Skypacking Ladakh : Day 17: Nangma La (4600 m) - returning to Stod River Valley
28th July 2024
Route: Ralakung Phima (4200 m) to Phey village (3600 m) via Nangma La (4600 m)
Distance: 25 km
Elevation gain: 1100 m
Ralakung Phima (4200 m) was the first hamlet on this trip where I felt like staying back for a long duration. I did promise the hosts that I would come to Ralakung Phima in 2024 winter. I had a pretty comfortable sleep in one of the old rustic rooms. The plan for Day 17 was to hike to Nangma La (4600 m) and look at the hamlet of Ralakung Nangma (4200 m). Then I would hike back to Phey (3600 m) via Ralakung La (5200 m).
I started hiking at 08:30 am. The trail to Nangma La (4600 m) is one track with no offshoots. The saddle has a big cairn and the village of Nangma looks very beautiful. Ralakung Phima has 4 houses and Ralakung Nangma has 6 houses. The hike from Ralakung Phima to Ralakung Nangma via Nangma La is a nice day hike to do in the region.
I headed towards Ralakung La (5200 m) from Nangma La (4600 m) through a well-laid trail. The trail on the return was a repeat of the pass. The meadows were so lively with Yaks, marmots, horses and mules grazing. The side stream was easy to cross early morning.
There is a mountain pass called Lumur La (5450 m) that connects Ralakung Nangma with the village of Lumur (3700 m). All the locals said that the pass has not been in use for ages and therefore, it will be tough to do it in a single day.
The trail towards Ralakung La is gradual and there is no snow in July. I was at the pass by 12:45 pm. The descent on the other side was again through a single trail. I did not find anyone till the village of Phey. Since it was a repeat I did the hike pretty fast and was able to reach the road head by 03:00 pm.
I waited on the road for an hour. I finally got a ride (hitch-hike) and reached Padum by 05:00 pm. The plan for the remaining part of the day was to reach the village of Pidmo and start the next stage. I met Pete at the guest house at Padum. We went for some grocery shopping for the next stage.
Lotus Aacho who is a resident of the Pidmo village came to pick us up at Padum. We stayed at his house for the night. The plan for Day 18 will be to hike till the hamlet Zingchan via Phirtse La (4000 m).
Tips:
Availability of water - throughout the trail (but carry a water filter)
Day hike to Ralakung Nangma via Nangma La is a good option to experience hospitality and culture at both the hamlets.
Start early from Phima, to reach Phey on time.
If you wish to learn how to execute these treks in a DIY style then check out the DIY Trekking Field Course where I teach all the important modules that can help you become an independent hiker.
This blog has developed a bedtime reading habit in me❤️