MARKHA VALLEY, JUNE-JULY

On your arrival at IGI airport Delhi, the capital city of India, our representative will transfer you to the hotel in Delhi.

STAY: Hotel 3 *
MEALS: B
Transfers: Innova (7 seaters MUV)

Check out from the hotel in Delhi for the early morning flight to Leh. On arrival in Leh the guests will be transferred to the home-stay in Leh and rest for the day to acclimatise to the altitude. In the evening visit Leh market and Sankar monastery.

After a homely breakfast at the home-stay in Leh, the guests will walk down to Lala’s cafe (the oldest cafe in town) before they start on the heritage walk. On this walk, a storyteller will escort us through. We will start by visiting the museum built by the Leh Old Town Restoration Initiative (LOTI) group, with locally available materials and infrastructure. The structure evolves around a skyscraper (Thokskar) on the top floor and has relics of Ladakh. From there we will enter the old town streets where the entire landscape is still as it was back in the day of the King Singay Namgyal (14th - 17th century AD) times, some of which have been restored by LOTI. The walk will take us through the King Singay Namgyal’s palace. After finishing the walk around Leh town we will explore the market and have lunch in a garden cafe. Post lunch the group will visit Women’s Alliance and LEDeG to explore the contemporary. The group will have dinner at Bon appetite restaurant in Leh.

Rejoice the esteemed Yuru Kabgyat festival at Lamayuru monastery, an ancient two-day festival dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava (the second Buddha) and Yama (the lord of death) and stands for the destruction of ego. Marvel at the sacred masked dances performed by the monks and the sounds from the gigantic pipe reverberating many a times during the entire festival.

Revere the Yuru Kabgyat festival at the Lamayuru monastery once again before the journey back to Leh. On the way, visit the 10th century-old Alchi Monastery with astonishing architectures adorned with finely carved paintings.

A jeep will drop you at Zingchen via Spituk at the start point of your trek. Zingchen valley is scattered with trees. Zingchen is a small village next to Spituk with gushing glacial water streams and high mountain passes of the mighty Ladakh ranges running throughout the trail. It's a scenic first day on the epic Markha Valley trail.

The second day’s trek enters into the Hemis National Park and is slightly tougher than the first day. Rumbak Sumdo (3752 m) is known to be the homeland of Snow Leopards. You will pass the Yurutse village and head to the next campsite where you will be welcomed by marmots and rabbits during your climb to the base of Kanda La (4500m). Rumbak, Sumdo, and Yurutse are also well-known for sightings of argali sheep. This trail is complete with its singular wildlife, spectacular landscapes, and its physically challenging hike.

The third day starts with the ascension of Kanda-La (4900mtr). Once on top, a long but easy descent will follow up to Shingo village (4145 m). The lunch-break at Shingo will be followed by trekking down the deep narrow gorge until the beautiful camping site at Skui village (3600 m) is reached. In Skiu, you can just relax, visit the local monastery or take a dip in the freezing river.

This day’s trek is quite long but mostly flat, walking along the river while crossing it several times. The valley-trail keeps changing because of floods which leave it green and rich in flora and fauna. This night you will spend in one of the most picturesque and isolated spots in the trek. The green meadows, surrounded by deserted and snow-covered mountain peaks will draw at your heart-strings.

This trail is very relaxing and refreshing, trekking up and down all along the green meadows and crossing the river at several intersections. The richness of Himalayan trees and herbal plants along the route is noticeable. You will also find several local teahouses along the trek where you can partake of tea and light snacks. 

You will pass by an old monastery and a ruined castle surrounded by Mani Wall, Chortens and Prayer Flags. The night-stay will be in Hunker, the highest village in the Markha Valley where blue sheep can be seen on the high rocky mountains.

This day’s trek starts by entering a river gorge and then walking alongside the river where after crossing a bridge, a steady 2 hrs climb up the mountain will take you to a little lake. The impressive view of Kang-Ya Tse (6400 m) and the colourful surrounding mountain ranges will leave you breathless. Nimaling, your next campsite, is only a short walk from there. You will encounter big, furry yaks en route. This is one of the most beautiful high pastoral valleys of Ladakh (4710 m). Camping in the lush green meadows next to the river and enjoying the nomadic herdsmen’s life in the Markha Valley is an experience to carry home. Here you will have the chance to buy fresh, homemade bread and curd from the local farmers.

With vast green meadows, yaks and other cattle lazily grazing impervious to the beautifully majestic mountains that surround the valley, Nimaling is a charming little village at the foothills of the great Kang Yatse Peak. If you are the adventurous sort you may want to take this opportunity to hike up to the base camp of Kang Yatse (5000 m) which is by itself quite a feat. It will take you 6hrs back and forth.

After breakfast, a hard and rather steep climb will take you up the mountain until you reach Gongmaru- La (5150 m), the highest pass on this trek. A long and steep descent will take you down into another deep river gorge. The spectacular view and the intense coloration of the vast surrounding mountains make it hard to concentrate on the rocky path. After a 3 hrs walk, you will reach Chu-skurmo where you can rest and enjoy lunch followed by tea. Another couple of hours’ walk will take you to Shang Chokdo where the trek ends. You will be picked up at this point and brought to Leh.

Take time to relax and explore the town of Leh on your own or allow us to give you a taste of the culture of Ladakh through our authentic local experiences at an additional cost. Indulge in the culinary secrets of traditional momo making led by local chefs and savor your handmade momos for lunch. Pay a visit to a local Shaman (Oracle) to witness an ancient tradition of healing or meet a local Amchi (Doctor) to explore insights into holistic medicine.   

Celebrate one of the most magical events in Ladakh, Hemis Monastery Festival celebrating the birth of Lord Padmasambhava. This vibrant event is the best way to soak in the culture of Ladakh and get the most soul-enriching experiences.  

Another day in the unparalleled beauty of Ladakh’s most loved Hemis Festival. The traditional Cham dance is performed by the Lamas wearing the intricately designed masks telling stories of victory of good over evil. Explore the magnificent 11th century-old Hemis monastery that houses a wide collection of historical and religious Thangkas, stupas and statues made of precious metals and is also one of the largest and wealthiest monasteries of Ladakh.

After breakfast, the group will head to the airport for the return flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, the guests will check in hotel and rest for the daytime their flight for onward journey with sweet memories of the tour.

End of trip and services.