Trek Through the Markha Valley

Welcome to India! Your driver will welcome you at New Delhi Airport and drive you to your hotel. Step outside and take in the sights and sounds of India’s capital city. Take a city tour by taxi or tuk-tuk to visit some of Delhi’s must-see monuments. Lose yourself in the alleys of Old Delhi, in the middle of the spice market, the Great Mosque - Jama Masjid and the Red Fort, dating back to the Mughal era. At the end of the day, return to your hotel to rest before your early journey the following morning to Ladakh, nicknamed “Little Tibet”.

Wake up early to catch your flight to Ladakh. This flight is a truly unforgettable spectacle, one of the most beautiful in the world. Open your eyes and admire the splendid view of the Himalayan mountain range. Before even setting a foot on Ladakhi soil you will already be charmed by this region. Upon arrival at Leh Airport you will be welcomed by our Shanti Travel team on-site. Your driver then takes you to your bed and breakfast where you can spend your first day in Leh resting and acclimatizing to the altitude. Remember to hydrate yourself and keep physical effort to a minimum.

Bed and breakfast at 3,500 metres

Today is a free day to acclimatise and discover the charm of Leh. This day of acclimatization is necessary to ensure the smooth running of your trip and to start your trek in good conditions. The city of Leh, dominated by its royal palace, was an important crossroad of trade and civilisation. There is a great diversity in architecture, art, religion and in the faces of its inhabitants. Stroll the streets of the old Bazaar and the old town, taste some local specialities and do some shopping. The local crafts are rich with different influences. Discover the local pashmina, cashmere wool that is known throughout the world. Night at the bed and breakfast.

This morning, you leave Ladakh by car towards the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. You go up the magnificent gorge formed by the Zanskar River that leads you to Chilling, the starting point of your trek in Ladakh. You begin your adventure by crossing the river with the help of a small zipline. On the other side, our local team will be waiting for you, including the muleteer and his flock of mules, who will accompany you on your trip through Ladakh. You walk through the Shingi Nala Valley along the Markha River to the village of Skyu where you make your first camp of the trek.

Camp at 3,350 metres / 2-3h walk / +189 metres / - 18 metres

Early this morning, you have breakfast at the camp before visiting the small monastery of Skyu. Attached to the great monastery of Hemis, this monastery follows the Tibetan Buddhist stream of Kagyupa teachings. You start your long day of trekking in a green valley that contrasts with the aridity typical of Ladakh. You pass some small traditional villages including the one of Kaya where you will have the opportunity to stop and drink a salted butter tea with the locals. Enjoy a leisurely walk to reach the charming village of Shingo.

Camp at 4,200 metres / 4h-5h walk

Today, a big day of trekking in Ladakh awaits you with the crossing of the famous Ganda-la Pass. After some effort, the reward is worth it - at the top, the view of the Himalayan range is spectacular. You continue with a pleasant descent to the village of Rumbak. Since 1981, this village, as well as that of Markha, have been included in a protected nature reserve. These desert regions of high altitude shelter unique flora and fauna. Home of the famous snow leopard, there are also some ibex, Tibetan antelopes, marmots, and many bharal - magnificent ibex of the Himalayas.

Camp at 4,100 metres / 5h-6h walk

After waking up in the enchanting setting of the village of Rumbak, you will leave on the paths of Ladakh with your local team. It is a demanding day's walk as you cross another altitude pass, the Stock-La, culminating at 4,900 metres. The climb is long and steep to reach the summit. Upon crossing of the pass, everyone sings triumphantly "Kiki Soso Lhagyalo", a local tradition to celebrate the challenge. You continue your trek in Ladakh amidst fabulous scenery until you reach Lchangma Chan to set up your camp for the night.

Camp at 3,900 metres / 6h-7h walk

After breakfast, you walk north towards Matho-La, another mythical pass of the Markha region. After an hour of descent, you set up camp in the green pastures of Matho Phu.

Camp / 7h-8h walk

After breakfast, you leave the Matho Phu camp and continue up the right side of the valley. A few river passes later and after the ascent of Shang La at 4,950 metres, you arrive near Pullu, in Shang where you set up your camp.

Camp / 5h-6h walk

Today, you wake up for your last morning trek. A short walk of 2 hours along the banks of the river leads you to the village of Shang Shumdo. A car will be waiting to bring you to Leh. It's time to say goodbye and warmly thank your local team, guide, cook and muleteer, who accompanied you throughout your trek in Ladakh. On the way, you visit the monastery of Hemis, the most important monastery of Ladakh. Before arriving at Leh, you make another stop at the Thiksey Monastery, known for its resemblance to the Potala Palace of Lhasa in Tibet. Return to your bed and breakfast for a well deserved hot shower.

Bed and Breakfast at 3,500 metres / 3h walk / + 80m / -120m

Today, you enjoy your last day in this enchanting town to rest and stroll. Why not do some shopping? Browse the old bazaar to discover local Tibetan or Kashmiri handicrafts, ideal for finding souvenirs to bring back to your loved ones. Take a trip to Samkar Monastery, in the heights of Leh, then have lunch at one of our recommended restaurants in Leh. At the end of the day, meet our Ladakh-based expert during the summer season to discuss your trip together. Share one last convivial evening on the roof of the world facing Stok Kangri.

Bed and breakfast at 3,500 metres

Depending on your flight schedule, choose how you will spend your last moments in India. Why not treat yourself to an Indian Ayurvedic massage? Based on the principle of rebalancing the energies of the body, this treatment is ideal after trekking in Ladakh. Your driver is at your disposal for the entire day. You can visit India Gate, the gateway to India which is considered the equivalent of the Indian Arc de Triomphe, or the incredible Humayun Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your driver will then accompany you to the airport for your international flight. End of our services.