Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi airport met our representative and then transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 02: Delhi - Leh
Early in the morning drive to domestic airport to catch internal flight to Leh. The hour long spectacular and provides close-up views of the 7000 meter-high massifs of Nun and Kun. After arrival at Leh’s 11480 foot-high airfield, on arrival met our representative and then transfer to hotel for relax and acclimatisation. Flying straight into the high altitude of Leh can take your breath away and it is best to concentrate on acclimatizing for the first few days.
Days 03 & 04: Sightseeing in the Indus Valley
Full days of sightseeing. We visit some of the area’s most important monasteries, at Shey and Thikse. The first two of these monasteries occupy hill-top sites, and offer remarkable views across the Indus Valley. Returning to Leh, we will visit the International Society for Ecology and Culture (The Ladakh Project) for a screening of the award winning film “Ancient Futures – Learning from Ladakh” based on the book by Helena Norberg - Hodge. Since 1975 the Ladakh Project has been working with local people on issues of sustainable development in farming and tourism. This film as well as giving invaluable insight into the culture of Ladakh will also help us to interact with Ladakhi and the country as responsible tourists.
Day 05: Leh - Spituk - Zingchan 5 - 6 hrs
From Leh after breakfast, our driving journey near the Indus River, after crossing the Indus before turning right along a bumpy road and then crossing a flat windswept plain towards Spituk. At Spituk on the road head meet our trekking staffs and pack ponies. As soon our staff finishes sorting out the loads on the ponies, we start our walk following the Indus into a narrow valley and reaching soon to the Hemis National Park. Just further is a chorten a Buddhist prayer monument festooned with prayer flags, from here you can have a wonderful views down the Indus gorge. After leaving the Indus River behind and heading into the mountains along the willow-lined Zingchan gorge sometime spelled and pronounced as Zingchan. Finally reaching to our overnight destination to the village Zingchan. Camp is set nearby the village.
Day 06: Zingchan - Rumbak 4 - 5 hrs
Our route follows the Zingchan River upstream. The valley narrows as our walk progress and passing between two rock buttresses, offering wonderful scenery ahead of an impressive jagged ridge. From here after crossing a couple of stream and reaching towards a willow plantation, ahead within a short distance lies the village of Rumbak. Our walk continues towards our overnight camp little further from the Rumbak village to a suitable camping spot after 4-5 hours of good walk.
Day 07: Rumbak - Base of Ganda la 3 - 4 hrs
Morning walk leads upstream to an interesting watermill and a bridge, the watermill used by the local farmers to grind roasted barley, corn and wheat for their basic meal, Tsamba and breads. The mill is propelled by the fresh water current from the nearby. Stream a simple technology, which has remained unchanged in the mid and high Himalaya region for centuries. After crossing the right bank our route diverts to a climb up the valley of a subsidiary stream and towards the small settlement of Yurutse. Our walk leads further from this small settlement of Yurutse at the foot of the Ganda-la.
Day 08: Base of Ganda la - Skiu Approx 6 hrs
An earlier breakfast for the long today, soon after leaving the camp the path climbs steadily to the top of Ganda-La at 4,878 meters, the slope is not that steep but it is a long haul, as the walk continues on the slow uphill a great view of Stok Kangri which dominates the south-eastern skyline. On reaching the pass, a breathtaking view a panorama of white capped peaks merging with the distant Karakoram mountain range. The path descends continuously to the head of the Skiu valley, where several small waterlines joins to form a stream. Trek continues further to the broad grassy shoulders towards the upper valley where it narrows sharply at Shingo a tiny settlement with few houses and farm fields, a lovely for the overnight campsite after a wonderful six hours walk.
Day 09: Skiu - Markha Approx 7 hrs
Heading up the Markha Valley along the Markha River, it is relatively an easy day of walking. All along the way you will be feasted with wonderful views of the valley. Towering prominently above the floor of the Markha Valley ahead lays the spectacular massif of Kang Yatse Peak (6400m). Finally reaching a small village, Markha, with an ancient fort on a hill in ruins. Overnight camp just below the fort by the river.
Day 10: Markha - Tahungtse 5-6 hours
A short climb up to the main village, visit of the small monastery. Descending to the river walking along and crossing the river. Then again re-crossing the river, stopping at the base of the Tetsa Gompa. By late afternoon reaching at Thachungtse for the overnight camp after a lovely walk passing through Umlung on the way.
Day 11: Tahungtse - Nimaling 4-5 hours
Our walk starts following the Markha River again, and the whole day will be filled with wonderful views of Kang Yatse and by several fine Mani walls. Just before Nimaling the valley widens up and arriving at a picturesque pasturelands where we make our overnight camp.
Day 12: Rest day in Nimaling
Today a rest day with optional short hike toward Kang Yatse Glacier. After a late breakfast walk toward the glacier for the magnificent view.
Day 13: Nimaling - Chyushkarmo 6-7 hours
After crossing the river heading up toward the Kongmaru La (5,270m). The highest pass on this trek, leaving behind the Markha Valley. It is a solid walk of around 3 hours to get to the top. On reaching the top a grand view of the Markha valley and never ending array of ridges and to the distant snow capped peaks. After a short rest, a final steep descend and along the way you may come across herds of Blue Sheep. Finally walking along a small stream getting to our overnight camp at Chyuskarmo or Chukirmo. At Chukirmo there’s a hot spring of strong smell of sulphur.
Day 14: Chyushkarmo - Shangpo 6 - 7 hrs
Morning walk to Martselang stream to Chogdo, from here turning west to enter a tributary valley which leads to the Gyuncho La at 4,600m. From here it is downhill all the way to the camp at Shangpo.
Day 15: Shangpo - Ghangpoche 6 - 7 hrs
Today’s walk leads to crossing several small passes through the hidden region, where few trekkers has penetrated. After crossing the Shang-la our route leads to downhill slope towards the Topko River. From here, descend to the overnight camp at Gangpoche for the overnight camp.
Day 16: Ghangpoche - Mankarmo 3 - 4 hrs
Morning trek leads to a gradual uphill towards Mato La at 4,860m and descending into the valley towards north of Stok. One of the most spectacular where most of the local shepherds bring their cattle’s of sheep’s and goats and make a temporary settlement of stone huts during the summer months. Chances of seeing a Snow Leopard, known to inhabit around this region. Most likely to see a herd of Blue Sheep or Bharal and Golden Eagles. On reaching Mankarmo.
Day 17: Mankarmo - Stok Kangri Base Camp 2 - 3 hrs
A leisurely short walk to the base of Stok Kangri at 5,000 meter elevation, the walk leads to the grassy meadow reaching towards at the base beneath the towering peak of Stok Kangri. Afternoon optional acclimatizing walk to the top of the ridge above the camp. This is the route that takes us to the top of Stok Kangri, rewarding you with glorious views of Stok Kangri.
Day 18: Climb Stok Kangri
An early start before dawn climbing to the pass above our camp and then cro0ssing a glacier then heading up scree and boulder slopes. On the final section of the climb it might involve use of crampons and an ice axe depending upon the ice and snow condition towards an angled snow slopes to the summit. Although the climb to the summit is less technical, however the altitude will make the climb very strenuous. At the top you will be rewarded with magnificent panorama with the Indus Valley and Leh in the far distance, towards the north an impressive array of peaks which stretching from the Karakoram to Tibet.
Day 19: Trek back to Stok Village and drive to Leh
After a memorial adventure, our route descend on an easy path and crossing of small pass into the Stok Valley and then towards Stok village passing through fields of barley and buckwheat. The final walking day will take about 3-4 hours. On reaching Stok Village at the road head, then driving back to Leh, with afternoon free for individual activities.
Day 20: Free day in Leh
A great place to be here at the end of the great adventure of a life time, a leisure day for optional walk around the busy colorful bazaar of Leh.
Day 21: Leh - Delhi
Morning after breakfast as per the flight schedule, transfer to the Leh Airport for the flight back to Delhi, on arriving Delhi transfer to the Delhi. Optional guided tour on request.
Day 22: Delhi Departure
Transfer to the airport for the flight back home.
Trip & Services Ends Here
