Drive Lamayuru - Léh

From Lamayuru the road descends through arid canyon to a fairly large river Yapola (Wanla) draining the northern slopes of Zanskar mountains. At the river is also a small landing, where you can have a late breakfast.
 

The bridge over Yapola is on the tactical place, because the river is „narrowed“ here by the gorge. It looks much wider farther upstream in Wanla. This valley is the starting point for treks from Lamayuru to Chilling or Lamayuru – Padum.
 

At the confluence of Yapola with Indus you will get below three thousand meters above sea level. But only for really short time. Then follow long kilometers in wide valley of Indus. Southern horizon is ended by Zanskar mountains.
 

An interesting place on the way is town Basgo with gompa and ruins of the castle high above the oasis. It is certainly worth to make a short stop here.
 

Behind Basgo leads the road over the arid plains with views of Ladack mountains – mountain ranges with peaks between 5,500 and 6,000 meters above sea level separating Indus valley from valley Nubra.
 

The road, which leads for a long time along the upland plateau high above Indus gets a short distance before the turning into the valley Phyang closer to the river. View of the valley from this place is renowned.
 

Also from the main road you can see a huge monastery built on a hill in the middle of the valley Phyang. The last kilometers to Leh lead around endless barracks.