- 13 days
- India
- Trekking
Trekking through the Markha valley of Ladakh in India involves crossing over two high passes, Gandala (4980 m) and Gongmaru-la (5100 m)
Key Information
Summer Trekking in Ladakh, India
The Rupshu region in the southeast of Ladakh is the western fringe of the Chang Tang, a vast plateau that spreads hundreds of kilometres across Tibet. Experience a traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture undisturbed by the Cultural Revolution. Visit active monasteries where monks go about daily, and beautiful artwork enhances rustic interiors. Trek through one of the Greater Himalayas’ most remote areas in a landscape of plunging canyons and verdant river bottoms.
The Rupshu/Changtang region is secluded due to its remoteness. However, it is also home to endangered birds and wildlife that come to mate during the summer. The Changtang or Rupshu region of Ladakh is the continuation of the high-altitude Tibetan plateau. It is home to the semi-nomadic Changpa people who practice animal husbandry, which is dying out.
Food and nutrition on the trek
We are pioneers in culinary 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 altitudes for our Wellness culinary trekking adventures.
Detailed Itinerary
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Arrive in Delhi around midnight. Our representative will meet you, bringing you to the domestic terminal to catch your flight to Leh. Fly to Leh and explore around town, 3500 meters. Overnight in Hotel with breakfast.
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Full-day sightseeing of the Indus Valley. After breakfast, a full-day excursion of Indus valley visiting Shey Palace-Thikse Monastery and Hemis monastery. Overnight Hotel with breakfast.
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Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung-La (5600 m). Enjoy various activities such as walks, visiting monasteries, and a Bactrian camel ride. We visit Sumur Monastery in the afternoon. Overnight in a deluxe tent with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- We drive to Hunder, Diskit, and return to Sumur – after breakfast. We will visit Hunder Monastery and visit Bactrian camels (double humped camels), a breeding farm at Diskit, before returning to Hunder village. Overnight Deluxe Tent with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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After breakfast, we drive to Hunder, Diskit, and return to Sumur. We will visit Hunder Monastery and Bactrian camels (double-humped camels) breeding farm at Diskit before returning to Sumur village. Overnight Deluxe Tent with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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Day 05: We drive after breakfast from Sumur in the Nubra Valley back to Leh. We arrive back in Leh in the afternoon. Overnight Hotel with breakfast.
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Drive to Rumtse on the Leh-Manali highway; camp 4095 meters. Overnight in a tent with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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Rumtse to Kyamar 4383 meter, 4-5 hrs. We hike along the road until we reach the Tourist Bungalow, turn right and walk past the Tourist Bungalow. From here, a small trail leads towards a valley that passes through abandoned army huts. We finally reach close to a river that comes from the right. We cross the river and enter the valley through a fair-weather road. We cross the river again after a few minutes of hike and walk in the same direction. We have to cross another tributary from our right while continuing our trek in the valley that narrows and widens from time to time. Finally, we need to turn north to reach our campsite next to some shepherds’ camp.
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We have two passes to cross today, namely Kyumur La and Mandalchan La. Our ascent starts a few minutes after leaving our campsite, and it is an easy but long climb to the top. We hike on the meadows with lovely wildflowers and wide-open valleys—the trail forks at the top of the pass. We take the left fork, which brings us to Tsokar Lake. We continue our hike to the top of Mandalchan La pass, from where the trail descends steeply to our campsite at Tisaling.
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We start our ascend as soon as we begin our hike today. First, we view Tsokar Lake from the summit of Shibuk La pass. Then, we take the right trail towards the lake. After that, it is an easy descent to the valley floor. Our walk for the day ends when we go behind a hill. We see the settlement of Pangunangu in the distance, and it is not uncommon to see Kiangs – Tibetan Wild Ass in the high-altitude grasslands.
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We have a relatively easy hike along the Lake today. First, we hike eastwards via a road and continue in the same direction from the end of the prayer wall and Stupa. After some time, we see some agricultural fields, and we camp by these fields next to a river.
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We have an easy ascend to the pass, which takes about 1 hour and a half hours to the top. The trail turns to the northeast just after the pass’s summit and goes to a valley. The lovely campsite at the base of the pass is across the river.
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We start climbing towards the Kyamayur La pass 5125 meters, which takes around 2 hours at a slow pace. The final climb is tiring. We go towards the northeast after the pass, which leads to a valley. We ascend to the top of Gyama la and pass 5100 meters from the end of the valley. We get a view of several peaks above 6000 meters from the pass. We hike to the northeast as we descend. We have a couple of river crossings before reaching our campsite for the night at Gyamalhoma.
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Gyamalhoma, where we camped the previous night, is at the base of Korzok pass. We begin our day with an easy climb of two hours along a stream to the top of Korzok la pass. We get a view of the Tsomoriri lake and a panorama of snow-clad peaks from the pass. Next, we have a steep descent to Korzok village. We will see nomad camps near Korzok village during the summer trekking season. We will be camping close to the lake by a lovely freshwater stream.
We can spend the afternoon visiting the village of Korzok, visiting the monastery, visiting the nomads, or chilling out and watching the many migratory birds around Tsomoriri Lake.
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We can walk around the lake while waiting for our support team to wash up and pack the camping gear after breakfast before returning to Leh.
We have a scenic 6-hour drive back to Leh. You can do some last-minute shopping in the afternoon once you get to Leh.
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You will be driven to the Leh airport in time to catch your flight back to Delhi. Our service ends at Leh airport.
Cost Includes:
- ‘A’ class hotel in Leh
- All meals, as mentioned on the trip.
- 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 my 10thh and December 31stt, 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 FAQ
Most of our clients have completed their treks from 3 years old to some in their 70s 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 scheduled date of the interview.
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.