Category: Moderately Easy Adventure.
We leave Leh to Chilling by jeep in the morning on the rugged barren field of Taru. En route we see the confluence of Indus and Zanskar River, where we cross the bridge on the Indus River and follow the Zanskar River on rough road for 2-3 hrs. Crossing the mighty Zanskar River is full of thrill and excitement in a cable trolley. On the other side of the river, we will meet our pony man with the horses. After crossing the small pass, it is an easy walk until Skiu.
Note:
- 50% advance payment confirms your booking.
- We will transport all your belongings for you so that you only have to carry your day pack with camera, water bottle and jacket.
- We serve three meals a day including snacks and drinks. We provide a variety of tasty healthy food including Indian, Chinese and Western meals with lots of vegetables and fruit.
What is included in the tour
- Road transportation from Leh to Leh by car.
- Accommodation in tents on twin share basis during trekking.
- All meals (Day 1 Lunch to Day 5 Lunch)
- All camping gear including tents and sleeping mattress. Kitchen, Dining and toilet tent
- Permits and Entrance fees.
- Good English speaking guide, cooks and porters, mules.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Accommodation and meals in Leh.
- Personal Insurance.
- All alcoholic beverages and personal expenses.
- Good down sleeping bags can be provided at an additional cost of Rs.200 per day.
- River Crossing on a Cable car
- Markha Valley
- Heightest Camping Nimaling at 4700m
- Interaction with locals and insight into their lifestyle
- highest point 5200m
Day 01 :
Drive to Chilling 3300m and trek to Hamurtse 3500m (2 hrs drive & 4-5 hrs trek)
After a hearty breakfast at hotel, we drive to the starting point of our trek, Chilling, a tiny village known for its handmade copper utensils. Shortly after Chilling, we cross the Zanskar River on a newly built road and meet our horsemen and horses ready to take us on our adventure through the Markha Valley. Following the Markha River, we come across the villages of Kaya and Skiu and follow the trail through willow groves, barley fields, narrow gorges and high cliffs, where you can spot the remains of small 'dzongs' (forts). This whole valley is the approach to the lush pastures of the high altitude grazing of Nimaling.
Our camp for tonight is the small pasture ground of Hamurtse. Elevation: +250m -50m
Day 02 :
Hamurtse- Umlung 3900 m (4-5 hrs hike)
The trail continues along the Markha River, with some crossings now and then. We pass the remains of old hermitage caves high on the opposite cliffs. Inside are the remains of tiny caves where lamas once sat in meditation, platforms carved in rock. Look also at the Chortens, inside are piles of tiny 'Tsatsas', the remains of ashes of the departed formed into tiny pyramids. After about 4 hours of hike we reach the village of Markha, the largest village in the valley and inhabited by 20 families. After taking a good rest in the village, we continue along the Markha River and soon come across a mountain that seats the auspicious monastery of Techa. It’s a steep
half an hour climb to the monastery, but it’s worth visiting. From here, it is a short walk to Umlung. Elevation +440m -40m
Day 03 :
Umlung - Thachungtse 4200 m (4-5 hours)
The trail continues along the Markha River, past old stone-mills, a ruined castle and the village of Hankar, the last one in the valley. After leaving the village of Umlung, we will get our first view
of snowy peaks above Nimaling, which will stay in sight until we cross Kongmaru La. Our campsite for tonight will be the lovely green pasture of Thachungste.
Elevation +380m -80m
Day 04 :
Thachungtse - Nimaling 4600 m (3-4 hours)
Today we will gradually climb our way up to Nimaling, where the people of Markha Valley bring their herds of Yaks and sheep to graze during the summer months. Nimaling is the highest camp on the trek providing us with the spectacular views of the snowy peak of Kangyatse (6400 m) and the endless range of mountains that go as far as the eye can see. Elevation +400m -0m
Day 05 :
Nimaling- Shang Sumdo 3750m via Kongmaru La 5200m- Leh (5-6 hrs trek & 1 hr drive)
We will gradually ascend towards our second pass, Kongmaru La. The trail is easy and little steep at the last section. Once on the top we will have wonderful view of the Indus Valley and the Ladakh Range. The descent is quite steep, but will gradually level out as we enter Shang Gorge,
with its fascinating rock formations. More river crossings bar our way before we arrive at the sour-spring of Chhukirmo and further to Chogdo.
The trail becomes easier and the valley opens up as we get closer to the village of Shang Sumdo. Here will be met by our car, waiting to drive us to Leh.
We will say farewell to our horseman and horses and hop in the car to head back to Leh. Guesthouse/ breakfast . Elevation +650m -1500m
