Stok Kangri and Markha Valley Trail

The former capital of the 17th-century Mughal emperor Shan Jahan, Delhi is a magnificent fusion of grandiose architecture and vibrant chaos, centred around the Chandni Chowk Bazaar, a cacophony of noise, colour and deafening barter – quintessential India! Your sightseeing tour will also take in the spectacular Jami Masjid, the largest mosque in India, from the top of which you can get a clear view of the colonial designs of Edward Lutyens, recalling a very different era of Delhi’s history.

After your tour, return to your hotel. Dinner this evening to own account.

Leh is located over 3,000m above sea level, and so you can expect to feel the impact of altitude on arrival. This afternoon, you’re free to relax and adjust to the climate, or you might like to explore the hotel surroundings and local bazaar.

The heart of Leh, the bazaar attracts a daily throng of traditionally-attired locals selling fresh produce and textiles while exchanging gentle banter between themselves and with passers-by.

After exploring the town, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

This morning you’ll have the chance to explore its unique culture and history on a guided sightseeing tour, beginning with the Shey Monastery and Palace complex.

Until the 16th century, Shey was a royal residence as well as a place of worship (the Kings of Leh were typically born in monasteries). The hilltop complex is no longer used, and many of the structures are derelict, but Shey retains much of its beauty, as well as being home to the largest statue of Maitreya Buddha in Ladakh.

From Shey your tour will continue to the monasteries of Thikse, one of the finest examples of Ladakhi architecture, and Hemis, among the richest, largest and most famous gompas in Ladakh. With luck, whilst visiting one of these beautiful monasteries you will have the opportunity to witness a Buddhist prayer ceremony.

After the morning’s sightseeing and a stop for lunch, embark on a warm-up hike to Leh Palace & Tsemo Gompa.

A miniature version of the Potala in Lhasa, Leh Palace was built in the 17th century and had nine storeys. Though now dilapidated and deserted, it remains a marvel, thanks to its stunning location.

From the Palace it is a short walk to Tsemo Gompa. Built in the early 15th-century by King Tashi Namgyal, this iconic gompa (a shrine, or monastery) perches dramatically on Namgyal Tsemo Peak, surveying the town below. The monastery contains a giant golden idol of Maitrieya Buddha, and painted frescoes detailing Buddhist legends. The fort above this gompa is in ruins, but it offers beautiful views of Leh. After the tour, if you feel like exploring further you can continue on to Sankar monastery and to the Japanese Peace Pagoda, before returning to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Khardung La (‘La’ meaning ‘pass’ in Tibetan) connects Leh and the Karakoram range, including the Nubra and Shyok Valleys. Formerly it served as a trade route and ran as far as Kashgar in central Asia, a legacy which is still visible in the wild Bactrian camels that reside in the area.

In the afternoon, return to Leh and then walk to Shanti Stupa. The view from this stupa is spectacular, taking in the town of Leh, the Indus Valley and River, and the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Leaving Leh at 9am, you can expect to arrive in Chilling in time for lunch, with the rest of the afternoon free to relax or explore the village, which is famous for its copper work.

This evening you camp outside Chilling, ready for the stat of the trek tomorrow morning.

Optional river rafting: this morning you also have the option of white water rafting on the Indus River, en route to Chilling. The rafting lasts approx. 3 hours on grade 2 rapids and should be booked in advance – please enquire with us about costs.

The Zanskar River flows from the Sarchu Plateau in Himachal Pradesh. Over many millennia it has cut a wide gorge through the Western Himalayas, and its this route which you’ll follow today. The Zanskar River flows in torrential rapids, and you’ll need to cross it by means of box and cable bridge.

On crossing the river, you’ll continue through the valley to reach the village of Skiu, situated near the Markha River.

Overnight camping in Skiu.

Ladakhi scenery is exceptional – wherever there is a water source or a small stream you can expect to see beautiful green vegetation, seeming all the more precious amidst the otherwise barren hills.

Gradually climbing the valley, you’ll eventually spy the village of Shingo ahead, which is the sign that your camp is not far away. You camp tonight just beyond the village at the base of Ganda La.

If you are feeling up to it, you can take an extra walk of approx. 1 hour over the ridge to reach a higher view point. Then, it’s an easy descent towards the base of the mountain, passing through the beautiful valley and Yurutse village, before eventually reaching Rumback village. Overnight camping outside Rumback.

After reaching the high pass at approx 4,900m, you’ll have time to rest and enjoy the views before finishing the day with a gentle descent to Mankorma, a summer shepherds’ encampment.

Overnight camping at Mankarmo.

There is little height gain today. As you’ll likely be feeling the effects of altitude, take it slowly and use today as a chance to acclimatise. Expect to reach Low Base Camp in time for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax at camp.

This afternoon you’ll have a chance to try your climbing equipment, including crampons and ice axe, ready for tonight’s summit attempt.

Then, get a good night’s rest ready for the early AM start.

The summit is a superb reward for your efforts, giving you magnificent views in every direction. From the top, the city of Leh appears so small that you can barely see it. After a rest and photo opportunity, you’ll begin your descent (3-4 hours) back to Advanced Base Camp, where celebratory refreshments will be served! Afterwards, provided you feel fit to continue, you’ll carry on down the trail to Low Base Camp (1-2 hours), where dinner and rest awaits.

NB. If the weather is poor today or you are personally unable to summit, day 14 has been left free to provide the opportunity for a second summit attempt. If a second attempt is not needed, you will return to Leh on day 14 to rest and relax after your challenge.

The trail runs besides a stream and pasture, where blue sheep, ibex & marmots are often seen. You’ll feel a change in the altitude as you descend, hopefully with a spring in your step!

The vehicle(s) will meet you at the end of the trail for the transfer back to Leh (45 mins). Once back in Leh, check-in at your hotel for a well-deserved hot shower and rest.

OR in case you were unable to summit on Day 13, use this day to attempt the summit once again.

OR Pack up camp after breakfast and trek out of the valley and back to Stok village and on to Leh.

After check-in you have the rest of the day for shopping and/or sightseeing.