The Monk’s Trail- Markha Valley

🏔️ 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.