Trekking along the Markha River through "Little Tibet," one of the world's highest inhabited plateaus, you take in spectacular views of the Great Himalayan, Ladakh and Zanskar ranges. You will cross two high passes at elevations up to 17,400'. Trails wind past willow groves, alongside patches of wild roses and through pastel canyons festooned with multi-hued prayer flags undulating in the breeze. The opportunity to meet nomadic families as they herd their yaks and a visit to a small monastery where butter lamps are lit morning and evening by an elderly nun leave indelible impressions of our journey through this gloriously illuminated landscape.

After the initial period of acclimatization to high altitude in Leh you will set out to explore the heartland of the central Ladakh Valley. It involves crossing of the three passes - Stok La/ 4848m, Kagmaru La/ 5274m, Gandla/ 4878m and walking on the banks of the Markha River. The highlight of the trip is the camping at the base of the Kang-Yutze peak on the plains of Nimaling.

Highlights :

Experience of a traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture undisturbed by the Cultural Revolution Ancient, yet active monasteries where monks go about their daily lives, and beautiful artwork enhances rustic interiors Trekking through one of the most remote areas of the Greater Himalaya in a landscape of plunging canyons and verdant river bottoms Opportunity to witness rural village life

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
On arrival traditional welcome is given by the Indian Horizons representative and transferred to the hotel where your room is ready to welcome you and give you the first taste of Indian Hospitality. Overnight at Delhi

Day 02 : In Delhi
Indian Horizons representative would be there in the lobby to update you with the full day sightseeing of Delhi. The sightseeing is a mixture of historical monuments along with some architectural grandeur like Lotus Temple. Overnight at Delhi
Optional activities Indian Horizons would organize for you in Delhi
  a) Light and Sound Show
  b) Traditional Indian Dinner

Day 03 : Delhi - Leh
After breakfast transfer to the airport to board flight for Leh. On arrival Indian Horizons representative would be meet you and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Leh

Day 04 : In Leh
Morning after breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Leh with Indian Horizons guide, which offers a number of sightseeing options for the visitors. A historic town that served as the royal capital of the Old Kingdom, it is dominated by the nine-storey palace built by King Singge Namgyal in the grand tradition of Tibetan architecture, which is said to have inspired the famous Potala in Lhasa built about half a century later.

Day 05 : Leh - Stok
Morning after breakfast drive to Stok to start your trek. Overnight at Tents.

Day 06 : Stok - Stok La
Morning after breakfast proceed trekking towards base of Stok-la. It is a gradual walk with a few kms of ascending path, which will be covered in about 4 hrs. Dinner overnight in tents at Stock-la base

Day 07 : Stokla - Rumbak
Morning after breakfast trek to Rumbak over Stok-la (4800 Mts.). The trek upto Stok-la of about 3 Kms is of steep ascend then it is a deep descent upto Rumbak. The total distance of 12 kms will be covered in about 6 hrs. Rumbak is a small shepherd village with few houses. Dinner and overnight in tents at Rumbak.

Day 08 : Rumbak - Shingo
Morning after breakfast a steep climb of about 2 hrs to Kandala Pass (16,200 ft) and descend steeply to camp near the village of Shingo. Overnight at Tents.

Day 09 : Shingo - Skiu
Morning after breakfast trek to Skiu (3250-3500 mts), which is a pleasant downhill walk through a narrow valley and dense shrubs, near the river enroute visiting skiu gompa (buddhist shrines). Overnight at Tents

Day 10 : Skiu - Shalak
Morning after breakfast an easy trek of 5 hrs along the bank of river Markha takes you to Shalak. Enroute see beautiful lines of Chortens. Overnight at Tents

Day 11 : Shalak - Markha
It is fairly long day with about 6 hrs Easy trek to Markha. Markha is a Big village of about 30 Houses & Interesting Monastery. (12,600 ft). Overnight at Tents.

Day 12 : Markha - Thachunght
An Easy Trek of about 4 Hrs to Thachunght. Overnight at Tents.

Day 13 : Thachunght - Nimaling
The first two hours are easy followed by 4-5 Hrs ascending route to reach Nimaling. Overnight at Tents.

Day 14 : Nimaling - Sumdo
A short but steep climb of about one and a half hour from our camp takes us over the Kangmaru pass (17,000ft) , after which we descend for about six more hours to the village of sumdo. Visit the Shang Gompa. Overnight at Tents.

Day 15 : Sumdo - Martselang
An Easy walk of about 2 hrs to Martselang. Pm at Leisure. Overnight at Tents.

Day 16 : Martselang - Hemis - Leh
An easy Walk of about 2 Hrs to Hemis & visit Monastery. Pm Drive to Leh. Overnight at hotel

Day 17 : In Leh
Day at Leisure. Overnight at hotel

Day 18 : Leh - Delhi
After breakfast transfer to the airport in time to connect your flight to Delhi. On arrival you will be met by the Indian Horizons representative and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Delhi

Day 19 : In Delhi
Full day at leisure for personal activities. Overnight at Delhi

Day 20 : Delhi - Agra - Delhi
Morning after breakfast full day excursion to Agra. Overnight at Delhi

Indian Horizons professional photographers would capture some special moments with you and Taj Mahal that would be gifted before your departure as souvenirs

Day 21 : Delhi / Onward Destination
Morning after breakfast free time to explore Delhi. In time transfer to the airport for your flight to onward destination

What is included :
Indian Horizons Special Treks : Clients need to carry only their day pack (for camera and very personal belongings), and all other load will be carried by porters or mules. They need bring only their personal trekking gear like clothes, sleeping bag and boots. Camping gear provided will include client tents along with mess tent furnished with stools/chairs and tables. Kitchen and toilet tents too will be provided. Twin share tented accommodation throughout the trek, all meals, English speaking guide, porter/mules, camping gear.

Indian Horizons Standard Treks : Clients have to have their personal equipment (clothing and shoes) inclusive of rucksack, sleeping bags and karimats. They will have to carry their own rucksacks, pitch their own tents and help in kitchen, washing and other camp chores. Guide, cook, and porters/mules only for kitchen and camping equipment will be provided. Tented accommodation on twin share basis, all meals on trek. Budget hotels with dormitory accommodation will be provided in towns.

What is NOT included :
Note : Foreigners for restricted area minimum 4 persons required and a permit fee of USD 30 per person will have to be paid.

Indian Horizon Clients will have to pay for their own food while in towns (starting, ending and enroute points)

How to Prepare :
Before starting out on a trek, you should be in good physical condition. If you are not used to some kind of exercise on a regular basis, you should build up your stamina gradually. Taking lengths of brisk walks is a good way to improve flexibility and muscle stength. This needs to be done at least fifteen days prior to the start of the trek. If you are on regular medication, make sure that you carry the required medicines along, and intimate your trekking guide about it.

What to Carry :
Rucksack, wind and waterproof jacket, sleeping bag, peak cap, sun glasses, anti-sunburn cream, T-shirts and shorts, trousers, socks, stockings and gloves, a swiss army knife, flashlight, a whistle and cord, adequate warm clothing.