Ladakh High Trails Trek-16 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 as well as a visit to the King’s Palace to gain a sense of Leh’s rich historic past. Overnight:  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 temple built in the 1980’s and proof of the continuing vitality of Buddhism in Ladakh. Later that day we can wander to the Shanti Stupa to gain a further perspective of the upper Indus Valley. Overnight: Leh

We drive to the Matho village and after visiting the ancient monastery before we commence our trek ascending a well-defined trail to the campsite at Matho Phu. Overnight: Tented camp Matho village

We spend a day at Matho Phu ascending the trail towards the La to acclimatise and prepare for the more demanding stages that lie ahead. Overnight: Tented camp Matho village

From Matho Phu we slowly ascend towards the Shang La. The trail is not unduly steep and affords grand views that extend across the Indus Valley to the snow-capped ridges and peaks of the Ladakh Range. From the pass the trail winds down to comfortable campsite and fresh water spring at Shang Phu. Overnight: Tented camp Shang Phu

From camp we ascend across high ridges leading directly to the Gyuncho La. En route there are stunning views north to the Ladakh Range before a long and in places tiring descent to Chogdo. After a welcome break on the outskirts of the village we complete the short ascent to Chuskyumo. Overnight: Tented camp Chuskyumo

We slowly ascend an impressive gorge leading to the base camp below the Gongmaru La. That afternoon we may ascend further towards the pass to gain panoramic views of the Indus Valley as well as acclimatising for the next stage. 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 basecamp Gongmaru La

An exhilarating stage. From camp it will take less than two hours to ascend the trail that zig zags to the pass which is clearly identified with colourful prayer flags offering homage to the gods that guard the pass. From the pass there are panoramic views that extend across the many 6000m peaks that extend as far as the eye can see – including Kang Yatse. We descend to the vast Nimaling plains where villagers from Hanker – the highest village in the Markha valley graze their yaks throughout the summer months before we establish our camp. Overnight: Tented camp Nimaling

From Nimaling we cross a remote pass that skirts the lower flanks of Kang Yatse before descending to the valley leading to the Zalung La. Overnight: Tented camp intermediary camp 

From camp we gradually ascend across the scant pastures to our camp at the base of the Zalung La. En route there are several swift flowing stream crossings that may necessitate a change of footwear. Overnight: Tented camp Zalung La.

From 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 grassy camp at an abandoned camp at Tsorka. Overnight: Tented camp Tsorka.

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 Lagto Kamlung

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 Leh. It will take the best part of 2 hours to reach the Manali to Leh highway before we ascend to the Tanglang La (5350m) with birds eye views of the Indus valley the best part of 2000 metres below. It’s then a steep descent to the Indus valley and the final 1.5 hours to reach 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.