Images: Ladakh India by Ace Kvale
Summit of the world, Ladakh, India is truly the Himalaya's last unspoiled region. Unlike its neighbors, Ladakh has a long history of peace and prosperity. Culturally and physically it can be considered an extension of Buddhist Tibet. Central to its beauty and ambiance is that it did not suffer the devastation of the Cultural Revolution. Its Monasteries, temples, villages and customs remain intact and await, and invite, our exploration.
Ladakh rests on the western end of the Himalaya and is comprised of four mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya, Zanskar, Ladakh and the Karakoram. It is a maze of enormous snow-capped peaks and is home to the largest glacier outside of the Polar Regions, the Siachen. Valley heights range between 8,000 and 15,000 feet above sea level, while the neighboring summits rise above 25,000 feet.
Throughout our thirteen day exploration of the range we will experience elegant hotels in Delhi and the finest accommodations in Leh, the capital of Ladakh and a vibrant, bustling village with fascinating bazaars, temples and shrines. While on the trek proper, we will enjoy five-star camping with the best (new) Marmot outdoor equipment. The trek is supported by a large ground support staff and ponies.
Ryder Walker guides attend to your every need on and off the trail. The cuisine enjoyed on the trek is only one of many highlights with expert local chefs using local produce. Their creativity has to be experienced to be believed.
The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most beautiful and varied in the world, and our itinerary allows for appropriate acclimatization before ascending the higher reaches of this magical land.
Tour Highlights:
- Magazine cover scenery and eye popping views of some of the world's tallest mountain ranges and peaks.
- A genuine high mountain experience. This is raw trekking at it's finest.
- A chance to wander through villages that still remain untouched by the modern world.
- Vivid explorations and insights into the Buddhist culture of the Himalaya.
- Delicous food and comfortable accommodation provided by a peace-loving people who pride themselves on mountain hospitality.
Day 1 Arrive Delhi. Meet and transfer to our five star hotel. Meet for a welcome orientation and dinner.
Day 2 Begin the day with a beautiful flight over the Himalaya to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Private transport will deliver us to our comfortable hotel where a traditional Himalayan welcome at 11,000 feet awaits. Spend the day sightseeing and acclimatizing in our comfortable mountain home. The small village of Leh offers a variety of sightseeing opportunites, shops and restaurants.
Day 3 We'll enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Leh including a visit to the Stok Palace Museum & Shey Palace. An afternoon visit to the Thiksey monastery will finish the day. Return to Leh to rest, sightsee, and continue acclimatization.
Day 4 A transfer by jeep begins the day in Leh as we move to the bridge at Chilling and meet the Ponymen. Hike to Skyu and a lovely campsite. Here we have an opportunity to visit the local monastery. (5 hours of hiking). Camp at Skiu (11,200 feet)
Day 5 A long but gentle day takes us to the village of Markha, one of the few permanent settlements in the valley. We'll have the evening to explore the village and share a cup of tea with the locals. (7hours of hiking) Camp at Markha. (12,200 feet)
Day 6 Hiking to Thachungste includes two crossings of the Markha river and a visit to the Hankar Yokma village and Umlung Monastery with outstanding views. (5 hours of hiking) Camp at Thachungtse. (12,300 feet)
Day 7 Views of the Kangyaste Peak (21,000 feet) will greet us as we spend the day hiking through one of the most beautiful valleys of Ladakh. The valley will narrow as we gain altitude and eventually pass beautiful pastures as we enter Nimaling and our camp for the evening. (5-6 hours of hiking) Camp at Nimaling. (15,000 feet)
Day 8
A rest day is spent in this good and high alpine campsite with superb views of the surrounding high peaks of the Kang Yatze massif. These are the highest peaks in the region and we have a few hiking options available for those who wish (including an ascent to the Kang Yatze Base Camp). Return to Nimaling camp.
Day 9 A mountainside climb and several easy river crossings will lead us to Gongmaru La and a heightof 15,540 feet. Tonight we'll enjoy the best campsite of the trip. (7 hours of hiking) Camp at Chogdo (13,100 feet)
Day 10 A gentle half a day of descent takes us to Shang Sumdo. We are descending back into civilization and pass a traditinal himalayan school and farms. Here we meet our jeep for a 1.5 hour transfer to Leh. On the way we will stop and visit the Hemis monastery. Return to our lovely hotel.
Day 11
This is the perfect day to explore Leh now that we understand to finer elements of the Ladakh culture and high country. For those who can't get enough hiking there are lovely short hikes up to a local Chorten with excellent views of the high peaks and the circuit we have just trekked.
Day 12 Transfer to Delhi on an early morning flight. Overnight in Delhi five star hotel.
Day 13 Depart (it may be possible to depart on the afternoon or evening of the 7th if your schedule
demands).
