The trek starts from Lamayuru and we climbs to the high passes (Printik La, Konzke La and Dundunchen La) before arriving at the Markha Valley. In transit we will pass a few detached towns and desert springs, with picturesque perspectives of the overwhelming snow-topped tops of Stok Kangri and Kang Yatse 6400m (20,997 ft.). The last pass will bring us to the cloister of Hemis inside the Indus Valley, where we will then drive to Leh picking up more social encounters before your flight to Delhi. It is a genuinely excited trek with a max elevation of 5150 m (16,896 ft.).
Day 1
Arrival in Delhi
Guests will be received at the airport followed by a transfer to a hotel, where you will be staying overnight.
Day 2
Domestic flight Delhi – Leh
Altitude: 3500 m / 11,482 ft.
Transferral to a domestic airport where you will fly to Leh. Once reached in Leh, you will then be transferred to your hotel. Afternoon visit to a monastery within the town and visit the Shanti Stupa and Old Fort of Leh.
Day 3
Journey from Lamayuru
Travelling Distance: 170 km
Altitude: 3600 m / 11,811 ft.
The journey will begin with driving from Lamayuru via Phyang and Alchi for a distance of around 170 km.
Day 4
Trek 1 – Lamayuru to Wanla
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 3725 m / 12,221 ft. (Over Printik La 4950 m / 16,240 ft.)
The trek will begin with a morning visit to a monastery where a ceremony will be experienced before beginning the gradual ascent over Printik La through a narrow gorge. We will then arrive in Shilla and then continuing over a bridge to reach Wanla.
Day 5
Trek 2 – Wanla to Hinju
Trekking Time: 4 hours
The trek will continue on following the Yapola River on the left until we reach Penjila 2 hours later. Then the trek will continue up the valley leading off at right angles. Once an hour has passed we will then leave the valley and then another hours trek will bring us to Hinju.
Day 6
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 7
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 8
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 9
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 10
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 11
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 12
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 13
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 14
Shang to Leh
Travelling Distance: 60 km
We will be picked up by an arranged vehicle that will take us to visit the monasteries of Hemis and Thiskey, as well as the Shey Palace. We will continue our journey on to Leh where you will be transferred to your hotel, where you will spend the night.
Day 15
Flight from Leh – Delhi
You will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Delhi. Once reached in Delhi you will then be transported to your hotel where you will be staying overnight. The afternoon can be spent at your own leisure.
Day 16
Flight Departure: Visit Old/New Delhi
You will be given the opportunity to visit Old or New Delhi as you will have a full day of sightseeing, before being transferred to the Indira Gandhi International Airport where you will depart to your onward destination.
