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Spectacular landscapes, remote monasteries, Buddhist treasures, royal palaces
This is a journey of the body and the spirit, travelling into the heart of India's Shangri-La. Ladakh. situated between two of the world's highest mountain ranges - the Karakoram and the Himalayas - we will witness some of the most breathtaking natural scenery, cross desolate plains and mountain passes. This trip through the Valley of Marka is a favourite region for trekkers and you'll understand why this is indeed the last Shangri-La.
Day 1 Delhi India's capital is an exciting, busy, sometimes chaotic city and one of the most interesting. With historical sites from different eras, museums and galleries, shops and endless bazaars, there is more to see and do than we can possibly fit in during our short time here. For those arriving early there is an opportunity to make more discoveries; the ruins of Qutab Minar and Purana Qila, the crafts museum and Birla House (the site of Gandhi's assassination) and Rajpath are all recommended. On our afternoon walk we visit Delhi's oldest mosque the Jama Masjid, built by Shah Jahan of the Taj Mahal fame. We step into Old Delhi with a walk in the bazaars and spice markets, immersing ourselves in the noise and smells of the crowded narrow streets and alleys.
Day 2 Leh This morning we rise early for our flight to Leh the capital of Ladakh (11,500 ft above sea level). Only open to foreign tourists since 1974, Leh has retained that wild west feel. Wander the alleyways of the main bazaar and visit the multi storey Leh Palace, which was the model for the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.
You may experience altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation whilst traveling in Ladakh. This is particularly apparent when arriving in Leh, at just above 3500 metres, so we have allowed time for acclimatization.
Day 3 Alchi/Phyang Leaving Leh by jeep, we journey to Alchi, home to one of the Buddhist World's greatest treasures - Alchi monastery, prized for its well preserved frescos. Along the way we stop to explore the 400 year old mud brick Gompa of Basgo, the old capital of Ladakh.
Day 4 Leh Returning to Leh for one night we will have time to prepare for our trek and stock up on any last minute comforts. Details of the Markha Valley trek are given below. A reminder that all times are approximate and that the program can change at any time due to prevailing weather conditions and the expert knowledge of our trekking guides.
Day 5 - 12 Markha Trek This trek has been one of the most favourite among trekkers for a long time because of the beautiful Valley of Markha overshadowed by Kanyatse and other peaks. The numerous small villages, shepherds camps and passes are main feature of this trek. The trek begins from Spituk and after crossing a number of high mountain passes takes us to the Markha valley before finishing at the world famous Hemis monastery.
Day 5 Leh/Spituk/Zingchen: After breakfast we drive to Spituk and the starting point of the trek bridge. Leaving both the Spituk Monastery and the Indus River behind we trek through flat and desolate plains at the foot of the Stok Mountain. Gradually we leave the view of busy Leh-Srinagar highway and move towards wilderness of Himalaya. Arrive Zingchen through a gorge, which gives you a feeling of complete isolation. Overnight in tent camp at Zingchen. (approx 5 hours)
Day 6 Zingchen to Yurutse: Leaving Zingchen we head for Rumbak. The morning is along a straight forward road taking us to the Hemis National Park - home of the snow leopard, baharal, the marmot and the wolf. Walking through a narrow trail until the valley widens, we enter to Rumbak. Overnight in tent camp at Yurutse below Ganda La Pass. (approx 5 hours)
Day 7 Yurutse to Skiu: From Yurutse we follow a path along the mountain side, then cross a small valley. it is then a steep zig zag path up to cross Ganda La pass (4380m). We have a long descent towards Shingo before we arrive in the valley of Markha and after few
hundred meters you reach Skiu. Overnight in tent camp. (approx 7 hours)
Day 8 Skiu to Markha: From Skiu we follow a good path on the right bank of Markha River. Crossing the river we walk through a barren plain and arrive at Chaluk. After a rest we walk along the bank of the river and then climb towards Markha village. Overnight in tent camp. (approx 8 hours)
Day 9 Markha to Thachungtse: After breakfast we start trekking to reach Tchatchutse via Hankar village. Overnight in tent camp. (approx 6 hours)
Day 10 Thachungtse to Nimaling: This morning we trek towards Nimaling (4900m) which has a sweeping pasture where thousands of sheep, goats, and yaks and graze during the summer months. Rising to the south is 6400m high Kanyatse (Nimaling Peak), a lovely mountain, but not an easy one to climb, Overnight in tent camp. (approx 5 hours)
Day 11 Nimaling to Shang Sumdo: Today we trek to reach our highest point Kongmaru La (5100m). The trek to Kongmaru La passes through narrow gorges. At the top of the pass, you are treated to spectacular views of the Ladakh range and the villages of the Indus valley to the north. We cross the pass and proceed to Shang. Overnight in tent camp. (approx 7 hours)
Day 12 Shang Sumdo to Hemis: The last day of the trek starts from the riverbed. We then follow a good path before reaching a dusty trail. Our last gentle rising trail brings us to Hemis. We will spend time visiting this very famous monastery. Overnight tent camp. (approx 6 hours)
Day 13 Leh After a well earned sleep we have our final drive back to Leh via Thiksey and Shey Palaces. We will Arrive back in Leh in the afternoon where we will have a time to reminisce about our achievements.
Day 14 Departure Day on the morning of day 14 we catch our flight back to Delhi where this trip finishes.
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Accomodation
Simple hotels or small basic guesthouses (5 nights), camping (8 nights)
Transport: Flight, jeeps, bus, walking
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