Since 1974, when Ladakh first became accessible to foreign visitors, this high and arid region has captured the imagination of adventure travelers. This itinerary between Ladakh and Zanskar offers a large diversity of landscapes, from the jagged Kongmaru La pass (5000m) to the green oasis of the Markha valley with breath-taking views of the Korakoram snow-capped peaks. Many scattered high villages, each with irrigated fields of barley and potatoes, add color to this otherwise quite barren environment, and provide the chance to meet the Ladakhi peasants in the simplicity of their daily life. Markha will be an opportunity to visit the old monastery, famous for its paintings.
Duration: 11 nights/12 days
Destination: Delhi-Leh-Zinchen-Yuruste-Skiu-Markha-Nimaling-Sumdo-Hemis-Leh-Delhi
Day 1: Delhi
Arrival at the Delhi Airport and later catch your flight to Leh.
Overnight in the hotel at Leh.
Day 2: Leh - Shey - Thiksey - Hemis
Next day go on a sightseeing trip to view some of the ancient monasteries in this area.
Overnight at Leh.
Day 3: Leh - Spitok (drive) - Trek to Zinchen (3200 M)
Early morning drive to Spituk and visit the Spituk Gompa, built about 500 years ago. Later trek from here by crossing a bridge and walking south-west of the river Indus. The gorge leads to the confluence of Indus and Zinchen rivers.
Overnight camp at Zinchen.
Day 4: Zinchen - Yurutse (3900 M) via Rumbak
Starting from Zinchen take on a climb to Rumbak and view the snow capped Stok Mountains. Later move along the Rumbak Nala towards Yurutse. At Yurutse village you will find fields of barley and potatoes.
Overnight in tents.
Day 5: Yurutse - Skiu (3100 M) via Ganda la
Move on your trek followed by a steep climb towards the Ganda la (4900 M), viewing the Zanskar range and distant summits of the Himalayan range. This is followed by a long descent to Shingo village. From Shingo the trail heads into a narrow gorge leading towards Skiu. At Skiu there is a confluence of the rivers coming from Markha valley and Shingo.
Overnight in Tents.
Day 6: Skiu - Markha (3800 M)
Take on a pleasant hike up to the Markha Valley with trail crossing numerous streams. Markha is a quaint village with a deserted fort and a small village.
Overnight in Tents.
Day 7: Markha - Thochuntse
Moving on with the journey, leaving behind the heavily wooded sections of the lower Markha and crossing the river several times, reach Hankar, highest village in the Markha Valley.
Overnight in Tents.
Day 8: Thochuntse - Nimaling (4700 M)
Today start trekking with several small inclines and a series of grassy ridges. There are a series of mani walls (walls carved with Buddhist prayers) and chortens en route. This is one of the most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh and is dominated by the Kangyaze peak.
Overnight in Tents.
Day 9: Nimaling - Kongnaru la (5150 M) - Sumdo
Today you will move towards the north of the Markha, climbing to the top of the highest of the three passes, the 5,306 M Kongmaru La, with its wonderful views from the top. There are snow peaks in every direction and on a clear day the giants of Karakoram, including K2, can be seen on the north-western horizon. The trail descends to the Martselang valley, following the Martselang stream to the village of Sumdo.
Overnight in tents.
Day 10: Sumdo - Hemis (4 Hrs Trek) - Leh
Make on an easy trek to the Martselang. Later on board the awaiting jeeps. Enroute visit Hemis monastery and later drive to Leh via Shey and Thiksey monastery.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Leh - Delhi
Take on a flight for Delhi.
Overnight at Delhi.
Day 12: Delhi
Rest day for leisure and later board your flight towards onward destination.
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