Southern Zanskar & Moon Lake

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

• 

  Rod Edwards

  SOUTHERN ZANSKAR & MOON LAKE

  

  Written August 2011

  This is a tough trek, but is a stunner.  We are experienced trekkers, but this one pushed the edge of our comfort zone.  Sadly, we didn't make it to Moon Lake as we got hit by really bad weather, including a foot or so of snow, and the leader decided (quite rightly) to try and get us back via the Leh Manali Highway.  That turned into an adventure in itself - but Vijay (Group Leader) really pulled a rabbit out of the hat (several in fact !)  

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Crossing the Phirtse La - amazing !!  5200m +, puffing and panting a bit, but stunning scenery.

  When the 1st tipper truck stopped for us !

  When the 2nd tipper truck stopped for us !

  Sharing hair raising stories with other travellers in the tea tent at Zingzing Bar

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Nothing but praise.  He took a difficult decision to curtail the trip, and then used a lot of initiative to ensure the group got back to Manali in very difficult circumstances.

  We got hit by some very bad weather - two nights of snow making walking difficult.  Vijay and his crew really went the extra mile to ensure that we were safe, and as comfortable as we could be under the circumstances.  We all kept smiling - well most of the time !

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  This is a serious trek, so think carefully whether it is for you.  It is fantastic, and very rewarding, but bear in mind that you will be at a fairly high altitude (3500 - 4500m) for over two weeks, with some very tough walking days.  Also, bear in mind that weather patterns in this part of the Himalayas  have been unpredictable over the past few years, and wall to wall sunshine cannot be guaranteed.  Heavy rain, or snow at higher altitudes is a real possibility, so make sure you have the right gear.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Don't be put off - it is an experience of a lifetime, but make sure you are pretty fit and well equipped !

   
• 

  John Taylor

  Zanskar, a Secret Kingdom

  

  Written September 2009

  Some of the most magnificent landscapes on earth. A tough and challenging trek at high altitude through remote and mind boggling scenery, but not a trip for the faint hearted. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Getting to the top of those high passes. Surviving the river crossings. Watching those incredible Zanskar horses crossing glaciers and rivers that nearly washed them away.The many moonlit camps and fabulous night skies.The almost medieval lifestyles lived by the people in the villages, especially the miller and her little daughter.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Cannot praise Jeremy Russell enough. Probably the best leader we have ever had anywhere. His knowledge, skills and affinity with the people and the country were unsurpassed

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be prepared for some tough days especially over the high passes.Some of the river crossings are adventurous to put it mildly. The rewards of this trip are immense but it is not a trip to be underestimated, it is isolated, temperatures can be extreme especially in high altitude desert but you will never forget a spectacular and exciting experience.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Get there before 21st century technology does.

   
• 

  Robert Sharp

  SOUTHERN ZANSKAR & MOON LAKE

  

  Written September 2009

  We just didn't get good weather in September. We were snowed in the valley on day 12. Never did see Moon Lake. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Back tracking back out over Shungo La in the snow. Getting over the top was a relief to say the least. Zanskar Valley is nice but I didn't want to stay there until April 2010!!!!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The group leader was good and didn't shy away from a tough call to return the way we came when it snowed on day 12. Holiday over it was a case of getting out the valley the safest way possible. That said we didn't have a Sat Phone with us so would have had no idea of the weather forecast after it started snowing had we not run into the Indian Army (on trek) in the Valley. Lucky this time. Had we been caught by the snow half way up Phitse La it would not have been at all funny.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  This may well have been a very good holiday had the weather held. Note however that September often has bad weather in this area (we learned when there) and the views described in the brochure are often hidden in the cloud. You take the risk with the weather effecting you holiday and my rating reflects my experience which was dictated by the weather.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  We spent some spare time due to the re-organization of our schedule camped off the road to Manali. The weather was too foul to walk in and some tents were washing away (pitched in a gully). The group decided to pay for a hotel to get back to Manali. It was the correct decision as the Rotang pass was closed for days shortly after our bus crawled over it in a snow blizzard. I feel Exodus should have made that call to go for the pass asap. I sense that lack of budget by the local representative to pay for the hotel rooms seemed to prevent this sensible and obvious decsion until we all agreed to pay for ourselves. That felt like a pretty cheap and small minded end to the holiday really.

   
• 

  Stephen Manning

  SOUTHERN ZANSKAR & MOON LAKE

  

  Written September 2008

  If you've experience of trekking at altitude, have no fear of vertiginous narrow paths, don't mind going without a shower for 16 days and are prepared to cross freezing glacial rivers early in the morning then you will experience some of the most breathtakingly (literally) awesome remote landscapes in the world.  

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Generally experiencing vast unpopulated spaces. Specifically seeing the snow capped peaks and glaciers of the Chandra Valley slowly appear as you descend the Baralacha La. Letting the imagination run free as you trek across grassland plains that seem to go on forever.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  A man clearly delighted to be doing his job and eager to understand the area and its people. Plus the local guides couldn't have been more helpful....and what an amazing bus driver for the trips in and out.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take wet suit boots for the river crossings - the water is COLD.  Chill out on the bus journey over the Rhotang Pass - there ain't no point in worrying!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The landscape is harsh, stern, barren and absolutely beautiful. It's a trek to refresh the spirit and will stay with you for a long, long time. Above all it's remote, not over populated by trekkers like the well known circuits, and sparse on locals. This is mountain landscape in the raw - immerse yourself in it!

   
• 

  Libby Farmer

  Phritse La Pass was worth every leaden step to the top - awesome

  

  Written September 2007

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The trip was so varied it is far too difficult to highlight any one thing.. The journey to the start of the trek was an experience all of its own. Phuktal monastary was fabulous; passing the villagers in the valleys highly thought provoking; and the mountain scenery speaks fpr itself. The trip was spiritually refreshing and highly rewarding both in terms of physical endeavour and emotional well being.

  Read full review

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Dibs was laid back in his approach which helped to put the group at ease. He was incredibly helpful and always diligent to the well being of the group. It would be a pleasure to trek with him again.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be prepared for the full range of weather conditions. I took wet suit boots for the river crossings and they proved to be invaluable especially before 6am in glacial rivers!! Take a few scooby snacks with you.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This trip has great and varied scenery. You will see so many different things that your trip will feel a lot longer than the 16 trekking days. It was a very rewarding and informative trip, I thoroughly loved it. Make sure that you take a ride in a rickshaw in Delhi!! The Kwality restaurant in Delhi was good food, and nobody was sick afterwards... always a bonus!!