The Lamayuru to Hemis Monastery through Markha Valley

Oldest and richest monasteries in Ladakh; Lamayuru and Hemis; many mountain passes on this trail; through Hemis national park; protecting snow leopard and other wild animals; 10% chance to view a snow leopard; beautiful valley of Markha overshadowed by many Peaks; high pasturelands; yaks & goats; Changpa nomads; taste Yak milk, butter and curds.

 

Day 01: Leh - Lamayuru - 7 hrs. :
Leave Leh for Lamayuru; 125 Kms from Leh: Visit Alchi, Liker monastery on the way to Lamayuru. Arrive Lamayuru by afternoon and visit Lamayuru monastery. Overnight in Camp.

Day 02: Lamayuru - Wanla 4-5 hrs :
Start you trek after the breakfast via Pirkiting La (3700 mtrs.) from where you can have spectacular view of Zangskar Mountains and Konzske La. The steep descends leads you to first camp at Wanla a pretty village via Shellakung. Over night in Camp.

Day 03: Wanla - Hinju 5-6 hours :
Leave Wanla for Hinju after the breakfast the nice views of mountains and narrow gorges. The Hinju village comes with the prayer flags in the starting of village. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 04: Hinju - Sumda Chenmo 5-6 hours :
Procced towards Sumda Chenmo via Konski La 4900 mtrs. From where you can have a view of back route from Pirkiti La. The Valley across the Kanski La has a few huts of shepherds from Hinju where they make butter and cheese. Overnight in Camp.

Day 05: Sumda Chenmo - Dundunchan La 5-6 hrs :
The trail leads to Dundunchan la Base along with Sumda chu .Arrive base of the pass after a good walk for 4-5 hrs. Overnight.

Day 06: Dundunchan La base - Chilling 5-6 hrs :
Have a fantastic view from Dundunchan La (4700 mtrs) and trail Leads to Chilling village where the Zangskar River follows towards Nimo village. The chilling village is famous for metal works in Ladakh. Initially the people of Chilling were brought to Ladakh from Nepal Deldan Namgyal to built the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha at Shey. After completion of statue they rewarded with Land at chilling and settled down here by king. Over night in Camp.

Day 07: Chilling - Sku 4-5 hrs :
Here you need to cross Zangskar River with a cable car with you Laugges as pony cannot cross with things. May be you have to change the ponies, as it is difficult to cross the river in mid summer. Reach Sku via Kaya Overnight in Camp.

Day 08: Sku - Markha 7-8 hours :
Sku is comparatively being on a lower altitude it is bit hot in Summer. Walk along the Markha River and then throne scrub. On The way passing through, you can have a wonderful view of back down valley. Markha makes beautiful by Kang- Yatse peak (6400 mtrs.) which over shadows the valley. Overnight in Camp.

Day 09: Markha - Thachungtse 5-6 hours :
The trail splits as soon as you leave the village walk thorough a steep cliff. After double-crossing the river you can view a Gonpa up to the left. Arrive Thachungtse after a lovely walk through Umlung. Overnight in Camp.

Day 10: Thachungtse - Nimaling 4-5 hours :
You can have beautiful views of Kangyatse after passing through several Mani walls. Arrive Nimaling after descends which is a pastureland for Markha villagers. Overnight in tent.

Day 11: Nimaling - Shang Sumdo- 6-7 hours :
Walk towards Shang Sumdo via Kongmaru La pass (5100 mtrs.), This the highest pass in this trek and good walk for around 7 hours. Arrive Shang Sumdo by evening. Overnight in Tent.

Day 12: Shang Sumdo - Hemis-5 hours :
Walk along the stream down to Hemis monastery, which is one of the oldest and richest monasteries in Ladakh and drive to Leh or camp at Hemis.

Day 13: Leh :
Visit Hemis Monastery Thiksay Monastery and Shey Palace by car overnight Hotel in Leh.