Beyond the Markha Valley-15 Days

We board the early morning flight from Delhi to Leh where you will be rewarded with spectacular views across the Great Himalaya and Zanskar ranges. On arrival in Leh it is essential to rest and start the all-important acclimatization process. Our schedule today is flexible. We include a walk to the main bazaar and adjacent alleyways to gain a sense of Leh’s rich historic past. We can also wander to the nearby chortens at Changspa (situated close to our hotel) that are said to have been established over 1000 years ago – many centuries before Leh was founded. Overnight: Leh

In Leh we visit the Kings Palace to appreciate its reconstruction undertaken over the past twenty years. The Sikh Road Museum also located in the Old city of Leh provides further insights into Ladakh’s proximity to the Sikh Road and Leh’s Trading relationships with Kashgar and Yarkand. By contrast, a visit to the Snow Leopard Conservancy offers invaluable perspectives into the snow leopards survival as well as other endangered wildlife species including the iconic Marco Polo sheep, the Ibex and the Pallas Cat. Overnight: Hotel Leh

We include visits to Shey Palace – the capital of upper Ladakh until the Royal family moved to Leh in the 17th century. We also visit the nearby Tikse monastery perched on a sugarloaf mountain overlooking the Indus Valley. The monastery reflects an important link in Ladakh’s Tibetan Buddhist history as evidenced in the main Assembly hall as well as the multi denominational chapel built in the 1980’s and proof of the continuing vitality of Buddhism in Ladakh. While Tikse is one of the most visited monasteries in Ladakh we also visit the less frequented Matho monastery on the far side of the Indus River to gain a more serene perspective of Ladakh’s enduring Buddhist heritage. On return to Leh we can also ascend to the Shanti Stupa to help our fitness regime as well as gaining a further perspective of the upper Indus Valley. Overnight: Leh

We drive into the Markha Valley, reaching the settlement of Hamurja. After our packs are loaded onto mules, we set off on foot along the dirt road to Markha village. We’ll arrive with time in the afternoon to explore the village and its surrounds, including the small monastery that has been lovingly restored over the years with support from trekking groups. The monastery is currently cared for by a monk seconded from Hemis Monastery. Overnight: Tented camp

From Markha we follow the trail (a dirt road in some sections) leading through the village of Umlung (with options to ascend to the hill top monastery), while the impressive flanks of Kang Yates 6400m loom high above the valley. Reaching Hanker the highest village in the Mankha valley we head to upper Hanker complete with ancient stupas that marked the site of the former monastery before continuing through outlying fields to our serene camp en-route to the Zalung La. Overnight: Hanker village Tented camp

On the next two stages we slowly ascend towards the base of the Zalung La to ensure maximum time for acclimatisation and fitness. From our camp we slowly ascend past mani walls and small shepherd encampments and vast grazing lands while a few river crossings may be the order of the day. After passing a trails leading from the high altitude plains of Nimaling we establish another fine, remote camp that offers a number of exhilarating options that afternoon that lead to unrivalled views of the Kang Yatse and adjacent peaks. The stage also maximising time for acclimatisation and fitness. From the camp we may also see marmots (Himalayan hyrax) and possibly blue sheep while birds of prey hover in the thermals in search of prey. Overnight: Tented camp

A short but necessary day as we head towards the Zalung La. A few small river crossing may to be encountered before we reach camp with opportunities that afternoon to explore the surrounding ridges as we complete our preparations to cross the Zalung La the next day. Overnight: Tented camp

We enter a narrow gorge where snow leopard scats are regularly sited as we ascend steeply in places to the colourful prayer flags that define the Zalung Karpo La. From the pass views stretch across the vast Rupshu region with distant peaks that extend to the borderlands of Tibet. From the pass the trail descends steeply to the valley floor before a longer and more gradual ascent across mixed terrain to a delightful camp at an abandoned camp at Tsorka. Overnight: Tented camp

After the vigour’s of crossing the pass this is a delightful stage where we enter a narrow gorge to reach a small river flowing from the settlement at Dat. The walk gradually ascends across grazing grounds amid impressive side gorges to the camp at Lagto Kamlung where the remains of impressive mani walls reflect a bygone era when nomads grazed their animals in this remote outpost of Ladakh. Overnight: Tented camp

A full on day to complete the trek to abandoned settlement at Dat where we say bid farewell to our crew and mule attendants and commence our drive to Tso Morari. It will take the best part of 2 hours to reach the Manali to Leh highway to reach Tso Kar (4480m) with potential sighting of black necked crane before we continue to the vast waters of Tso Morari. Overnight: Lodge Accommodation

A full day to explore the serene waters of Tso Morari. We walk along the shoreline where numerous flocks of birdlife settle on the lakes edge while a host of 6000 metre plus snow-capped mountains provide an impressive backdrop. We include an early morning traverse across the high ridges above the lake for further stunning views as well as visiting the village of Korsok with its ancient monastery and home to the many Khampa and Tibetan nomads. Overnight: Lodge Accommodation

An early start to complete the short ascent to the nearby plateau at sunrise. A fitting finale to our trek before we commence our drive to Leh. We follow a more direct route that heads directly to the upper Indus valley before we follow the course of the Lion River all the way back to Leh. Overnight: Leh

An opportunity to rest and wind down and complete your sightseeing and shopping and preparing for your early morning flight to Delhi. Overnight: Leh

An early morning flight to Delhi will afford more impressive views across the mountain ranges you explored the previous week. Trip concludes in Delhi. However, we recommend booking your international flights the next day in case of inclement weather causing your flight from Leh to be cancelled. Please contact us for accommodation options in Delhi or other arrangements you may have