Summer Trekking in the Himalaya

Overnight flight to Delhi.

On arrival at Delhi you will be met by a representative of our local ground agents and transferred to your hotel in Delhi. Overnight at the Radisson SAS Airport Hotel (Room Only)

An early start as you need to check in for your flight to Leh. On arrival at Leh you will be transferred to your accommodation where we strongly advise you to have complete rest for the next 24 hours as you are now at an altitude of 3500m (11500ft). Stay 4 Nights at the Grand Dragon Hotel (Bed and Breakfast)

The ancient city of Leh is surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of snowcapped Himalayan peaks. Small enough to easily explore by foot, the town is dominated by the crumbling palace which looms over the city against a deep blue sky. The people of Leh are incredibly welcoming and warm smiles will greet you wherever you are. The visitor season is brief with the snows making it an inhospitable destination between late October and May. (Breakfast)

A full day excursion to the monasteries at Shey, Thikse and Hemis has been arranged for today, along with a tour of the town of Leh, the capital of the Ladakh region. You will be accompanied by a guide. An early start is recommended so you can catch the morning prayers at Thiksey Monastery. This evening we will arrange a traditional Ladakhi dinner hosted by a local family. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Today you'll be collected from your hotel and taken towards the Zanskar River to do the Phey – Nimoo route - it’s mostly Grade II or III. The main attraction of the run is that it passes through astoundingly beautiful mountains, with tiny villages and imposing old monasteries nestling among the valleys. The run starts at Phey and ends about 36 km from Leh, at the confluence of Ladakh’s two main rivers - the Indus and the Zanskar. Return to the hotel at the end of the day. (Breakfast and Lunch)

This morning you will drive an hour or so to Zingchen to begin your trek. You are accompanied by a trekking guide and porters.

The trail from Zinchen ascends gradually all the way along the Rumbak Nala towards Rumbak, the largest village in the valley. You follow the well-marked trail on the banks of the river past cultivated fields and scattered houses. Further along the river until you reach Rumbak where you can see the snow capped peaks of the Stok mountains. Total trekking time 6 hours (approx 15kms), altitude ranging from 3530 - 4180m. Overnight Camping (Full Board)

Today you follow the trail beside the river until the valley widens. Here you can see Golden Eagle nests up in the rocks. the high pint of the trek today is the Ganga La pass (4985 mts). You will have a spectacular view of Stok Kangri massif on a clear day. From here descend to the village of Shingo for overnight camping. Total time 7 hours (approx 17kms), altitude range 4180 - 4985m. Overnight Camping (Full Board)

Break camp and join the trail. A gradual descent followed by a steep climb gets us to the Ganda La pass (4906m). From here there is a fabulous view of white-fringed mountains merging into the distant ranges of the Karakorum. The trail descends steadily to the head of the Skiu Valley. and you follow the trail as it leaps from bank to bank all the way to the village of Skiu on the banks of the Lower Markha. Since Skiu is only at about 3660m and the Markha Valley is quite narrow, the temperature is higher here. Total time 6 hours (approx 16kms), altitude range 4985 - 3660m. Overnight Camping (Full Board)

Cross the river and trek up to Markha village. This is the longest valley - a beautiful oasis of terraced green fields and small irrigation canals. At dusk it is worth walking along the trail where the Skiu Nala meets the Markha to visit the small monastery. This is cared for by an old nun, who comes every morning and evening to light the butter lamps at the altar of Chamba - the Future Buddha. Total time 5 hours (approx 10kms), altitude range 3660 - 3200m. Overnight Camping (Full Board)

A very pleasant walk up one of the loveliest sections of the Markha valley. Woody bushes grow thickly along the river, which is spanned by several bridges over which the trail marches to Hankar village from where we get a good view of Gyalpo-Ri peak. Tonight's camp is beyond this small village on the bank of the river. Camp overnight. total time 6 hours (approx. 15kms), altitude range 3200 - 3600m. Overnight Camping (Full Board)

The trail climbs narrow valley, past villages, smaller and seemingly poorer than those in the lower areas. The Nimaling plain is a broad undulating meadow, sloping upwards to the base of the ice-clad Kang Yatse, (6,553m), which dominates the area. Nimaling provides pasturage in the summer for an astonishing number of animals; yaks, sheep, goats, dzos and horses, not only from the Markha, but also from surrounding villages. Himalayan marmots and white-tailed hares are seen in plenty and it is not unusual to spot the occasional blue sheep or wolf. Total time 6 hours (approx. 16kms), altitude range 3500 - 4800m. Overnight Camping (Full Board)

Crossing to the north of the Markha, climb to the top of the highest of the three passes, the 5,400m Kangmaru La with its wonderful views from the top. Snow peaks in every direction and on a clear day the giants of the Karakoram, including K2 can be seen on the north-western horizon. The trail then descends steeply to the confluence of the Shang Nala and the Martselang. your car will be waiting here to take you back to Leh (1hr drive).  Overnight at your hotel in Leh. Total time 7hrs (approx. 17kms), altitude 4800 - 3600m. (Breakfast and Lunch)

This morning depart early from your hotel to check in for your flight to Delhi. Overnight at the Radisson Sas Airport Hotel (Breakfast)

A final transfer has been arranged for you to the airport for your flight home.