Miyar Valley Trek

Khanjar → Thanpattan → Yolithang → Zardung → Phalpu → Kesar Yon Chhap

Base Village: Khanjar
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3-7 Days
Distance: ~60 km
Character: Gradual valley, alpine meadows, stream crossings, and glacial terrain

The route below includes the major camps and landmarks, but these should not be treated as mandatory day wise stages. There are several camping possibilities along the valley, and trekkers can adjust their overnight stops according to pace, weather, water availability and group requirements

Khanjar → Thanpattan

Khanjar is the last inhabited village in the Miyar Valley. From the village, the trail gradually climbs through fields and meadows before entering the wider grazing grounds.
Thanpattan is one of the early camping areas, with the Miyar Nala and side streams accompanying the route. The gradient is generally gentle, making this a good section to settle into the valley’s pace.

Thanpattan → Yolithang

The trail continues through expansive alpine meadows with the surrounding peaks becoming increasingly prominent. Yolithang is another established camping area.
Thanpattan and Yolithang are close enough that different groups may use either one depending on their pace. Some route descriptions combine them into a single day’s movement, while others camp separately.

Yolithang → Zardung

The valley becomes increasingly rugged as the trail continues towards Gompa Nala and Zardung. Expect stream crossings, boulder sections and open alpine pasture.
Zardung, around 3,880 m, is particularly known for its large boulders and makes an excellent camping location.

Zardung → Phalpu → Kesar Yon Chhap

This is where the character of the trek changes.
The route crosses Takdung Nala and continues towards the upper Miyar Valley. The trail becomes more rugged as it approaches the glacier landscape. Phalpu is the last major camp for the standard Miyar Valley trek.
From Phalpu, the route reaches Kesar Yon Chhap, the Seven Sacred Waters, near the snout of the Miyar Glacier. The area provides views towards the glacier and the surrounding high peaks, including Castle Peak.

Kang La Continuation

Phalpu / Kesar Yon Chhap → Miyar Glacier → Glacier Camps → Kang La → Zanskar

The trail does not end geographically at Phalpu.
Beyond Phalpu, the Kang La route enters increasingly technical glacial terrain. Published Kang La itineraries continue from the Miyar Glacier to glacier camps and then to Kang La Jot, around 5,450–5,470 m, before descending into Zanskar.
This section involves moraine, glacier travel, snow and ice, and potentially crevassed terrain. It should therefore be treated as a separate expedition route, requiring substantially more experience, equipment and planning.