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 and Zanskar ranges. You will cross two high passes at elevations up to 17,400′. Trails wind past willow groves, alongside patches of wild roses and through pastel canyons festooned with multi-hued prayer flags undulating in the breeze. The opportunity to meet nomadic families as they herd their yaks and a visit to a small monastery where butter lamps are lit morning and 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 and walking on the banks of the Markha River. The highlight of the trip is the camping at the base of the Kang-Yatze peak on the plains of Nimaling.
Day 01 : Arrival Leh
Arrival Leh, Wisdom representative will meet, greet, assist and transfer you to Hotel in Leh. Rest of the day free to acclimatize to the high altitude of Ladakh. Overnight at Hotel in Leh.
Day 02 : Sightseeing around Leh
Morning at leisure or explore the nearby places on foot. Post lunch visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace and Jokhang and Local Bazaar. Overnight at Hotel in Leh.
SHANTI STUPA (Japanese Peace Pagoda) : Shanti Stupa/Japanese peace pagoda is build by a Japanese religious organization headed by Head monk Nakamura with the help from the organization and local people. It is situated at a hill top in Cahngspa village providing a bird eye view of the Leh town and the surrounding mountain peaks. Architecturally it has the Japanese touch with small clean rooms on the side for meditators and the main Japanese shrine at the entrance.
LEH PALACE : The Namgyal Tsemo (victory Peak) was build by King Tashi Namgyal after the reunification of upper and lower Ladakh and victory over Hor and their bodies are placed under an image of Mahakala, the guardian deities to stop further invasion of Hor. The Leh palace known as ‘Lechen Palkhar’ was built by Singay Namgyal around in the beginning of 17th Century A.D. The nine-storied palace is now deserted, and the ASI (Archeological Survey Of India) has taken up the renovation work.
JOKHANG : the Ladakh Buddhist Association in 1957 built the small Gonpa opposite to SBI and known as Jokhang in the main bazaar, which is open throughout the day for visitors. The Gonpa contains statue of Joyo Rinpoche (crowned Buddha).
Day 03 : Leh – Spituk – Zinchen (12 kms.)
After early breakfast drive to Spituk. Cross the river Indus. Trek to Zinchen. Camp little above the village. Trek times 08 hrs. Overnight at Zinchen.
Day 04 : Zinchen – Yurutse (10kms.)(Alt.3530 – 4180 mts.)
Easy trek to Yurutse. Involves 06 river crossings. Trek through a narrow valley. At Rumbak enter a small valley. Camp just below the village. Overnight in tents.
Day 05 : Yurutse – Shingo (12 kms.) (Alt. 4180 – 3850 mts.)
A gradual ascends of 03 hrs. to Ganda la (4985 mts.) Spectacular views all around from the pass on a clear day. Descend to Shingo for overnight camp. Overnight in tents.
Day 06 : Shingo – Skiu (10 kms.) (Alt. 3850 – 3500 mts.) 05 hrs.
Of pleasant down hill walk through a narrow valley and dense shrubs. The valley opens out as you approach Skiu. Camp overnight near the river.
Day 07 : Skiu – Markha (16 kms.) (Alt. 3200 – 3500 mts.)
Trek along the Markha River cross the river trek upto the Markha village – Largest in the area. Camp overnight in tents near the village.
Day 08 : Markha – Nimaling (19 kms.) (Alt. 3500 – 4800 mts.)
Trek down Markha River past small settlements, wild shrubs & willow plantations till Hankar village. A gradual ascends & later steeps climb to Nimaling valley. Nimaling is the summer grazing ground for the live stock of the entire Markha valley. Treks time 09 hrs. Overnight in tents.
Day 09 : Nimaling (Alt. 4800 mts.)
Day at leisure. Optional trek to the base Mt. Kangyatse (6100 mts.)
Day 10 : Nimaling – Kangmaru la – Chokdo (15 kms.) (Alt. 4800 – 5100 mts.)
A short but steeps ascend to Kangmaru la and a long walk down the other side through gorges & ravine. Camp in a Willow Grove near Chokdo village.
Day 11 : Chokdo – Martselang – Hemis – Leh (07 kms.) (3600 – 3800 mts.)
A short scenic trek down a narrow valley of rocks in different hues & colours to Martselang. Drive to Hemis Monastery and onto Leh. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 : Airport Departure
Leave on time for Leh airport to board your flight to Delhi.
