Ladakh: High Passes of Kharnak
From Leh, we journey through the deep canyons of the Markha Valley past villages, barley fields and ancient monasteries. We branch off to the south following an old trading route into Zanskar across a series of high passes where the scattered Kharnak people still lead a nomadic lifestyle little changed in centuries.
We begin by acclimatising in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, at 3505m. On our first days on trek in the Markha Valley we pass by friendly locals busy with the barley crop, and climb up steeply to a monastery perched on the side of a cliff. There will be time to see how life works in this isolated valley with its hot dry summers and cold cold winters.
Heading south now, we approach the wild and arid land inhabited by the Karnaks, noted for breeding fine horses. A slow climb leads to the Zalung La (5200m) from which the Zanskar and Himalayan ranges open up before us. Ahead lie Ya La (4950m) and Spangmur La (4905m), both on our route.
The Karnaks are largely nomadic and we will pass summer camps and meet isolated shepherds in this high altitude grazing area. With its remote terrain, rocky gorges, high passes and river crossings, this is an adventurous trek in remote country with time to catch a glimpse of the local way of life.