Trekking along the Markha River through "Little Tibet," one of the world's highest inhabited plateaus, you take in spectacular views of the Great Himalayan, Ladakh & Zanskar ranges. You will cross two high passes at elevations up to 17,400'. Trails wind past willow groves, alongside patches of wild roses & through pastel canyons festooned with multi-hued prayer flags undulating in the breeze. The opportunity to meet nomadic families as they herd their yaks & a visit to a small monastery where butter lamps are lit morning & evening by an elderly nun leave indelible impressions of our journey through this gloriously illuminated landscape.
After the initial period of acclimatization to high altitude in Leh you will set out to explore the heartland of the central Ladakh Valley. It involves crossing of the three passes - Stok La- 4848m, Kagmaru La- 5274m, Gandla- 4878m & walking on the banks of the Markha River. The highlight of the trip is the camping at the base of the Kang-Yutze peak on the plains of Nimaling.
Take the morning flight for Leh. Check into the guest house and relax the whole day. This is necessary for getting acclimatised. Overnight at the guesthouse.
Today we drive 16 km from Leh & visit Shey, the ancient capital of Ladakh. The monastery here has a huge gold-gilded statue of Buddha Shakyamuniwith a large silver lamp burning in front of the statue.
After that we drive few kilometres & cross the bridge over the mighty River Indus to reach Stok. We visit Stok Palace,the Royal residence of the King of Stok & the Museumthat has a rich collection of ancient Ladakhi artefacts including old Thangkas, precious stones, arms & armoury, the Queen?s necklace & the crown of the King of Ladakh among others. After early lunch at Stok we start trekking towards theBase of Stok La.It is a gradual walk with a few kilometres of ascending path, which will be covered in about 4 hr.
Today we trek to Rumbak over Stok La (4800 m). The 3 km trek upto Stok La is steep ascent & then it is a steep descent upto Rumbak. The total distance of 12 kms will be covered in about 6 hr. Rumbak is a small shepherd village with few houses.
Today is a long day & after early breakfast we trek towards Skiu over Gand La (4930 m). It is a climb upto Gand La top & then a descending path upto Shingo & from there we reach Skiu (3380 m). A distance of 18 km will be covered in about 8 hr.
Today we trek to Markha via Hermoger & Sase. An easy walk of about 15 km will be covered in about 6 hr. Markha (4500 m) is the main village at the height of about 4500 m & it also has a school.
Today we trek upto Hankar via Omlung. A distance of about 12 km of gradual walk will be covered in about 6 hr
Today we trek to Nyimaling,gradual walk of about 12 km will be covered in about 6 hr.
Today the day is free to explore the surroundings. One can trek upto the glacier of Kangyatse peak (6030 m), one needs permit from (Indian Mountaineering Foundation, IMF) to climb this peak.
Today we start our steep ascent of 4 to 5 km to Kongmor La (5200 m). On reaching the top one forgets the tiredness of the steep climb after viewing the beautiful range of Mountain peaks & feels refreshed. From the Pass we descend all the way to Chugdo.
Today we trek down to Hemis via Oza & Sumdo. A gradual walk of about 13 kms will be covered in about 6 hr.
We visit the famous Hemis Monastery, founded in the year 1630 by Stag-tsang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of Sengge Namgyal. Hemis is one of the largest & richest monasteries of Ladakh. The two-day festival of monastic dance in July -August has raised the reputation of Hemis particularly high. The festival is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as second Buddha & responsible for spreading Buddhism in the Tibetan world.
From here we drive to Thiksey Monastery, which falls on the way to Leh. Thiksey Monastery(Gompa) is an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. The monastery has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha,the Buddha of the future. Finally we drive back to Leh.
Early in the morning transfer to airport and from here catch a flight for Delhi.
1- Accommodation: In Leh, guest house with bed and breakfast basis. While on trek accommodation will be provided on Dome/Alpine Tent, carry mat, kitchen tent, camping stool etc will be provided.
2- Transport: Arrival, departure transfer at Leh by Toyota Qualis/Tata Sumo. Also all sightseeing in Leh. Drop & pick up for trek.
3- Meals: Leh: Only breakfast will serve. While on trek all meals will be provided. Meal will freshly prepare and will be a mix of Indian, Chinese, Continental & Ladakhi.
4- Porters: Experienced porter for carrying camping equipment, rations, vegetables and some amount of personal gear of the clients (one bag not weighing more than 15 kgs).
5- Professional local trekking guide & cook who know the area very well would accompany the group
6- Trekking & camping permit
1- Enroute Meal
2- Any charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.
3- Alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc.
4- Entrée fee if any
5- Personal insurance
6- Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
7- Any meals/services not mentioned above
8- Unforeseen expenses beyond our controls
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