Ladakh Trek, Stok to Hemis via Markha Valley

A wonderful introductory trip to the remote and magical Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh. This superb trek, beginning at Stok, passes through beautiful mountain villages; colorful Buddhist monasteries, and the high altitude pastures of Nimaling (home to the legendary snow leopard and Himalayan blue sheep) – from which the views of the Kanz Yatze Peak are magnificent.

Day 01: Delhi – Leh
Arrive Delhi by early morning from your home country. Garland welcome, assistance and transfer straight to domestic airport to board flight to Leh. The spectacular one-hour mountain flight over the mighty Himalayas brings you to Leh, capital of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh. Arrive and transfer to Ladakhi style hotel. A day of rest to acclimatize to the arid high altitude of Leh (3100 mts). Relax in the hotel gardens or take a leisurely stroll around the bazaar. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Day 02: Leh – Stok
Morning departure by jeep to the village of Stok, which lies immediately south of Leh, on the opposite side of the Indus valley. Stok is home to a royal palace and a small museum, which contains religious artifacts and ceremonial clothing belonging to the royal family. After visiting the palace and museum we set up camp just above the village. Dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 03: Stok – Rumbak (about 6-7hrs Trek)
After an early breakfast, we make the long steep ascent to Stok-La (4900 m).  As this is our first major trekking day and is quite strenuous, we recommend that you walk at a steady pace in order to establish an even rhythm. The challenging day’s walk is rewarded by the amazing rock formations on the approach to the pass and also by the stunning views of the Indus Valley and distant mountain ranges from the top of Stok La. From Stok La, we descend into the picturesque and agriculturally rich valley of Rumbak, with its beautifully decorated houses, monasteries and schools.  Camp overnight in tents.

Day 04: Rumbak – Shingo (about 6hrs trek)
Early morning start. The trail to Shingo goes via Yurutse and over the Ganda-La (4900 m). Along the way, you will have beautiful views of the Zanskar and KaraKoram ranges. Long, but easy descent to Shingo, where we set up camp for the night.

Day 05: Shingo – Skiu (about 2-3 hrs Trek)
A fairly easy walk, in the shade of trees and bushes, along a deep gorge. The trail crosses the stream several times before arriving in Skiu. We camp for the night in a beautiful spot on the banks of the river, overlooking a derelict fortress on the cliff.  Afternoon free to explore the village.  Overnight in tents.

Day 06: Skiu – Markha (about 7hrs Trek)
A long days walk, crossing back and forward over the Markha Stream, to Markha village (3800 m). There are bridges at many of the more difficult crossing places. The lush vegetation along the riverside is in stark contrast to the dry and barren upper valley slopes. Overnight in tents.

Day 07: Markha – Tchatchutse (about 6hrs Trek)
The trail continues above Markha village, taking us eastwards, deeper into the Markha valley to our camp-site at Tchatchutse. Along the way, we pass some impressive monasteries, some ruined and some intact.   In this area we are likely to see small herds of blue sheep (bharal), which often come, right down to the river to graze. Overnight in tents.

Day 08: Tchatchutse – Nimaling (about 6hrs Trek)
Today’s walk brings us to the head of the valley, which offers good views of the prominent peak of Kang Yatze (6,400 m). Crossing the Markha stream on the last bridge, we start a steeper climb towards the high plains, known as Nimaling. As well as blue sheep, golden marmots and large hares, Nimaling is also home to an impressive range of birds of prey, including lammergiers and golden eagles.

Day 09: Nimaling
The day at leisure or free to stroll around the nearby area. Overnight in Tents.

Day 10:  Nimaling – Kongmaru La-Shjang (about 7hrs Trek)
Early morning trek to Kongmaru-La (5100 m). The trail from the pass offers fabulous views to the north of the hills of eastern Karakoram and China. On our way down, we walk along a narrow gorge and by afternoon; arrive in Shjang, our stopping place for the night.

Day 11: Shjang – Hemis – Leh
Continuing our descent, we pass some of the highest located houses in the valley before descending into another section of rocky gorge. Along the way we pass through the village of Martsylang, before arriving in Hemis for lunchtime. This village, nestled in a gorge, is surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.  After lunch and rest, explore Hemis Monastery, the biggest and wealthiest in Ladakh. Late afternoon, we return by jeep to our hotel in Leh.

Day 12: Leh – Delhi
Early morning flight to Delhi and direct transfer to int’l airport to board flight to your onward destination.