- 9 days
- India
- Trekking
This trek takes place between Lamayuru and Alchi, and it is an excellent combination of ancient Buddhist monasteries and the natural beauty of Ladakh.
Key Information
Summer trekking in the Markha Valley
In India, trekking through the Markha valley of Ladakh involves crossing over two high passes, Gandala at 4980 meters and Gongmaru-la at 5100 meters. The trekking trail passes through a vast swathe of high altitudes sheltered from the Indian monsoon’s rain-bearing clouds, making it an ideal summer trekking destination in the Himalayas.
Food and nutrition on the trek
We are pioneers in gastronome trekking in the Himalayas. We provide a varied, exciting menu on treks throughout the Himalayas. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals can be catered for upon request, and other special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.
Trekking is not only fun, but it is beneficial for you. It helps in detoxifying the body while also nourishing the soul. Although to provide a better experience, we also tailor our meals to include superfoods as part of the ingredients to keep you fit and healthy while also assisting in acclimatization to high altitudes. The combination of hiking in the pristine mountain air and healthy food makes trekking with us a complete adventure. Read More on Food and nutrition on our treks.
Why Choose Us?
- Our expert trek leader will ensure your safety while enhancing your trekking experience.
- Your private social bubble by staying in less busy lodges and trekking away from the crowded trails where possible.
- Experience the Himalayas in style.
- Your food is prepared with superfood ingredients to give the best nourishment, recovery, and acclimatization to high altitude for our Wellness gourmet trekking adventures.
Detailed Itinerary
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Arrive in Delhi around midnight. Our Indira Gandhi International airport representative will meet you and transfer you to the domestic terminal to connect to Leh. Our representative will bring you to the domestic terminal and brief you on your flight to Leh.
Arrive, Leh, take it easy. We will go for an orientation walk in the afternoon into town.
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A full day’s sightseeing tour. We visit some of the area’s most important monasteries at Shey and Thikse monasteries, for example.
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Today, we drive up to the Khardung La 5380 m, one of the world’s highest road passes. Great views of the Karakoram peaks, then return to the hotel in Leh.
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Drive to Spituk Monastery; begin trek camp at Jingchen 3400 m. It is just a short drive via Spituk Monastery and the start of our trek at Lato. We have a relaxing first day via the Jingchan Gorge to our camp at Rumbak 3800 m.
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Trek to Ganda-La Base 4650 m. Another short day of trekking as we pass through the village of Yurutse to a camp at the base of the Ganda La pass 4380 m.
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Trek to Shingo Via Ganda-La Pass 4890 m. Today, we make the steep hike up to the Ganda La 4900 m and a short 5-hour trek to Shingo. On this day, we will miss most of the other trekkers as they go further on a rather long day till Skiu.
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We start our morning trekking downhill in the deep gorge till we reach the Markha Valley at Skiu. Then, we will walk along a flattish path to a lesser-used camping ground again, avoiding most of the other trekkers.
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Usually, another long day for most trekkers is shortened by the previous day’s walk. The trek beside the Markha River leads through several isolated hamlets to Markha Village 3800 m.
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Still following the river and crossing it on several occasions, we trek past the highest village in the valley at Hangkar, continuing to Tachungtse. We camp much higher than all the other trekkers, giving us a sense of achievement.
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We leave the last of the settlement behind today and trek up onto the Nimaling Plains to a camp 4600 m beneath the peak of Kang Yatze.
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Trekking on a zig-zag trail, we cross the Kongmaru La 5100 m and descend through a rocky gorge to Chuskirmo.
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Descending the steep, rocky valley to Hemis, there is time to explore this important monastery before returning to Leh’s hotel.
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Fly back to Delhi, and the tour ends, or you can extend with one night in Delhi to a couple of nights’ extensions to visit the Taj Mahal at Agra.
Cost Includes:
- ‘A’ class hotel in Leh
- All meals, as mentioned on the trip, as mentioned.
- Experienced regional leader or hire Raj
- Porters or pack animals on the trek
- Trek permit
- Park fees
- Staff insurance
- Non a/c transport
- Accommodation a mentioned in the program.
- Sightseeing as indicated
Cost Excludes:
- International airfare and airport tax
- Hotel in Delhi. The cost of a hotel room in Delhi ranges from US$50 to a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the standard chosen.
- Internal airfare for Delhi / Leh / Delhi sector in economy class. The airfare can cost from US$60 to $500, perhaps even higher each way. July and August are the busiest months. Therefore, it is best to book the flights in advance.
- Travel Insurance
- Any extra activities & optional tours
- Riding horse during the trek
- Personal bills like drinks, bar & beverages, tips, telephone, laundry, any additional and optional trips than the above, etc.
- Anything which is not included in the includes section
- Tips (suggested amount US$75 per week for staff only; leader’s tips at your discretion)
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A Responsible promise
Despite the exceptional circumstances in which we find ourselves at the moment, we don’t want you to give up your holiday – and we want you to be able to book your trip without any worries.
To provide additional security for your booking, we have introduced a new rebooking and cancellation policy so that you can easily rebook or cancel your trip free of charge if the worst comes to the worst.
Free Cancellation With the Responsible Promise 100% Money-Back Guarantee
For new bookings made between May 10th 2021, and December 31st 2022, you may cancel your complete package (activities, hotels, tours, excl. flight) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure and get 100% of your money back. However, to stay flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.
Complete flexibility on your booking
Stay flexible with our new rebooking service until shortly before your departure. For new bookings made between May 10th and December 31st, 2021, you may rebook your package (activities, hotels, tours) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure (subject to availability). Rebooking is only allowed once, and you must inform us 30 days before your planned departure. Any additional costs incurred due to changes in your schedule or upgrades, such as additional fees in high season or upgrades to your accommodation, will still apply. To remain flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.
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Trek FAQÂ
MFrom3 years old to some in their 70s, most of our clients have completed their treks with almost no exercise or training.
Do you offer hotel/airport pick-up?
We offer hotel and airport pick-up. As you continue with your booking, there will be an option to input flight details or hotel names.
Do I need a visa?
All foreign nationals who want to enter India must possess a valid international travel document such as a passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad. All visa applicants are requested to apply for the Indian visa online by filling out the online application form.The duly signed hard copy of the completed application form will be submitted at the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to the Indian Mission or Post. The instructions to fill out the form and appointment scheduling can be seen in the Regular Visa Application Instructions. In addition, the applicant must bring the referral number and the required documents on the interview’s scheduled date.
The status of the visa application can be checked on the link for Visa Enquiry. The applicants are also requested to visit the website of the Indian Mission for detailed information about the Indian visa.
What should I bring on a Trek?
Being adequately equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip, please see our Clothing and Equipment Guide.
Also, see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.
If you have more questions, please check this article to reference equipment to pack or contact us.
Is this trip safe for solo/female/LGBT+/minority/POC travelers?
You are safe as long as you respect the culture, do not show affection in public, and dress decently (this won’t pose too much problem as you will be covered up in layers to stay warm).Here are some helpful articles:
Am I too old to go trekking?
Should I bring cash or ATM cards?
What to pack for a trek?
Do I need to train for a trek?
What is a typical day on a trek like?
What is the food like on the trek?
The Benefits of using trekking poles.
What do I need to know about high altitudes?
High altitude myths.
How to trek safely?
For more articles, you can go to our blogs.