Ladakh Valley Trek

After the flight and getting refreshed in respective hotels at Delhi,
rendezvous in the hotel with other members for trip orientation, where our guide / leader will inform and brief regarding the Delhi Tour and Ladakh trek, hotels, do and don’ts with evening group dinner.

Morning after breakfast as time set for the sightseeing tour, our city guide will lead you for few hours in our fascinating heritage and cultural tour around places of interest, tour Quatab Minar, India’s Gate, Red Fort with old historical Palaces and courtyard; and then head back to hotel after the wonderful tour with afternoon free for individual activities and preparation for journey to Ladakh.

Morning after breakfast depart Delhi for the short scenic flight to Leh, Ladakh. During the flight take-in an awesome panorama of the great Western Himalayan range of mountains with Zhanskar Himalaya, which forms the backdrop of the Ladakh area. Upon reaching at Leh at the height of 3,440 m-11286 ft, be received by our native Ladakhi guide from our counter agent in Ladakh. Transfer to hotel in the hub of Leh, with afternoon relax and explore the local market.

A necessary rest day in Leh with an elevation of 3,440 m-11286 ft for acclimatization before starting the trek to Markha valley. Visit the interesting main bazaar on the street where colorful local ladies sell fruit and vegetables. The streets are busy with roadside restaurants, cafes and craft shops.Visit of old Leh Palace stands on top of a high hill overlooking the Leh city and its valley. From here tour White Peace (Shanti) Stupa and to the world’s highest Polo ground. Time permitting visit the old Ladakh capital at Shey and its fort, Thiksey Monastery.

After a wonderful time in Leh, in the morning make a short drive to Spituk following the Indus River which flows from Mt. Kailash in South West Tibet. After crossing the Indus, drive along a bumpy road towards a flat windswept plain to reach at Spituk. On the drive meet our trekking staffs, mules and ponies to carry camping gears. After sorting out and loading on mules and ponies, start our first day walk following Indus River which leads into a narrow valley and reaches soon to the Hemis National Park. Just a little further come to a chorten, a Buddhist prayer monument festooned with prayer flags. See a wonderful view below of Indus River gorge. Upon leaving Indus River behind head high up the mountains trail along the willow trees to Zinchen gorge (also spelled and pronounced as Jingchan). Walk slowly to reach Zinchen village for overnight camp near the village.

The our morning walk starts following Zinchan River upstream as the valley narrows and then passes between two rock buttresses, with wonderful scenery ahead of an impressive jagged ridge top. From here cross several streams and then reach a willow tree plantation, as these are one of the few trees that survive in this cold and arid temperature and landscape. Walk further to Rumbak village (4,000 m-13,123 ft) for a short rest in this small farm areas. The journey continues upstream to cross to opposite bank of the river and then a climbs up to a valley of a subsidiary stream and towards the small settlement of Yurts for overnight camp in this nice summer pasture with Yak and sheep grazing over the yonder.

Today be ready for a longer walk due to some high altitude and the crossing of a pass. After breakfast leave the camp. The trek begins with a climb on a steep uphill to reach the top of Ganda-La at 4,878 m-16003 ft. The slope gets gradual as this long climb progress finally reaching Ganda-La with super views of Stok Kangri which dominates the south-eastern skyline along including distant Karakoram mountain range. After a glorious moment walk descend heading towards Skiu valley, where several small creeks joins to form a stream. As the walk continues further it reaches a wide grassy valley and then it narrows sharply at Skiu, a small Yak herders settlement with few houses and farm fields and a lovely spot for overnight campsite after a long wonderful trek of over six hours.

The our morning walk leads towards one of the highlight destinations of this adventure. Walk continues to Markha Valley along the Markha River. It is relatively an easy day of trekking. All along the walk experience wonderful scenery of the valley. Above the field of Markha Valley, experience a spectacular views of massif Kang Yatse Peak (6,400 m-20997 ft). Finally this nice walk reaches a small village, Markha, with an ancient ruin Dzong (fort) on a hill and a place for overnight camping beneath the fort next to a river on a grassy meadow.

From Markha the our morning trek leads to a short climb to the main Markha village. Here with time for rest, visit the small interesting monastery. Walk descend to a river walking along it and crossing it sometimes. Stop at a base of Tetsa Gompa for short rest and probably a lunch break. In the afternoon walk on the windswept terrain, passing the Umlung village to reach Thachungtse for overnight camp.

Our walk starts following the Markha River again. Spent the whole day with constant views of stunning Kang Yatse peak and walking past several fine mani walls. As the trek progresses and just before Nimaling valley opens up, reach a picturesque pasture field where overnight camp is set for two nights.

Having a well deserved rest day on the highest camping of this trek, today is free at leisure with an optional hike towards Kang Yatse Glacier after breakfast. Walk with some climb for a few hours to reach the base of Kang Yatse peak and its glaciers.

After a wonderful stop at Nimaling, start our journey across the river with a climb toward Kongmaru La pass at 5,270 m-17290 ft, the highest point of this trip. This spot offers striking scenery of valleys and rolling hills, snow capped peaks. From here leave Markha Valley behind. After a rest descend on a steep path where you might see herds of Blue Sheep around this area. The walk finally leads to a small stream to reach our overnight camp at Chyuskarmo or Chukirmo. Near to our camp is a hot spring of a strong sulphur smell with time to visit and get refreshed in the hot natural spring.

Today, last day of this amazing trek as the walk ends at Hemis for the drive to Leh. From this nice campsite, in the morning walk towards Martselang stream and then reaching Chogdo, a small Yak herders settlement. From here turn west to enter a valley leading high above Gyuncho La at 4,600 m-1509 ft, the last uphill and the pass of this walk. Continue trekking on a dirt road toward Hemis Monastery. Reach the road head where our transportation will be waiting for an hour drive back to Leh for overnight, with time in the afternoon for short stroll around the market place.

A free day to relax and to pull back the strength and muscle after the trekking around Markha valley, today interested people can book for a few hours rafting at Indus River. The afternoon is free for individual activities and souvenir shopping.

In the Morning depart from the hotel, our local guide will transfer you to Leh airport for the flight to Delhi and farewell to Ladakh, friendly guides and drivers. Upon reaching Delhi, our Delhi staff and guide will transfer you to Agra with an interesting 4 hour drive of 225 km east of Delhi to Agra. On arrival check-in to  hotel  and spend rest of afternoon visiting the small narrow street on this beautiful Taj City.

Enjoy an early morning tour of world famous marbled Taj Mahal with the Sun Rise. Afterward, return to hotel in Agra for breakfast and then drive back to Delhi for an afternoon with ample time for shopping and for short stroll around the interesting Delhi markets.

Morning or evening as per your flight time, our staff or guide will receive you at the hotel for final departure from Delhi and India, after a memorable and remarkable time with us, fabulous destination to Markha Valley & tour of Delhi.