumdo to Photoksar will provide an excellent opportunity for enthusiasts to acclimatise. We can also use ponies, however a few sections must be completed properly for ponies. It would be approximately 1km that need adequate maintenance. The remainder of the trail is fine…
