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This classic Himalayan trek winds through the breathtaking Markha Valley, blending raw landscapes, high passes, and ancient villages. Starting from Stok and concluding in Shang, it offers everything from remote gorges to high-altitude plains where nomadic Khampa families graze their herds. Expect dramatic mountain vistas, Ladakhi hospitality, and immersive cultural moments—plus time to explore Leh’s ancient monasteries before departure.
HIGHLIGHTS:
⭐ Traverse high Himalayan passes including Kongmaru La at 5,150 m
⭐ Best Time End of June-Mid Sept
⭐ Stay in traditional Ladakhi villages like Markha and Hankar
⭐ Spot golden eagles, blue sheep, and marmots in Hemis National Park
⭐ Encounter nomadic Khampa herders at Nimaling
⭐ Enjoy sightseeing around Leh and its historic monasteries
🏔️ Altitude: 216 m / 709 ft
Arrive in Delhi, where our team will receive you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay.
🏔️ Altitude: 3,500 m / 11,482 ft
📈 Altitude Gain: +3,284 m / +10,773 ft
Transfer to the domestic terminal for a scenic flight over the Himalayas to Leh. On arrival, you’ll be escorted to your hotel. The afternoon is free for rest and acclimatization. Overnight stay in Leh.
🏔️ Altitude: 3,500 m / 11,482 ft
Spend the day exploring Ladakh’s cultural gems. Visit the iconic Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Hemis—one of the region’s largest monastic complexes. In the afternoon, stroll through Leh town before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.
🚗 Drive Distance: 10 km from Leh
⏰ Trekking Time: 3 hours
🏔️Altitude: 4,820 m / 15,813 ft
📈 Altitude Gain: +1,320 m / +4,331 ft
Start your adventure with a short drive to Stok village. Explore Stok Palace and its museum, home to exquisite Thangkas and royal jewelry. Begin trekking along the river flowing from the Stok Kangri massif, then gently ascend to your campsite near a traditional sheepfold.
⏰ Trekking Time: 6 hours
🏔️Altitude: 4,180 m / 13,713 ft
📈 Altitude Gain: +680 m / +2,231 ft
📉 Altitude Loss: -720 m / -2,362 ft
Begin with a steep 3-hour ascent to the high mountain pass of Stok La (4,900 m / 16,076 ft), offering stunning panoramic views. Descend sharply into the valley, pass through the traditional village of Rumbak, cross the Jingchan River, and follow a gentle trail to Yurutse for your overnight halt.
⏰ Trekking Time: 6 hours
🏔️ Altitude: 3,400 m / 11,154 ft
📈 Altitude Gain: +700 m / +2,297 ft
📉 Altitude Loss: -1,500 m / -4,921 ft
Begin with a scenic ascent through high-altitude pastures, followed by a steep zigzag climb to the Ganda La Pass (4,900 m / 16,076 ft). From the top, enjoy vast views before descending into a dramatic gorge via Shingo village. The trail eventually opens into the Markha Valley, ending at the riverside campsite of Skiu.
⏰ Trekking Time: 7 hours
🏔️ Altitude: 3,710 m / 12,171 ft
📈 Altitude Gain: +310 m / +1,017 ft
Enjoy a scenic trek along the lush banks of the Markha River, with abundant vegetation and serene landscapes. Cross the river multiple times, passing quaint settlements like Chaluk. A gentle climb leads you to the charming village of Markha, where you’ll camp beside the river under a starlit sky.
⏰ Trekking Time: 6 hours
🏔️ Altitude: 4,250 m / 13,943 ft
📈 Altitude Gain: +540 m / +1,771 ft
Begin a steady ascent through Markha Valley’s rugged terrain, navigating occasional rocky sections near the riverbed. Visit the peaceful Humlung Monastery before reaching the scattered hamlets of Hankar. From Hankar’s highest ridge, follow a quiet stream and cross a small bridge to the wide pastures of Tchatchutse for your overnight camp.
⏰ Trekking Time: 4 hours
🏔️ Altitude: 4,730 m / 15,518 ft
📈 Altitude Gain: +480 m / +1,575 ft
Trek through a high-altitude gorge with gentle inclines and the river meandering far below. Pass a serene alpine lake and expansive pastures before reaching Nimaling—Ladakh’s most stunning high-altitude valley. The majestic Kang Yatse (6,400 m / 20,997 ft) towers above, offering a breathtaking backdrop to your camp.
⏰ Trekking Time: 8 hours
🏔️ Altitude: 3,640 m / 11,942 ft
📈 Altitude Gain: +420 m / +1,378 ft
📉 Altitude Loss: -1,510 m / -4,954 ft
Begin with a steep zigzag ascent to the stunning Kongmaru La Pass (5,150 m / 16,896 ft), offering panoramic views of the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges. Descend through a narrow gorge dotted with stream crossings. Reach the quiet village of Shang and visit its serene hillside Gompa. Overnight camp in Shang.
🚗 Travel Distance: 60 km
🏔️ Altitude: 3,400 m / 11,154 ft
📉 Altitude Loss: -240 m / -788 ft
Drive back to Leh with scenic stops at the revered Hemis Monastery, majestic Thiksey Monastery, and historic Shey Palace. After this cultural excursion, you’ll return to your hotel in Leh for a relaxing evening.
🏔️ Altitude: 3,500 m / 11,482 ft
Transfer to Leh airport for your flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival, you’ll be escorted to your hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon at your leisure and unwind after your Himalayan adventure. Overnight stay in Delhi.
🏔️ Altitude: 216 m / 709 ft
📉 Altitude Loss: -3,284 m / -10,773 ft
Enjoy a guided tour of Delhi’s iconic landmarks including the Bahai Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Humayun’s Tomb. After the sightseeing, check out from your hotel and transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your onward flight.
Arrival From Indira Gandhi International Airport (New Delhi)
Departure From Indira Gandhi International Airport (New Delhi)
Domestic Flights: Delhi to Leh & Leh to Delhi
Certified Mountain Guide with mountaineering and first aid training
Support Helpers to assist with kitchen and camp duties
Pack Horses for carrying gear and supplies
All Trekking Equipment: tents, sleeping bags, mats, kitchen and toilet tents
All Meals: breakfast, lunch, tea/snacks, soup, and dinner
Accommodation: twin-sharing tents
Transportation: all local transfers as per itinerary
Emergency Kit: first aid and oxygen canister
Package price excludes anything not mentioned under “Inclusions,” including flights, insurance, tips, rentals, and emergency costs.
Rental gear available at: Into Wild Himalaya Shop
Trekking boots (well broken-in, ankle support)
Camp sandals or lightweight shoes (for evenings)
Backpack (40–50L with rain cover)
Small daypack or summit pack (20–30L)
Sleeping bag (rated -10°C to -20°C)
Sleeping mat (foam or inflatable, optional)
Trekking poles (adjustable)
Base layers (1–2 sets, moisture-wicking top & bottom)
Fleece or light down jacket
Waterproof jacket (with hood, breathable)
Waterproof pants (with side zips)
Trekking pants (quick-dry)
Thermal tights
T-shirts (synthetic or merino wool)
Thin liner gloves
Insulated gloves
Woollen cap or balaclava
Neck gaiter or Buff
Sunglasses (UV protected)
Sun cap or wide-brimmed hat
Wool or synthetic socks (3–4 pairs)
Headlamp (with spare batteries)
Water bottles (2L total, insulated preferred)
Thermos flask (for high-altitude regions)
Water purification tablets (optional)
Personal first aid kit (blister care, pain relief, altitude meds)
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Lip balm (SPF 30+)
Toiletries (eco-friendly, biodegradable)
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
Quick-dry towel
Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, nuts, dry fruits)
Electrolyte tablets or ORS
Camera or GoPro (optional)
Passport, permits, and some cash (in waterproof pouch)
Safety is our top priority. Our guides are trained First Aid Responders and prepared for high-altitude situations. Every trek, expedition, and motorbike tour includes a comprehensive first aid kit tailored for remote and high-altitude environments.
Core Medical Supplies
Wound Care: Bandages, sterile gauze, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment
Blisters & Burns: Moleskin, burn gel, petroleum jelly
Fractures & Sprains: SAM splint, triangular bandage, compression wraps
Medications: Painkillers, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal, ORS, antacids, Diamox
Tools: Tweezers, scissors, gloves, CPR face shield, thermometer, pulse oximeter, whistle, mirror
Additional (for Remote/Extended Treks)
Tourniquet, emergency bandages, quick-clot gauze, sterile eye wash, foil blanket, water purification tablets
Optional Add-ons (As Needed)
Personal meds (inhalers, insulin, EpiPen)
Snake bite kit (in high-risk zones)
Tick remover (for forested routes)
High-Altitude Protocol
Above 4500 meters: A portable hypobaric chamber is always carried for emergency altitude management.
More than 30 days before your trip: 90% refund
15–30 days before: 50% refund
7–14 days before: 25% refund
Less than 7 days or no-show: No refund
Custom/private trips: Booking advance is non-refundable. Last-minute changes are subject to availability and costs.
For more details on our cancellation policy, please refer to the following link:
https://iwhexpeditions.com/cancellation_policy/
