Markha Valley & Summit UT Kangri (6070m)

Arrive Delhi

Welcome to Delhi! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel

Fly to Leh (3,500m)

Early morning transfer to airport for sensational flight over the Himalaya to Leh (3500m). On arrival in Leh, transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude (3,500m). We rest and catch up on some sleep and in the afternoon there will be a gentle orientation walk around Leh and its bazaars.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals included: (Breakfast)

Sightseeing in and around Leh

In the morning, visit Spituk and Phyang monasteries near Leh. Spituk is built on a hill and offers panoramic views of the Indus Valley. It follows the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Buddhism. Phyang is about 16 km from Leh, belongs to the Drikung Kagyu sect, and was founded in 1515 CE. It holds old manuscripts and statues. After breakfast we drive along the Indus Valley to Shey where we stop and visit the old Royal Palace and temple with a 2 storey gilded Buddha. From Shey we have a pleasant warm up walk across the fields to Tikse monastery. Set high above the village this is one of the most magnificent monasteries in Ladakh. After a late lunch we drive back to Leh.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals included: (Breakfast)

Acclimatisation walk in Leh valley

Today we will take a circular walk of the Leh Valley. We make our way past Leh Palace and up to Tsemo Hill, with great views over Leh. We descend past the large Lamdon School and walk across the valley to the Shanti Stupa, a beautiful white domed stupa with great views of Leh and the peaks across the valley. Built in the 1990’s by Japanese monks it was part of a mission to promote world peace. We descend back to Leh for lunch and the afternoon is free to explore Leh. There will be a full trek briefing today. There is also the opportunity to do an early morning jeep drive to the Khardung La, one of the highest motorable road passes on earth at over 5,000m. This is an optional trip which you can book and pay for locally. (If you do the jeep trip in the morning, you can do the walk later in the day).

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals included: (Breakfast)

Into the Markha Valley (3750m)

Time to head for the mountains! We drive to the village of Sara at the head of the Markha Valley. After lunch we follow the Markha River upstream through Chalak to Markha, the largest village in the Hemis National Park. We spend our first camping and get to know our trekking crew. Mornings and evenings will present you with the most breathtaking views of softly lit mountains towering above, endless panoramic vistas and chance encounters with the local wildlife. Evening walk around the village and visit the monastery.

Accommodation: TENTS

Meals included: (Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner)

Driving: 4 hrs

Hiking: 2-3 hrs / 10km / 200m ↑

Markha to Thachungtse (4250m)

We continue following the Markha River, crossing it a couple of times – there might be bridges or we might have to paddle. Rounding a corner, we stop off at the precariously positioned Tache Gompa, another stunning Buddhist monastery perched on a seemingly inaccessible cliff top but reached via a short, steep climb. We can admire the incredible views down the valley before continuing on, to Hankar village for lunch. After lunch a side valley takes us past the ruins of Hankar Fort before descending into the Upper Hankar and further to a stream-side camp. Stunningly remote, the camp here is often shared with the resident Himalayan blue sheep.

Accommodation: TENTS

Meals included: (Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner)

Hiking: 6-7hrs • 15km • 500m ↑

Thachungtse to Nimaling (4854m)

Today is a shorter half day walk as we gain altitude. The trail climbs steeply to a plateau where the valley opens out. Ahead we have spectacular views of Kang Yatse (6400m), the highest peak in the valley. People do not live permanently in this region, but during the summer months the shepherds bring their flocks of goats, sheep and dzos (a hybrid of cow and yak) to graze on the pastures. Throughout the summer, the shepherds stay in stone shelters – you can often buy local yogurt from them. We will reach Nimaling by lunchtime and your trek crew will set up the camp. In the afternoon, there is time to explore the Kang Yatse region behind the campsite as further acclimatisation.

Accommodation: TENTS

Meals included: (Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner)

Hiking: 4 -5 hours / 8km / 600m ↑

Nimaling to Chaktsang (4700m)

A tough day today as we cross our first pass. The trail takes us further up the valley and over the Lalung La (5300m), with jaw-dropping views of the snow-topped peaks of three six-thousanders, Dzo Jongo, Kang Yatse and Regoni Malari, as your reward. Look out for the high-altitude glaciers that are the main water source for the people of the Markha Valley. Descending the other side of the pass we reach our spectacular camp at Chaktsang, surrounded by wonderful rock formations.

Accommodation: TENTS

Meals included: (Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner)

Hiking: 5 - 6 hrs / 13km / 470m ↑ 620m ↓

Chaktsang to Lato (4000m)

Another challenging day of up and down awaits. We start with a steep climb over the Chaktsang La Pass (5200m) and then we contour round the valley before dropping into a side gorge. We now descend all the way to Lato. There will be several river crossings this afternoon so you will need to carry your river crossing shoes. We camp at Lato and the valley from which you will approach UT Kangri. You have now left the traditional Markha Valley trail and have several days of quieter paths where you'll be joined only by nomadic herders and intrepid mountaineers. Tonight's camp is situated on the Kyamur River on the quiet outskirts of Lato village.

Accommodation: TENTS

Meals included: (Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner)

Hiking: 5 - 6 hrs / 18km / 500m ↑ 1200m ↓

Lato to Rumtse Phu (4854m)

Having completed the trek through the Markha Valley, and now well-acclimatised to the higher altitudes, it's time to ascend the Lato Valley on the approach to UT Kangri. Your trail follows old nomadic routes between several farming villages, exploring more of the traditional Ladakhi culture on your way to Rumtse Phu. Here, the locals are known for their horse riding and traditional dance of Gya-Pa-Cho. Although still in remote, high mountain terrain, both the villages of Lato and Rumtse Phu are connected by road, so we may have to cross the road several times today.

Accommodation: TENTS

Meals included: (Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner)

Hiking: 5 - 6 hrs / 17km / 850m ↑

Trek up to UT Kangri Base Camp (5300m)

Tackle the short but steep morning walk up to base camp where you'll spend the next two nights. At over 5000m you'll need to take today slowly as your body acclimatises further. Enjoy views of surrounding unclimbed peaks and the green pasturelands below. After lunch, your mountain guide will deliver a session introducing you to the techniques you will use on the snowy slopes above, including walking roped up and how to use crampons and ice-axes. We will pack our daypacks and get everything ready for tomorrow. We have an early dinner and get to bed for a few hours sleep in preparation for tomorrow.

Accommodation: TENTS

Meals included: (Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner)

Hiking: 4 hours / 6km / 450m ↑

Rest and acclimatisation day at base camp

A full day to rest and allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Use the time to hydrate, relax, and prepare both physically and mentally for the upcoming summit day.

Accommodation: TENTS

Meals included: (Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner)

Summit day!

We set off very early (usually 1/2am) for our summit bid. A challenging climb awaits as you ascend steep scree and moraine before crossing snow fields on the way to the top. Finally, reach the summit at 6070m to be rewarded with views of Kang Yatse and many other high peaks of Ladakh. Take in the achievement of summiting a huge 6000m mountain before making the descent back to base camp where you can enjoy a well-earned HOT meal.

Accommodation: TENTS

Meals included: (Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner)

Hiking: 10 - 12 hours / 800m ↑ 800m ↓

Hike out and back to Leh

Enjoy your last morning in the high mountains before hiking back down to Rumtse Phu, where you say goodbye to your trek crew and will be picked up for the return journey to Leh. We will be back in Leh by lunchtime for a welcome hot shower and there is time for last minute exploration of Leh in the afternoon. Overnight in Leh.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals included: (Breakfast)

Hiking: 2-3 hours / 6km / 450m ↓

Driving: 80 Kms / 2-3 hours

Fly to Delhi

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight back to Delhi which is usually in the morning. Depending on the timing of the flight from Leh, it may be possible to do a short sightseeing tour. OPTIONAL. Guided tours to include the India Gate, Lutyens Delhi, Raj Ghat, the Red Fort. Or a walking tour of Old Delhi to include the Spice Market and Rikshaw ride. Alternatively, you may choose to take it easy at the hotel!

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals included: (Breakfast)

Depart Delhi

Transfer to Airport