Lamayuru to Hemis via Markha valley is a challenging trek where the trekker will enjoy diverse colours and sights of a constantly changing landscape. Though tough and arduous with many high mountain passes and several rivers to cross, it’s rewarding. A combination of walking through the reclusive mountain trails and sighting wild-life, this trek puts you in contact with the local culture and tradition of the mountain people so that you may immerse yourself and experience the solitary Life of the villagers. After crossing the Zanskar River, the trek along the Markha River becomes a smooth walk. The landscape changes and patches of green valley floor with vibrantly coloured flowers become visible. Several Mani Walls, Stupas and Monasteries share Ladakh’s Buddhist traditions along the way to Nimaling. You will experience magical panoramic views of Kang Yatse and the Karakoram ranges from the top of Gongmaru-la whence the trail plummets steeply downward into the valley. It is a long trek with rich experiences. Those who prefer to relax will rest at Nimaling. Others may choose to summit Kang-Yatse (6404m) - the son of mountains, at the top of the world, no easy feat. Reaching the top is overwhelming and the stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains, somewhat lifted magically from the earth standing high above cotton clouds is a sight that will last you an entire life.
Grade: Moderate
Number of days: Maximum 13 days and minimum 11 days.
Best period: June to mid October
Highest elevation: 5123 m
itinerary
Day 1Leh –Lamayuru –Wanla
A taxi will drop you off at Lamayuru (140 km from Leh). You may seek blessings in the ancient Lamayuru monastery. Your trek to Wanla will start at 9 am. The trail will take you across the stream and to a gentle up-slope along the mountainside to cross your first pass, Prinkiti La (3748 m). Coming down the mountain you will head to the beautiful village of Shilla. You will then hike along the left side of the riverbank before the trek ends at Wanla, a small village with a monastery and a pretty little camping site.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 2Wanla – Hinju (5/6)
From Wanla (3250 m) you will trek alongside the silver stream to the village of Phenjila. After crossing a bridge the trail pursues on beside the river that gradually gives in to the deserted mountain scenery of the Himalayas. Your campsite will be awaiting you in the old village of Hinju (3730 m).
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 3Hinju – Sumda Chemo (6/7)
The next morning a steady climb will take you across the upper Hinju village. At the top you will be greeted with impressive views of both the Karakoram Range and the Zanskar Range. The climb up Konski La (4945 m) starts with a gentle ascent but gradually gets harder with a steep incline. However once on top, you will be rewarded with spectacular view of the mountains and vast meadows. On the climb down, you will cross more green pastures. The path gets narrower as you descend just like that the beautiful Sumda village appears on the bank of the stream.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 4Sumda Chemo - Sanak (5/6 hrs.)
Your trek will start after breakfast. Crossing the bridge to reach the other side of the village you will continue walking until you reach Lama. From there you will start your climb to the top of Dundunchen-La (4850 m). The pass will afford you an unadulterated view of the Ladakh range to the North, Stok Range to the East and Zanskar Range to the South. You will then head down the winding trail to the campsite at Sanak.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 5Sanak –Chilling (4/5)
From Sanak you will walk through the deep valley and up the high ridge for about an hour. You then trek down the steep trail into the valley, which gets narrower and narrower until you reach Chilling, a scenic village with Artisans of metal work where you will sight local women working in the fields.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 6Chilling Rest.
On the sixth day you will have time to explore Chilling or to just relax and enjoy the view of the Zanskar and Markha River joining each other. It is a resting day for trekkers, as the horses have to reach the other side of the river. A trolley pulled by the local villagers will help you cross and to get the luggage across the big Zanskar River.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 7Chilling to Skui (6/7hrs.)
After crossing the river with the help of a trolley, the morning trek starts with an ascent up a winding trail where a stunning view from the top of the pass is revealed. As you descend down the steep trail for a few hours the lush green area of Skui will accompany you along the Markha River. On the way a series of Stupas dotted around the Kaya village will lead you to the village of Skui which is home to an old monastery and ruins of an old castle. Majestic mountains and a beautiful but freezing river surround the village and campsite. There will be time to relax or for the brave ones, to take a dip in the cold river.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 8Skui – Markha (5/6hrs)
The trek today is quite long but mostly flat. You will be walking along the river and crossing it several times. The trail in the valley keeps changing because of floods which leave the valley green and rich in flora and fauna. You will spend your night in one of the most beautiful and isolated spots of the trek, the green meadows are surrounded by deserted and snow covered mountain peaks.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 9Markha-Hunker (5/6 hrs)
Today’s trek is quite refreshing. You will trek up and down all along the green meadows and cross the river at several intersections. You will able to notice the richness of Himalayan trees and herbal plants along the route. You will also find several tea houses along the trek to where you may take a break, have a tea or a “munch”. You will also pass an old monastery and a ruined castle surrounded by Mani Wall, Chortens and Prayer Flags. You will stay in Hunker, the highest village in the Markha Valley where blue sheep can be seen on the high Rocky Mountains.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 10Hunkar - Nimaling (5/6hrs.)
The trek starts by entering a river gorge and you will then walk along the river. After crossing the bridge, a steady 2 hrs climb up the mountain will take you to a little lake. You will be invited to an impressive view of Kang-Yatse (6400 m) and the colorful surrounding mountain ranges. From there it is only a short walk, with encounters with big, furry yaks, to the campsite at Nimaling. This is one of the most beautiful high pastoral valleys of Ladakh (4710 m). Camping in the lush green meadows next to the blue cold river, while enjoying the nomadic herdsmen’s Life in the Markha Valley, is a rare experience. Here you have the chance to buy fresh, homemade bread and curd from the local farmers.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 11Nimaling-Shang-Sumdo (Trek times 6/7 hrs.)
After breakfast a hard and rather steep climb will take you up the mountain to Gongmaru- La (5150 m), the highest pass of this trek. A long and steep descend will take you down into the deep river gorge. The spectacular view and the intense colours of the surrounding mountains make it hard to concentrate on the rocky path. After a 3 hrs walk you will reach Chu-skarmo where you will lunch with a cup of tea. Another couple of hours’ walk will take you to the camp at Shang Sumdo.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 12Shang Sumdo - Hemis -Leh (4/5 hrs)
After breakfast you will follow the trail along the riverbed and reach the motor able road that will take you back into civilization. After 2 hours of walking amidst this stunning red scenery covered with Chortens, you will reach the village of Martselang. From Martselang a Jeep will take you to the ancient Hemis Monastery, of the Drukpa lineage. Here you will gain a certain perspective into the life of a Buddhist monk. On the way back to Leh you will catch glimpses of other famous the monasteries.
STAY IN BASIC MONASTERY GUESTHOUSES, HOMESTAYS, HOTELS, AND CAMPSITES
MEALS
WELCOME & SOUVENIR KIT
ALL ACTIVITIES MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY
TRANSFERS IN TOYOTA INNOVA THROUGHOUT THE TRIP
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
TREKKING EQUIPMENT AND CAMPING GEAR
ACCOMPANYING LOCAL EXPERTS AND RESOURCE PERSONS THROUGHOUT THE TRIP
ALL PERMITS AND PASSES
DOCTOR ON CALL
EXCLUSIONS:
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
SLEEPING BAG
TRAVEL, LUGGAGE & MEDICAL INSURANCE
TOURIST VISA
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TAXES
TIPS
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
must read
CHANGES TO YOUR ITINERARY
For your best interest, sometimes it might have to make necessary alterations to your holiday itinerary. Where practical, we will advice you before you depart from your hometown, although occasionally we may be forced to make changes en route. We will keep you informed at all times.
MOUNTAIN FLIGHT DELAYS
Bad weather in mountainous regions can cause flight delays. These problems mainly happen in Ladakh region of India. If the delay is extended it may be necessary for us to re-route the trek and tour, perhaps to an area more readily accessed by road transport. We do not accept responsibility for charges incurred as result of flight delays and missing international flight connections. However, we will make every effort to assist you.
INHERENT RISKS OR DANGERS
You understand and accept that your proposed tour may expose you to levels of physical exertion to which you may not be accustomed to or be exposed to inherent dangers when traveling through remote areas which may be subject to, among other things, unfavorable political, physical, health or climatic conditions. By agreeing to use our services, you accept these dangers and unfavorable conditions.
INSURANCE
You must purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes a provision for helicopter rescue when you pay your deposit.
YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS
We strongly recommend that you visit your doctor and dentist before your holiday. You must ask your doctor about current inoculation requirements. Full details of pre-existing medical conditions must be forwarded to us when you book. Older clients or clients with pre-existing medical conditions may require a letter from your doctor clearing them for the trek and Beyond Himalayas Pvt. Ltd. reserve the right to check these documents prior to confirmation of tours and treks
PASSPORT
A valid passport is required for all tourists. The passports must be valid for minimum of six months from the start of journey, with at least two clean pages per country to be visited.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
A valid visa is required for the entire destination. You should always consult your doctor or nearest travel clinic for the latest information on recommended health precautions, both vaccination and malaria prophylaxis.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
GENERAL
Extensive medical kits are carried on all trips. In addition, medical oxygen and Portable Altitude Chambers are carried as a precaution on high altitude treks and climbing expeditions. All meals on trek are prepared specifically for your group to strict hygiene standards, and sterile washing facilities are provided.
HIGH ALTITUDE
Sickness from altitude can affect anyone. Serious problems are avoided by building in rest and acclimatization. For normal symptoms a drop in altitude, or time in portable acclimatization chamber, leads to quick recovery.
All trips are graded. There are Easy, Moderate, Challenging and Mountaineering categories.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance that includes helicopter evacuation is highly appreciated
AGE LIMITS
Client over sixty are required to complete a medical and personal travel history questionnaire. Persons under sixteen can join specified family departures and private groups.
Testimonials
We had a great time. went for 4 days trek to Stok la( 4800 m) everything was perfect. Delicious food while on the trek, guide NAMGYAL was the most friendly, Helpful person ever and his smile helped us to reach the summit. The whole team was excellent. Our favorite animal the donkey which we will miss a lot. Thanks for FOR A LOVELY TIME.
