Description

Grade:Difficult

Location: Ladakh

Altitude:4541 m

Duration:9 Days

Ladakh is an unmissable corner of the Indian Himalaya. With its combination of breathtaking landscapes, ancient settlements and deep spirituality, the former kingdom offers superb trekking and touring experiences.

Snowcapped peaks, high mountain passes and striking moonscapes dotted with prayer flags and Buddhist monasteries await you in this remote and majestic Himalayan region.

Explore the fascinating high altitude city of Leh, a cultural crossroads of Buddhist stupas, hilltop forts and bustling market bazaars. Walk on the Chadar (frozen river), Marvel at the Sumda Chun Monastery, one of the region's oldest and most sacred; and discover Ladakh's rich history at the Sumda Chey, one of the oldest villages in Ladakh.

Brief Itinerary

Arrive in Leh. Rest & Acclimatization.

Acclimatization in Leh

Drive from Leh to Rongdo (near Chilling) and trek to Labarpa

Labarpa to Lazgoo

Lazgoo to Sumda Chey

Sumda Chey village to Sumda waterfall and ancient cave.

Sumda Chey to View Point 1 and back.

Sumda Chey to Rangdo, Sumda Chun monastery, and back to Leh

Departure from Leh

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Leh. Rest & Acclimatization.

Day 2

Acclimatization in Leh

Day 3

Drive from Leh to Rongdo (near Chilling) and trek to Labarpa

On the way to Rongdo, take a small stop in between to cherish the confluence of frozen

Zanskar and Indus river.

From Rangdo, we climb down from the road and enter the Sumda Valley. The valley is very

narrow at this point and we will be crossing the frozen river just moments later.

Walk along the frozen river for 2 hours to reach our first campsite, Labarpa.

Day 4

Labarpa to Lazgoo

We continue our walk along the river for 4-5 hours. Reach the campsite of Lazgoo. We might

get a glimpse of Blue Sheeps and few amazing birds.

Day 5

Lazgoo to Sumda Chey

Walk 3 to 4 hours to reach the village of Sumda Chey. We will be camping here for 3 nights.

Just like yesterday, we might get a glimpse of Blue Sheeps and few amazing birds.

Day 6

Sumda Chey village to Sumda waterfall and ancient cave.

We take our day packs and travel to Sumda waterfall.

For the first time, we will spend a good amount of time walking on the frozen river. While the

walking distance is very less, we will spend time clicking pictures and enjoying the

experience of walking on the frozen river.

After visiting the waterfall, we will visit an ancient cave.

After visiting the cave, come back to the Sumda Chey village campsite.

Day 7

Sumda Chey to View Point 1 and back.

Today we trek uphill for 4-5 hours and reach a height of 14900 feet. We will have amazing

views of snow-covered mountains from the top. This includes views of many well-known

peaks Kang Yatse and Stok Kangri.

Trek back to Sumda Chey village campsite

Day 8

Sumda Chey to Rangdo, Sumda Chun monastery, and back to Leh

We trek all the way back to the starting point of the trek, Rangdo.

We board our vehicles and visit Sumda Chun monastery, which is just a 15-20 minutes drive

away from Rangdo. Sumda Chun monastery has been recently connected via a road link.

From Sumda Chun, we travel back to Leh.

Day 9

Departure from Leh

What's Included

Camping during the trek on twin sharing basis and hotel stay in- Leh on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and Day 8 on twin/triple sharing basis.
Meals during the trek starting lunch on Day 4 till lunch on Day 8
Trek equipment includes Dome Tents (twin sharing), Siachen sleeping bags, mattress
Helmet, Gaiters, Harness & Carabiners as required
Experienced & mountaineering certified trek Leader with first aid certification.
Services of Guide, Cook and Support team
Transport from leh to Road head and return

What's Not Included

Meals during hotel stay in Leh
Any kind of personal expenses
Any kind of Outdoor Insurance
Portage of personal luggage
Anything not specifically mentioned under the head price Includes
Altoa & Environmental / Wildlife Permit Fee
Any expenses incurred on medical examination in Leh
Gum Boots will not be provided by us. Please carry your own Gum Boots or buy the same in Leh.
Inner Line Permit Fee

Are you Eligible for this Adventure?

Difficult

4541 m

52 km

BRS Level Required

BRS 5

Sumda Chey Winter Trek is a level 5 adventure on the Bikat Rating Scale.

This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 4 on the BRS. The altitude, the terrain and the nature of the climb demand a certain level of skill and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of a high altitude environment.

If you do not know what level of BRS trek would suit you best, worry not! Fill out this Form:

we will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.

Packing List

This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.

Trekking Gear

Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the best sunglasses for trekking.
Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each

Footwear

Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1

Clothing

Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty - 2
Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
Woolen cap. Qty-1
Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1

Toiletries

Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.
Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1

Utensils

Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
Plate. Qty- 1
Spoon.Qty-1
Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1

Miscellaneous

Camera (Optional)
Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)

Frequently Asked Questions

Sumda Chey Winter Trek is suitable for trekkers with prior experience, having completed at least one BRS 4 level trek or equivalent.

If you can Jog/Run for 5 kms in 25-30 mins, you are ready to take on this trek. Once a week, you can practice running 10 kms in an hour or so to improve your endurance further. In addition to this, you can also add resistance workouts to your schedule like squats, lunges, push ups etc.

If you cannot do the above, there’s no need to worry. It is important to remember that it’s all about practice. Get on a training schedule and we can assure you that you will meet these standards in a matter of a few months.

A certain level of fitness and physical endurance are required to take on any high-altitude trail in the Himalayas. Basic knowledge about pitching a tent, ascending and descending on steep gradients, how to use a sleeping bag, toilet tents, sleeping tents, and mountain mannerisms will be helpful.

The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors between 13 to 17 years of age should be accompanied by their parents/ guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deems you fit for adventure activities like trekking.

The Sumda Chey Winter Trek is located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Sumda Chey Winter Trek, situated in the captivating region of Ladakh in India, offers a unique and enchanting experience amidst the snow-covered landscapes of the Himalayas. One of the main highlights of this trek is the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing winter beauty of Ladakh. The entire landscape transforms into a pristine white wonderland, with snow-clad mountains, frozen rivers, and picturesque valleys, creating a surreal ambiance that is a feast for the eyes.

A major attraction of the Sumda Chey Winter Trek is the chance to explore the remote and secluded village of Sumda Chenmo. This charming village, nestled amidst the mountains, provides a glimpse into the traditional Ladakhi way of life. With its traditional stone houses, ancient monasteries, and warm hospitality of the locals, the village offers a cultural immersion that is truly captivating. The trek also takes you through breathtaking winter landscapes, including frozen rivers and snow-covered meadows. Walking on the frozen Zanskar River, known as the "Chadar," is an exhilarating experience unique to this winter trek.

The Sumda Chey Winter Trek involves rocky sections, uneven terrain and walking on a slippery frozen river. To add to the challenge of acclimatizing at higher altitudes, the weather in Ladakh can be harsh and unpredictable as well. The region experiences extremely cold temperatures, especially during winters.

The ideal time to do Sumda Chey Winter Trek is in the winter months of January to March.

On the trek we have twin-sharing tents.

In January, the daytime temperatures can range from -10 to -20 degrees Celsius or even lower, especially at higher altitudes. The nights are even colder, with temperatures plunging to -20 degrees Celsius or lower.

As the winter progresses into February and March, the temperatures can remain similarly cold or sometimes even colder. Daytime temperatures might hover around -15 to -10 degrees Celsius at lower elevations, but at higher altitudes, temperatures can easily dip below -20 degrees Celsius or more. The nights are extremely frigid, with temperatures ranging from -25 to -30 degrees Celsius or lower.

Sumda Chey Winter Trek is not technically challenging but is a physically strenuous trek, especially for beginners. The trek involves rocky and uneven terrain, walking on a slippery frozen river at a high altitude, which can make it physically demanding. However, no technical mountaineering skills are required.

The trek starts from Leh, which is a headway into Ladakh which is home to some of the highest peaks in the region. It is also a very popular tourist destination and hence easily accessible.

BSNL has the best connectivity in Leh-Ladakh region followed by Airtel. However, all the mobile networks like Idea and Vodafone also work in Leh. Please note that only postpaid numbers work in J&K state, prepaid connections will cease to work as soon as you enter Ladakh region. On & Off network coverage is available throughout this trek (BSNL & Airtel mostly).

You will find plenty of ATMs in Leh.

Sumda Chey Winter Trek is a Leh to Leh trip. You’ll have to arrive in Leh on your own. Pick up for the start of the trek will be from the hotel in Leh.

Expect to reach Leh by late evening. We stay the night at Leh. Kindly plan your departure early the next day. Expect to reach Leh by late evening. We stay the night at Leh. Kindly plan your departure early the next day.

There are many enchanting places to visit in Leh-Ladakh. During your acclimatization period, you can roam around the town and visit the monasteries; Diskit Gompa, and Lamayuru Monastery. Drive up to the Magnetic Hill and experience the magnetic phenomenon on the hill. The picturesque Nubra Valley will take your breath away. The green oasis villages, the monasteries, the ruined palaces- Turtuk and Bordang; there is a whole different culture in this place. It is 150 km away from Leh. You can take a shared taxi to this route. How can you leave Ladakh without seeing Pangong Lake, the sapphire blue lake? Also, visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib and Leh Royal Palace. For more information on top tourist attractions in and around Leh, read, Places You Can Visit in Leh Ladakh .

We don’t provide rental facilities in Leh currently.

We don’t provide rental facilities in Leh currently

For a detailed list, check the Packing List section on this page.

You can buy your essentials in Leh. However, do not leave anything for last minute purchase.

Although not recommended, you can off load your bag at an additional cost. Add a request while making your booking for the trek and it can be arranged.

(Note: We don’t recommend offloading because the extra resources on a trail - ponies or porters depending on the trail - means extra load on the environment which can easily be avoided. It also goes against the spirit of trekking by eliminating a level of endurance and discomfort from the experience which are factors at the very heart of an outdoor adventure activity.)

You may leave the extra luggage at the hotel in Leh since we come back to the same location upon return.

On all trek days, we provide 3 full meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) in addition to evening snacks and tea. The meals are vegetarian and the menu is pre-decided for all days of the trek. We do provide eggs as well on certain days. If you have any specific food-related allergies or restrictions, you can let our local staff (during the trek) know, and your requests will get accommodated. We try to provide a variety of food across meals so as to avoid repetition as well as cover all nutritional needs.

On campsites, our team will dig dry pits and assemble a toilet tent to provide for safe and secure quarters. A shovel will be provided within the toilet tent as well. Using water in the toilet tent is restricted; you will need to carry your own toilet paper. On the more difficult expeditions, toilet tents are not carried to the higher camps (above base camp) due to restriction of space (to pitch the tent).

In case you get your period on the trail and don’t have sanitary napkins, our trek leaders can provide them to you. If you need any other kind of assistance, you can let our trek leaders know. Irrespective of gender, our leaders are gender sensitised and equipped to assist you in any way you need them to.

Our team carries a first aid kit and all the basic medicines required during the trek. They are equipped to be the first responders in case of any injury or health-related issues. For higher expeditions, we also carry a HAPO Bag and oxygen cylinders to tend to any altitude-related health conditions.

You leave the last charging point behind at your hotel in Leh. From here on, we will be camping in the wilderness with no access to electricity.

A copy of your ID Proof and Medical Certificate are the mandatory documents required for this trek. (Soft copies for all of these are to be sent to us & originals should be on your person while on the trek.)

Yes, insurance for any high-altitude activity is highly recommended to cover for the cost of rescue, evacuation and any other emergency service required as well as to cover for medical cost in case of injury or illness during the trek. You can buy it on your own. Alternatively, if you want us to buy it on your behalf, you can mark it as an add-on during the booking of the trek.

Yes, there are multiple permits required for this. We obtain the permits on every trekkers’ behalf. All the permit costs are included in your trek cost.

Yes, you will receive e-certificates (of completion) after the trek. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek. In case you were unable to finish the trek, you will get a certificate of participation.

On completion of the trek, the certificate will show up on your dashboard on our website. You can download it directly from there.

Sumda Chey Winter Trek is in India. If you are coming from outside, you will need a visa to enter the country. You should be able to find the rules for obtaining a Visa based on your home country on the internet. This information is easily available.

This does not apply to you if you are an Indian citizen. In case you don’t hold an Indian passport, you will need to check online for Visa application rules based on your home country.

If you are not an Indian citizen, you will need Travel Medical Insurance to travel to the country. Please make sure that your insurance policy is valid for the altitude you are going to and the activity you are undertaking, to cover risks during the trek. The insurance policy provided by Bikat Adventures does not cover foreign nationals. So, please do not purchase it while making the booking from our website.

The Himalayas house the tallest mountains in the world and have long been a treasure trove for all adventure enthusiasts. The variety in terms of beauty, terrain, landscape, geography, culture and opportunity for adventure in the Himalayas, remains undisputedly unmatched.

You can make the booking any time depending on availability of slots in our fixed departure batches. You will get this information at the top of this page.

A Basic Mountaineering Course certification from one of the five recognized mountaineering institutes in India is a minimum requirement to join our team. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. We also conduct on-ground training for our staff once a year as a refresher for old skills and to learn some new ones. During this training that we call APW (Adventure Professional Workshop), our leaders learn close to 25 topics and techniques of rescue which are not covered in the BMC and AMC courses. For practical training, we simulate on-ground situations to prepare them for quick thinking and quick response during emergencies.

We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts on the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. The interview process to bring a trek leader on-board is close to 6 months long where we assess various skills as well as personality traits of an individual. They also go through an on-field assignment as part of the hiring process. Trek leaders also progress in time from leading easier treks before advancing to the more difficult ones where the stakes are higher. For detailed information on our selection process, please visit Forerunners - The Making Of A Trek Leader

It absolutely is. We recognize, value and embody the ideology that the world of outdoor adventure can benefit from diversity. We make it our mission to create outdoor spaces as equally accessible and safe for all genders as possible. We also encourage women leaders in the outdoors and all of our staff (irrespective of gender) is gender sensitised. As for accommodation, in case there are no other women on the trek, a solo female trekker is provided with a separate single-occupancy tent.

Our batch sizes for Sumda Chey Winter Trek are capped at 15 with the trek leader to trekker ratio of 1:8.

In addition to their qualification, our trek leaders are trained to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on ground. During our recce stage, we study the trail in great detail and map out rescue routes before opening it up for our trekkers. We also have local support staff stationed in each area to arrange for emergency services at the place of need as quickly as possible.

We mobilise road rescue efforts where our trek leaders bring the person to be rescued down to the trailhead of the trek from where a car can take them to the nearest healthcare facility. The cost of rescue is not covered in the trek fee that we charge. It must be borne by the participant. However, if you opt for the insurance the cost of rescue operations can be claimed from the Insurance company on production of valid proof e.g. doctor’s prescription & hospital bills etc. Please note that Bikat Adventures is only a facilitator & not a party in the Insurance policy. You need to raise the claim request directly with the Insurance company. Bikat Adventures is not responsible for any rejection of claim. You can call the insurance provider directly for any clarifications related to the Insurance policy. Although not mandatory, we recommend buying the insurance. You don’t necessarily have to get the insurance we provide, you can pick an Insurance company of your choice and get a policy directly from them. If you need more information on the terms and conditions of the insurance policy, get in touch with our customer support team.

All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality and is overall top notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.

That will depend on the nature of your medical condition. Do give us a call, and one of our people will help you understand what is best for you. If not this, we are sure there would be plenty of other options you can choose from our vast portfolio to pick as your next adventure.

We have rolling camps on all our trails. To know why we are strictly against the concept of Fixed Camping, read Reasons to Ban Fixed Camping in Himalayas

This is a complex question and has a compound answer. The simple response is that because it is bad for the environment which we dearly love but if you are interested in a more detailed response to this question, please read Reasons to Ban Fixed Camping in Himalayas

There are a number of measures that we take to prevent overcrowding on some of the most popular trails. Some of them are capping our group size at 15, capping the number of trekkers on a trail to 250 per season, constantly looking for newer trails and routes to spread the crowd around and providing incentives to our trekkers to try unexplored territories with us. We put in place the system of dynamic pricing, which is the first of its kind in the trekking industry, which incentivises trekkers to choose less crowded trails by offering higher discounts. We have noticed, since we started this system, that this has helped in a big way to spread out the crowds between trekking routes. We are also going international so as to relieve some of the stress on the Himalayan landscape as well as explore newer ranges and design newer experiences for our community. If you want a more detailed description of all our measures in this regard, please read Simple solutions to overcrowding on Himalayan Treks

Some basic things to remember are: do not use water, do not dispose of anything non-biodegradable inside the pits, carry your own roll of toilet paper and remember to cover up after yourself to leave a clean toilet for your fellow trekkers. Everything else is much the same like using an Indian style home toilet!

Most wet wipes are not biodegradable which means it could take 100 years or more for them to decompose – not the best thing if you are trying to ‘Leave No Trace’, right?

This is quite a tricky situation but not a hopeless one. Since most of our sanitary waste is not biodegradable, we recommend that you pack your pads/tampons neatly, store it in a zip-lock bag and bring it back down with you where there are better options to dispose of them. In case you do not have zip-lock bags, ask our trek leaders for them and they should be able to provide them to you.

Each trekker is responsible for the use and hygiene of their own eating utensils. And as a measure to maintain proper hygiene, we do not provide plates and spoons. Also, dipping your hands in cold water to wash your own utensils adds something to the overall joy of high-altitude living, wouldn’t you think?

On making the payment, you will receive a booking confirmation along with the packing list and a copy of the undertaking form via email. You will subsequently receive emails detailing documents required, how to prepare physically and mentally for the trek, information on pick-up location on the first day etc. Please add info@bikatadventures.com in your trusted emails list to make sure our emails don't go to your spam folder.

A Whatsapp group will be formed a few weeks before departure. Members from our team are on those groups as well. Feel free to seek any clarifications you require in regards to the trek, on the group itself. Updates related to transportation/pickup point/pickup timing, accommodation etc. will be shared on the Whatsapp group as well.

Yes, we create a Whatsapp group a few weeks before the departure date so that the flow of information remains smooth and transparent.

Yes, it is one of the mandatory documents you will need to submit before the trek starts. The soft copy is to be sent to us & the original should be on your person while on the trek.

Yes, we will provide you an undertaking form through email which will need to be filled up by you and submitted to us post booking.

Why Bikat?

Small Group Size

Our batch sizes are capped at 15 for smaller treks with the trek leader and trekker ratio of 1:8. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best trekking experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each trekker so that no signs of distress or need during the trek go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the trek.

As you go higher up on the BRS scale, since the stakes are higher, expeditions have an even smaller group size with the ratio of expedition leader to climber set at 1:2.

Qualified Trek Leaders

We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture.

Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response.

Watch: Forerunners - The Making of A Trek Leader At Bikat Adventures

Guided Progression

Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.

Equipment Quality and Check

All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.

Support Systems

Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.

Communication

Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.

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Cancellation Policy

Cash refund

Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date

5% deduction

Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date

50% deduction

Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date

No Refund

Voucher refund

Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date

No Deduction

Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date

No Refund

Please Note:

Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.

Sumda Chey Winter Trek