A trek to Phuktal Monastry via Shingola

News of Mumbai floods of 25th July 2005 reached us a day before we were to start our trek from Darbha. Nearest phone @13 km away in Keylong was unable to connect with our families. Our trek leader/ organiser Sandeep Talpade, a seasoned mountaineer was unwell and had to retreat to Manali. Thus started one of our most memorable treks across the Zanskar valley with 3 members, a guide/ cook and a pony man.