The trek begins from Lamayuru and ascends to the high passes (Printik La, Konzke La and Dundunchen La) before reaching the Markha Valley. En route we will pass several villages and oases, with scenic views of the dominating snow-capped peaks of Stok Kangri and Kang Yatse 6400m (20,997 ft.) as we cross the Nimaling plateau. The final pass will bring us to the monastery of Hemis within the Indus Valley, where we will then drive to Leh gaining more cultural experiences before your departure to Delhi. It is a fairly sustained trek with a max altitude of 5150 m (16,896 ft.).
Day 1
Journey from Leh to Lamayuru via Phyang and Alchi
Distance: 170 km
Altitude: 3600 m / 11,811 ft.
We will be leaving Leh to head for the starting point of the trek, before spending the night in Lamayuru.
Day 2
Trek 1 – Lamayuru to Wanla
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 3800 m / 12,467 ft.
In the morning you will be attending a ceremony within the Lamayuru monastery, before descending down towards the village where we will need to cross a stream. Then we will ascend gradually upward until reaching Printik La before descending into the gorge where we will then arrive at Shilla. We will cross the bridge and continue to Wanla.
Day 3
Trek 2 – Wanla to Hinju
Trekking Time: 4 hours
Following the Yapola River on the left we will arrive at Penjila after 2 hours. Once we have continued through the valley, after an hour we will then leave the valley and keep continuing up the valley, leading off at right angles. Once an hour has passed, we will then leave the valley on the left, with a further hour, we will have reached in Hinju. Overnight stay in campsite.
Day 4
Trek 3 – Hinju to Sumda (Over Konzke La)
Trekking Time: 7 hours
Altitude: 4950 m / 16,240 ft.
The trail passes through Hinju Village before we make the steep ascent to the pass. On the descent, we will then have reached a pasture and a blocked cave before reaching Sumda. Continue along the left bank to Sumda where we will then camp.
Day 5
Trek 4 –Sumda to Base of Dundunchen La
Trekking Time: 3 hours
Altitude: 4200m / 13,779 ft.
The day will consist of a shorter trek between Sumda and Chilling. A short but steep trail continues for 11/2 hours until becoming an easier gradient which we will follow until reaching the campsite – located at the base of the pass.
Day 6
Trek 5 – Base to Chilling (Over Dundunchen La)
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 4700 m / 15,419 ft.
Our day will begin with a 2 hour trek that will bring us to the pass, where we will then descend on the south side. The slope is steep and continues down into a narrow valley which opens out at Chilling; a village of metal craftsmen. The local inhabitants work with copper, tin and silver to make ladles, Tchang pots, tea pots and other utensils.
Day 7
Trek 6 – Chilling to Sakaya
Trekking Time: 41/2 hours
Altitude: 3850 m / 12,631 ft.
From Chilling we will then follow the Zanskar River upstream for a few hundred meters, until we will then cross the river by cable and following a path that will reach into Sakaya.
Day 8
Trek 7 – Skiu to Markha
Trekking Time: 7 hours
The trek follows along a path on the right bank of the Markha River which holds a great deal of vegetation. We will then cross the river onto a barren plane and later cross back onto the right bank of the river, before reaching a small village called Chaluk. Another river crossing will lead us onto a short ascent to the beautiful village Markha, where we will camp near the river overnight.
Day 9
Trek 8 – Markha to Tchatchutse
Trekking Time: 6 hours
The trail goes up the main valley on the right bank where you will be able to visit the monastery of Humlung until continuing along the bank to arrive at Hankar Village. We will then move into a narrow valley and continue to ascend before crossing a bridge on the left bank where we will then reach the pastureland of Tchatchutse.
Day 10
Trek 9 – Tchatchutse to Nimaling
Trekking Time: 3 hours
Altitude: 4700 m / 15,419 ft.
Day begins with a gradual trek with short inclines with the river far to the left side of the gorge. We will pass a small lake, then cross a pastureland reaching into Nimaling; one of the most beautiful high valleys within the Ladakh region. The Kang Yatse (6400m / 20,997 ft.) dominates the surrounding views of the area.
Day 11
Trek 10 – Nimaling to Shang
Trekking Time: 8 hours
Altitude: 3640 m / 11,942 ft. (Over Kongmaru La 5150 m / 16,896 ft.)
A zigzag ascent for around 2 hours will lead us to the panoramic Kongmaru La. We will then follow a steep descent until Chuskirmo and a beautiful riverbed. A vibrant rocky path will lead us to Shang; a pleasant campsite. We will also visit a small Gompa outside of the village.
Day 12
Journey from Shang to Leh
Altitude: 3500 m / 11,482 ft.
Before you are dropped off at your hotel in Leh, we will be visiting the Hemis Monastery; 48 km from Leh on the opposite side of the Singee Tsangpo River (Indus). It is the largest and most famous monastery in Ladakh, as it has been founded about 350 years ago by Stagsang Reschen who was invited in Ladakh by the King Singee Namgyal. We will also visit the Shey and Thiskey Monasteries. End of programme.
